Abubakar Salim, a rising star in the world of television and video games, has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Alyn of Hull in the hit series House of the Dragon. In a recent interview, Salim revealed the surprising inspiration behind his character's most intense scene, drawing a parallel between Alyn and the iconic Kratos from the God of War franchise.
Salim's interpretation of Alyn is deeply rooted in Kratos' complex psyche. Both characters share a traumatic past, having been wronged by their fathers and grappling with a deep-seated rage. Kratos, the son of Zeus, seeks redemption and a fresh start with his family, mirroring Alyn's struggle to control his anger and resentment. Salim explains, 'Kratos is a man who has been wronged by his father, and he's trying to start anew with a family. He's only felt and seen rage and felt wronged by his lineage. Alyn's power comes from this unkempt anger, and I think it's dangerous. In moments of crisis or fighting, he taps into that.'
The Battle of the Gullet, a pivotal moment in House of the Dragon's season premiere, showcases Alyn's inner turmoil. During this epic naval battle, Alyn engages in a fierce fight with the pirate Admiral Sharako Lohar, played by Abigail Thorn. Salim describes the scene as a channeling of Kratos, emphasizing brutality and anger. 'Abigail is a force of nature,' he says. 'We both had this agreement to make it as brutal and angry and epic as we could. We were channeling some form of character or beast. I was very much leaning into Kratos that whole time. It was like God of War. Pull this in. Kill whatever I can. It was really something.'
This interpretation of Alyn's character adds a layer of depth to the show, as Salim explores the complexities of a man grappling with his violent past while striving for a better future. The comparison to Kratos not only showcases Salim's versatility as an actor but also highlights the influence of video games on television, as House of the Dragon continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and character development.
