House of the Dragon has omitted a major character from George R.R. Martin’s original book, and one of the show’s stars is not happy about it.
Fans who have read Fire and Blood have noticed that Mushroom did not make an appearance in the show. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actress Gayle Rankin, who plays Alys Rivers in the show, also expressed her disappointment over the character’s absence.
Rankin praised Fire and Blood, saying, “I thought some of it was really pleasurable, especially when Mushroom says things about Alys.” The actress went on to discuss Mushroom’s account of her character.
“I like that she bathes in maidens’ blood!” Rankin said. “I found all the lore about her to be super interesting and more of an insight to George R.R. Martin’s mindset about her. She’s this powerful, mysterious woman who has mystery that shrouds her. I think the show has really given her an opportunity to expose what female power is in a different way.”
Rankin then jokingly demanded to know, “Where the f— is Mushroom?”
Who is Mushroom in the House of the Dragon book?
In George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Mushroom is a dwarf and an eccentric court jester who served under four Targaryen rulers, including Aegon II and Rhaenyra. His alleged tales from the Red Keep, which were documented by an anonymous scribe in The Testimony of Mushroom, are regarded as a seminal account of the Dance of the Dragons.
Mushroom has yet to appear in House of the Dragon. With just one season left after the recent conclusion of Season 3, it remains unclear whether the show will introduce him in the future. The fourth and final season of HOTD is in development. It is expected to arrive in 2028.
House of the Dragon stars Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Steve Toussaint, Olivia Cooke, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Gayle Rankin, and more.
