No one thought House of the Dragon would have some striking similarities with Shrek.

House of the Dragon continues to soar with its incredible storytelling and its presentation of complex characters. The current season that is now airing expands on the lore of Westeros while also exploring the headspace of the characters during the advent of a bloody war. Audiences continue to tune in every week as they patiently wait for the chaos to unfold.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent in House of the Dragon season 2 | HBO

Olivia Cooke as Alicent in House of the Dragon season 2 | HBO
The season continues to also explore Alicent’s complicated relationship with Ser Criston Cole. The latest episode had the two factions trying to conquer the same place. One scene from episode 3 has fans comparing one of Alicent’s actions to Princess Fiona in Shrek, and the similarities are indeed uncanny.

Fans Can’t Shake Off The Uncanny Resemblance Of House of the Dragon With Shrek 

Princess Fiona's memorable handkerchief scene in Shrek | DreamWorks PicturePrincess Fiona’s memorable handkerchief scene in Shrek | DreamWorks Pictures

Olivia Cooke‘s Alicent continues to be a major player in the second season of House of the Dragon. With an impending war brewing, she and Rhaenyra are forced to go to war over the throne and also for irreversible damage done to both factions. Episode 3 saw both factions vying to raise an army from one place so that their chances of victory are increased.

In the episode, Criston Cole and his crew leave for Harrenhal, (which has already been taken over by Daemon). Before he leaves, Alicent gives him her handkerchief as a favor, something to remember her by as he goes to Harrenhal. Fans started to notice that the scene was very similar to one particular scene from Shrek.

In the first film, Princess Fiona gives her handkerchief to Shrek as a token of gratitude for saving her. Comparing it to the aforementioned scene with Alicent, they are strikingly similar as both wear green outfits and are each giving a man a favor to remember them. Here are some of the reactions on X,

 

 

 

 

As some fans have pointed out, there are other similarities between the two franchises as they are both playing in the sandbox of the fantasy genre, thus incorporating its elements and archetypes. Thus, these similarities are not that surprising if one looks closely as they both deal with fantastical worlds involving kingdoms and castles.

Ryan Condal Brought Back Surprise Character in Season 2 To Explore Daemon’s Vulnerabilities

Milly Alcock as Rhaenyra in the latest episode of House of the Dragon | HBOMilly Alcock as Rhaenyra in the latest episode of House of the Dragon | HBO
The latest episode of House of the Dragon season 2 showed how Daemon fares as he comes to Harrenhal to raise an army. However, not everything is quick and easy as the character is haunted by strange visions. It is throughout these visions that the show brought back a beloved actress from the previous season.

In the episode, Daemon sees a young Rhaenyra (with Milly Alcock returning to play her) as she sews Jaehaerys severed neck. Young Rhaenyra reminds Daemon how she always has to clean up the mess that he makes. Showrunner Ryan Condal revealed that it was the surprise cameo was in service to telling a terrifying story for Daemon and what he has feared all his life. Condal told Entertainment Weekly,

We were excited about the prospect. Milly was eager to come back and everybody was excited to have her back. Instead of warfare or dragons or images of horror, it was really more of him being haunted by these people who he had done wrong by in his past, particularly young Rhaenyra. It’s that version of Rhaenyra that removed him as the heir to the throne, and then was named heir and took his claim.

While the circumstances of the cameo were dark, Alcock’s return as Rhaenyra was appreciated by fans. Seeing her in the character again was great and it reminded everyone of the great work she did in the first half of season 1. The first 3 episodes of House of the Dragon season 2 are now streaming on Max.