The Rakish Gent Paper 5 - Harry Collett

Editor - Tajinder Hayer

Design - Josh Bristow

Photography - Tom J Johnson

Styling - Janina Gruber

Styling Assistance - Kofi Dechie Couston

Grooming - Alina Samsonova

Hair - Linus Johansson

Full look - Alexander McQueen

Tell us about the character that you play in House of the Dragon

 Jacerys is the first born son to Raenerya. He’s a Valereon. He is strong minded and when he sees a goal he is always so determined to reach it. I also think he always has a guard up but deep down has a big heart. He’s extremely protective over his family and the future of it. 

 Jace is such an interesting character to play  and I enjoyed every minute of it. It’s so refreshing to play a character so different than I ever have before. I pinch myself everyday and I am so grateful to have this role.

Did you have to do much preparation for the role?

 Ryan Condall actually gave me the original book to read which was really nice of him. I got an idea of what Jace was like and also added in my own stuff too. All I want to do is make the fans happy so I really gave my all into this role.

Had you been a fan of Game of Thrones prior to getting the role?

 Before getting the role I’d never actually seen it. I’d watched a little bit while filming and thought to myself “I can’t believe I’m in the prequel to this”. However my friend James is a hardcore Game of Thrones fan and he couldn’t believe I got the role.

What was it like filming and behind the scenes?

 Filming was an absolute dream come true. Everyone was so nice and it was just a lovely energy on set. Emma D’arcy who plays Ranearya helped me so much on set with everything. She’s an absolute joy to work with. It’s exactly the same with Matt Smith, he’s like a brother to me. Everyone’s like a big family and I’m really grateful for that. 

Vest - Craig Green, Skirt - Grace Weller, Trousers - Altu, Shoes - Toga Virilis

You’ve worked on big productions before like Dunkirk, so did that help?

 Being under Christopher Nolan’s direction for 2 days was definitely amazing. I’ll always remember that. Being one of my first big jobs and working with a class director, I’d hope to work with him again. 

 The job that helped the most was Dolittle. That was my first big role and working alongside Robert Downey Jr was surreal.

What was it like to work alongside Robert Downey Jr?

 Me and Robert got along so well and he taught me so much. He always made sure I was okay and happy on set. He was a mentor to me and without him I don’t think I’ll be who I am today.  

Are you looking forward to working on the second season? 

 It’s so exciting and I can’t wait to experiment with all the different storylines whatever comes my way. I’m always up for a challenge. I’m so grateful to even be in the second season.

Dress - Grace Weller

Would you like to do more work on the stage?

 Maybe one day in the future I’ll go on stage again. That’s where my career started. However right now I’m really enjoying film and TV. It’s where my heart is at.

What are you working on now and next?

 Now that, is what I have to keep a secret. 

A full version of this feature can be found in The Rakish Gent Paper Issue 5.