The highly anticipated House of the Dragon season 3 has arrived, bringing with it the intense Battle of the Gullet and the departure of a beloved character. Abigail Thornwho portrayed the formidable Admiral Sharako Loharreflects on her character’s impactful journey and the emotional challenges of bringing her to life.
The season premiere opened with the long-awaited battle, where Admiral Lohar’s Triarchy fleet, aligned with Aegon II Targaryenfaced off against the forces of Lord Corlys Velaryon (played by Steve Toussaint). Thorn’s portrayal of Lohar, a character known for defying gender norms and having multiple wives, left a lasting impression on viewers and the actress herself.
The Emotional Depth of Admiral Sharako Lohar
Admiral Lohar’s character was not just a warrior but a complex individual with personal motivations. Despite her alliance with the Greens, Lohar was driven by a deep-seated desire to confront and defeat Corlys Velaryon. This fixation led her to break from her allies during the battle, resulting in a fierce confrontation that ultimately led to her demise at the hands of Corlys’ bastard son, Alyn of Hull (played by Abubakar Salim).
Thorn describes the emotional toll of filming Lohar’s final moments. “It was pretty emotionally tough [filming that scene],” she shares. “It’s hard to be strangled to death 20 times a day, but I think I was really happy with the work that we did.” The actress also highlights a poignant moment during the filming: “What I loved about it was there is this wonderful lucky moment where as Abubakar lifted me out of the water, all the blood washed off her face, and she’s just so clean. In her final moments you see a woman being murdered, being strangled to death by a much bigger man, and she’s afraid.”
The Significance of Lohar’s Character
Thorn expresses pride in having the opportunity to portray a character who defies traditional gender roles. “It’s the first time we ever see the character afraid of anything,” she notes. This vulnerability adds a new dimension to Lohar’s otherwise stern and commanding presence. Thorn’s dedication to the role is evident in her preparation for the action sequences. “I studied so hard and trained so hard for the action sequences,” she says, adding that she was trained by top stunt performers who have worked on major franchises like Captain AmericaDeadpooland Wonder Woman.
The actress also reflects on the significance of playing a character who “kicks ass.” “To play a woman who kicks ass is so refreshing,” she states. This sentiment resonates with viewers who appreciate the show’s commitment to LGBTQ+ representationboth on and off the screen. Emma D’Arcywho plays Rhaenyra Targaryenis nonbinary and has been a vocal advocate for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. Thorn’s portrayal of Lohar, a gender-defying and polyamorous character, further enriches the show’s diverse representation.
The Legacy of Admiral Sharako Lohar
Admiral Lohar’s impact extends beyond her on-screen presence. Thorn recalls a memorable encounter with a fan who requested a specific line from her character. “I was like ‘I know what line you mean, man.’ I write ‘I want you to fuck my wives’ in the book,” she shares, highlighting the character’s bold and unapologetic nature. This interaction underscores the lasting impression Lohar has made on the audience.
As House of the Dragon continues to captivate viewers with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters, the legacy of Admiral Sharako Lohar will undoubtedly endure. Thorn’s portrayal of this iconic character has left an indelible mark on the series, showcasing the power of representation and the emotional depth of complex, gender-defying roles.
