House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal has explained how Cregan Stark (TomTaylor) is different from past Starks who have been seen in the Game of Thrones franchise, revealing what exactly makes him stand out. Cregan is first introduced in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 when Jace Velaryon arrives in Winterfell hoping to get him to pledge his allegiance to Rhaenyra Targaryen. He ends up giving them his older yet more seasoned troops, his contribution to the civil war now brewing.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Condal explained how Cregan’s appearance in House of the Dragon is so much different from Starks as they appeared in Game of Thrones. The showrunner said his standout attribute was his age, as he’s the youngest Stark to rule over the whole North, contrasted to characters like Ned Stark from the original show. Check out what Condal had to say below:

I have to credit Tom Taylor, who has become one of the most talked about people on the internet because everybody loves a Stark, and everybody is so anticipating his arrival on the show, and he’s done a great job with it. The thing that most appealed to me is that I love the Starks. I desperately wanted to go back to The Wall, but I wanted a good reason to include in the story. The thing that appealed to me most about Cregan and the character that George wrote in the book is that he was a young Stark.

The Starks we’ve known like Ned Stark have been the graybeards who have been through life and many winters. This guy is essentially Robb Stark’s age, and he’s in charge of the entire North. And I thought that was an interesting character to meet and depict. Jace (Harry Collett) is a bit younger than him, but they’re from a similar generation. And these two guys are up on that wall talking about a treaty that’s going to affect the entire realm and showing how young men in this time are the ones who generally decide where and how the future is going to play out.

Cregan Stark Will Be An Important Ally In House Of The Dragon Season 2

Rhaenyra Will Need To Build Allegiances For The Upcoming War

As a younger Stark, Cregan’s interactions with Jace feel much friendlier than they’d be if an older character like Daemon had arrived in Winterfell demanding troops for war. Despite his youth, though, it’s clear the ruler of the North prioritizes his people, as well as the unseen dangers beyond the Wall. Due to his young age coupled with the maturity he displays, this Stark is one of the more interesting additions to House of the Dragon season 2’s cast. But he’s also an important one should Rhaenyra win the upcoming war.

Since he’s the leader of the North, Cregan has incredible influence over a vast region of Westeros, with plenty more troops at his disposal should he need them. While sending his older soldiers indicates he prioritizes his people over the brewing Targaryen feud, it also shows he understands the stability of Westeros will impact him should a war come to pass. Because of how much emphasis he puts on keeping the North safe, he might become an even stronger ally if something untoward drags his people further into war.

Since the House of the Dragon season 2 premiere ended with Jaehaerys’ shocking death, it wouldn’t be surprising if the conflict that ensues afterward forces Cregan to have a larger role in the Dance of the Dragons. This may include having to defend the North from Alicent Hightower and Aegon Targaryen’s troops, who could attack once it’s discovered he’s allied himself with Rhaenyra. With all of Westeros likely to plunge into the depths of civil war, the young Stark could become one of the most important and interesting allies Dragonstone aligns with.

House of the Dragon is available to stream on Max.