Ewan Mitchell and Odessa A'zion Discuss Roles, Horses, and Future Projects on Set
The conversation took place at Leavesden Studios in North London after the duo had wrapped a day of shooting for an unnamed feature film. The tone was informal, with the actors relaxed and candid. Mitchell, best known for his portrayal of Prince Aemond Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, and A'zion, who has appeared in Fam and Grand Army, recounted how they first met on set, the nickname “Uncle” that stuck with Mitchell, and the practicalities of working with animals.
"Do you need your water?" Mitchell asked, noting the temperature had climbed to 106 °F (43 °C). A'zion confirmed the heat, and the pair laughed about the sweltering conditions and the insects that had bit them. Mitchell described the experience of being “eaten alive” by the heat, a vivid way of expressing the discomfort.
Their first encounter happened in a makeup tent, where Mitchell introduced himself as “Rocky.” The friendship deepened during a horseback‑riding session, which Mitchell called a highlight of the shoot. He spoke of the horse he rides most often—Fandango—and recalled caring for ex‑racehorses during the COVID lockdown in York. He described a short film project that involved riding in open fields as a “baptism by fire” that prepared him for later work on House of the Dragon.
Mitchell also delved into the practical side of his current role. He explained that a wig takes 40–45 minutes to put on and that he wears a crystal in his eye, which he described as “massive two‑penny size.” The crystal represents his character’s single eye and can feel isolating, especially while riding. "I love it. It’s the way that people react to you as well when you have the eye contact in," he said.
When the topic turned to a potential podcast, A'zion suggested starting one on set. Mitchell, who has been camera‑shy in the past, admitted his reservations but ultimately agreed, hinting at a future collaboration.
The actors also discussed their aspirations. Mitchell expressed a desire to play more friendly characters, noting that the industry often casts him as a villain. He cited his work in House of the Dragon and the BBC war drama World on Fire as examples of his current repertoire. A'zion shared her interest in a “sick rom‑com” with a dramatic edge.
Production details emerged as Mitchell mentioned that the shoot takes place at Leavesden Studios—the same facility that hosted the Harry Potter films and the upcoming Harry Potter TV series. He noted that the studio is about a 40‑minute drive from his home.
Looking ahead, Mitchell spoke of wanting to play a character with a “cool, interesting twist,” referencing The Shining as a potential influence. He also revealed that he reads Fire & Blood, the source material for House of the Dragon, and that he knows how his character’s story ends. He reads the book while filming, which helps him understand the larger narrative.
The interview closed with a brief discussion of a fight scene that Mitchell had filmed in a tailored armor set. He said the armor was 360‑degree scanned and fitted to his body, but changes in his weight made the fit tight during a later shoot.
"The best day was, honestly, the same thing with working on this, just working with the ensemble, working with the creatives. I fucking loved it," Mitchell said.
The conversation offers a candid glimpse into the day‑to‑day life of two actors working on a new film, highlighting their practical challenges, their desire for new creative outlets, and the collaborative environment of a modern film set.
The film’s release date, distribution plans, and full cast list remain undisclosed. The production team has not announced a release window, and no official statements have been made regarding a podcast or future projects beyond the current shoot.
As the film moves toward post‑production, industry observers will watch for updates on its release schedule and any potential ancillary content such as behind‑the‑scenes features or companion podcasts.
The conversation underscores the importance of on‑set camaraderie and the logistical realities of working with animals and complex prosthetics in contemporary filmmaking.