Key Facts
In House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5, James Norton's Ormund Hightower delivers a memorable bathtub scene that continues the Game of Thrones tradition of intimate, revealing moments. The scene takes place in Tumbleton, where Ormund addresses disgruntled nobles while stepping out of his bath, drying himself, and asserting his authority.
Details of the Bathtub Scene
Norton explains that the team discussed beforehand how far to push the scene. Coming into the show later, he had the advantage of understanding its tone—epic, muscular, terrifying, playful, and irreverent. He decided to go big, delaying the towel and adding a confident hip cock. Norton recalls saying, 'Let's go big. Let's see how big a swing we can take here.' The result was a bold, collaborative effort where Norton's improvisation was fully embraced.
'I went so big, and they used it!' Norton says, laughing. He credits showrunner Ryan Condal and the crew for creating a safe environment. 'I would not have gone that big were I that I didn't trust the show, that I didn't trust the people involved. Because if you do go big, you can put yourself in a very vulnerable position as an actor.'
Impact on Ormund's Character Arc
Episode 4 showed a rattled Ormund learning that Aemond and Vhagar would not support his army, leaving Daeron and his young dragon as the Greens' best hope. Norton describes Ormund as 'so self-assured' with 'conviction in his cause.' His fanaticism about Hightower superiority may be his downfall. 'The fact that he's willing to talk about Daeron's Targaryen blood being tainted, the savagery that exists within the Targaryens,' Norton notes.
That conviction—believing his cause is virtuous and honorable—drives Ormund to fight tooth and nail. 'If he doesn't achieve that, then I think that's his North Star. He so fervently believes in that cause... But that's dangerous because he will fight, tooth and nail, for that, against all the odds.'
What Readers Should Know
- The bathtub scene is a callback to Jaime and Brienne's iconic moment in Game of Thrones Season 3.
- Norton's performance was a collaborative effort with the showrunners, emphasizing trust and vulnerability.
- Ormund's unwavering belief in Hightower supremacy sets up a fraught future for the character.
FAQ
What happened in the bathtub scene in House of the Dragon Episode 5?
In Episode 5, Ormund Hightower (James Norton) holds court while bathing in Tumbleton. He steps out of the tub, dries himself slowly, and delivers a defiant speech to local nobles, refusing to change his plans despite Rhaenyra's dragons.
How did James Norton prepare for the bathtub scene?
Norton discussed with the showrunners how far to push the scene. He decided to go big, delaying the towel and adding a confident hip cock. The performance was a collaborative effort, and Norton trusted the team to use his bold choices.
What is Ormund Hightower's motivation in House of the Dragon?
Ormund is driven by a fanatical belief in the superiority of the Hightower lineage. He sees putting a Hightower on the Iron Throne as a virtuous cause, which makes him dangerous and willing to fight against all odds.
What challenges does Ormund face after Episode 4?
After learning that Aemond and Vhagar will not support his army, Ormund must rely on Daeron and his young dragon. This setback tests his conviction and sets up a tense future.