House of the Dragon has continued its trend of character recasting in season 2, episode 4, with a supporting figure. The House of the Dragon timeline was confusing to follow in season 1, as events spanned nearly 20 years, seeing many main characters recast. Emma D’Arcy, who’s now the show’s lead, only joined the cast on screen in episode 6, where they replaced Milly Alcock as Rhaenyra Targaryen. Season 2 is officially done with the time jumps, but there are still some characters who haven’t been seen since season 1’s early episodes and who are just getting recast.

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, saw the Dance of the Dragons begin with its first official battle, the Battle of the Burning Mill. The ancient rivalry between House Blackwood and House Bracken was perpetuated by a young generation of lords who found themselves supporting opposite sides in the Dance. The bloody battle claimed many lives, but there are still characters from those houses remaining who will be bannermen to the Blacks and Greens going forward. One such character is Willem Blackwood.

Willem Blackwood Was Recast In House Of The Dragon Season 2

Willem Blackwood Appeared As A Child In HOTD Season 1

In season 2, episode 4, Willem Blackwood answers Prince Daemon’s call for the noble families of the Riverlands to join him at the cursed castle of Harrenhal. It’s not the first time he’s appeared on the show, as Willem previously appeared as a suitor for Rhaenyra at Storm’s End in season 1. There, as a boy, Willem stabbed his suitor competitor Jerrel Bracken to death. Now, Willem requests Daemon’s aid in dealing with House Bracken, who’s sided with the Greens. Adult Willem is played by Jack Parry-Jones, while the young version was played by Alfie Todd.

What Willem Blackwood’s New Actor Has Been In Previously

Jack Parry-Jones Recently Starred In Hijack For Apple TV+

Jack Parry-Jones has had a career in film and television for over a decade, with supporting roles on some high-profile TV shows. He appeared as an unnamed character in The Crown, played one of the leads in the British crime drama Bang, and recently appeared in all seven episodes of Apple TV+’s Hijack, starring Idris Elba.

What Happens To Willem Blackwood?

Willem Blackwood Isn’t In The Book

It’s hard to say what Willem Blackwood’s storyline will look like, as he’s an original character on the TV series. There’s no mention of Willem in Fire & Blood, the show’s source material. Given the Riverlands narrative during the Dance of the Dragons, it’s possible that Willem Blackwood will continue to appear at various battles and meetings between the Riverlords as they amass their forces. House of the Dragon has been careful to include lesser houses and lords, so the Blackwoods & Brackens rivalry likely isn’t finished.