House of the Dragon season 2 has been packed to the brim with twists and turns, and its penultimate episode is no different. Season 2 episode 7 saw dragons finally select their new riders and take flight, Daemon working diligently to assemble an army and Alicent wistfully reflecting on what comes next for her, among several other major moments.
One question we’re left with after watching the latest instalment of House of the Dragon, however, is who is Lord Oscar Tully and why is he important?
The youngest character on the series, Oscar Tully is set to play a central role in Dance of the Dragons – here’s what you need to know about the new character and the actor who plays him.
Who is Oscar Tully?
Though the House of Dragon series introduces Oscar Tully as Grover Tully’s grandson, in the original George R. R. Martin books, he’s actually Grover’s great-great-grandson.
Since he was a child, Oscar has dreamt of becoming a respected warrior, though adults in the house have previously dismissed him as a naive child. The narrative starts to shift for Oscar when Daemon Targaryen wants to meet Grover Tully, but Grover is ill to the point that Oscar has to appear on his behalf instead. However, prince Daemon can quickly see that he lacks any real self belief.
Sensing this, Daemon clearly thinks he can exploit this to his advantage, attempting to influence Oscar to speed up Grover’s death and become his successor so that Oscar can harness House Tully’s resources to help fight Rhaenyrs’ war. Oscar, however, clearly respects his grandfather and is visibly shocked and horrified at the suggestion.
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At Harrenhal, this less than savoury interaction prompts Oscar to tell the Riverlands lords that he thinks unfavourably of Daemon, however given the oath House of Tully has sworn to Rhaenyra, he will agree to support the Blacks.
But just because he’s agreed to honour this oath doesn’t mean that he has to like Daemon. With that in mind, Oscar sets something of a trap for the prince, with Oscar having him punish Lord Blackwood for crimes against the Brackens, forcing him to handle the situation in front of everyone. The moment reveals his guile and shrewd mind behind his young face, winning the respect of the Riverlands lords and putting Daemon well and truly in his place.
Through Dance of the Dragons, Oscar proves a loyal ally to Rhaenyra, with him travelling to the Free Cities where he starts his company Stormbreakers following the conclusion of the war.
Who plays Oscar Tully in House of the Dragon?
Oscar Tully is played by American actor Archie Barnes.
Prior to House of the Dragon, the 18-year-old actor had appeared in the likes of 2021’s The Dig as Robert Pretty and Robert Pattinson’s The Batman in 2022, along with a reoccurring role in British comedy-drama Stonehouse.