Lina Irawan
In the sprawling, dragon-filled landscape of HBO’s House of the Dragon, few characters have garnered as much intrigue with as little dialogue as Alyn of Hull. Portrayed by the charismatic and self-described "video game obsessed" actor Abubakar Salim, Alyn has emerged as a cornerstone of the Velaryon narrative. While his castmates spend hours in the makeup chair wrestling with the iconic, elaborate Targaryen-style wigs, Salim undergoes a transformation that is as much about psychological discipline as it is about aesthetic stripping-down. With a shaved head, a clean-shaven face, and a masterfully maintained "brooding, angry" demeanor, Salim has crafted a character that feels both ancient and deeply human.
As the series approaches its highly anticipated third season, the spotlight on Alyn of Hull has intensified. To understand the man behind the legendary seaman, Nerdist sat down with Salim to discuss the surreal nature of fame, the challenges of reprising a role in one of television’s most scrutinized franchises, and the surprising role that Elden Ring soundtracks play in his creative process.
The Weight of Westerosi Legacy: Main Facts
Abubakar Salim joined the cast in the second season, stepping into a world already burdened by the heavy expectations of George R.R. Martin’s source material and the massive success of its predecessor, Game of Thrones. For an actor, joining a production of this magnitude is a double-edged sword: it offers unprecedented visibility but demands a level of immersion that can be overwhelming.
Salim describes the experience as "surreal." He notes that while he initially viewed his role as contained—largely confined to the docks—seeing the broader tapestry of the series has changed his perspective. "The more I learn about his story, and the more fans tell me about his significance, the more I realize how big of a role this is," Salim reflects. It is a balancing act of playing a character defined by his restraint in a world defined by its chaos.
A Chronology of Character: From Dockside to Diplomacy
Alyn’s journey has been one of slow-burn intensity. In Season 2, viewers were introduced to a man of the sea—stoic, dutiful, and hardened by the harsh realities of life in Hull. He functioned as a silent observer, a man whose internal life was far more active than his external stoicism suggested.
As we move into Season 3, the narrative trajectory for Alyn is shifting. Following the climactic developments of the previous season, Alyn is being pushed out of his comfort zone. He is no longer just a sailor; he is becoming a political player, a position he occupies with deep-seated reluctance.
"There is a lot bubbling," Salim notes. "We ended season two with Alyn essentially opening his heart and telling Corlys where to stick it. We are entering into a phase of seeing Alyn be more vulnerable and more engaged in politics that he doesn’t really want to be a part of. He’s being forced to think on his own feet. It’s an evolution where Alyn feels profoundly uncomfortable—a place where he’s going to have to suck it up and either survive or die."
The Soundtrack of Stoicism: Supporting Data and Process
One of the most fascinating revelations from our conversation was Salim’s unconventional method for maintaining his character’s headspace. While many actors rely on method acting techniques or extensive historical research, Salim leans heavily into music to find his "inner cadence."
His playlist is a curated collection of intensity. It includes "The King" and "I Am His Vengeance" from the The Northman OST, along with key tracks from the first season of House of the Dragon. However, when the scene requires him to sink into the darkest, most contemplative parts of Alyn’s soul, he turns to the Elden Ring soundtrack—specifically the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.
"The playlist is what gets me into it," Salim explains. "When I want to sit in the mood of it, it’s Elden Ring. It’s powerful, and it helps me connect to the cadence of the character. It’s better to trust the music, trust the words, and trust the story."
This reliance on an internal, auditory landscape serves as a buffer against the chaotic, high-pressure environment of a multi-million dollar television set. It is a technique that allows him to remain consistent, even when the shooting schedule is fragmented or the narrative direction takes unexpected turns.
Navigating the Discourse: Official Responses and Creative Tension
The production of House of the Dragon has not been without its public controversies. When asked about George R.R. Martin’s vocal criticisms of the show’s creative direction—specifically regarding the adaptation of certain plot points—Salim remained diplomatic, prioritizing his role as an actor over the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering.
"I didn’t really engage on that front," Salim said when asked about Martin’s critiques. "My job is to do what has been given to me. I feel incredibly lucky to be playing a character that he has created with such care and passion. It didn’t feel like it was something for me to do."
Regarding the rumored tension between George R.R. Martin and showrunner Ryan Condal, Salim offered a different perspective from his vantage point on set. He describes Condal as one of the most caring and genuinely "nerdy" individuals he has worked with. "It’s pretty amazing how much this guy cares about this show and the people around it. They are the best people to ask about the creative friction, but from where I sit, I just listen to my music and focus on my lines."
The Implications: A Season of Unpredictability
As the show progresses into its third season, the implications for Alyn of Hull are clear: the time for silence is coming to an end. The character is being forced into the light of the political theater of King’s Landing, a transition that will test his loyalties and his identity.
Salim also touched on the evolution of his own professional journey. Transitioning from a newcomer in Season 2 to an established presence in Season 3 has changed his relationship with the set. "I wouldn’t even say I’m a veteran," he insists. "I think I’m still learning. In this industry, as soon as you get comfortable, that’s when mistakes happen. The beauty of acting is that you’re always slightly uncomfortable, always feeling like it’s your first day on the job."
This sense of "freshness" is crucial for Alyn. As he steps off the docks and into the high-stakes world of the Velaryon fleet’s political maneuvering, his lack of experience in the capital will be a defining trait. His interactions with Ser Corlys Velaryon, played by the formidable Steve Toussaint, will remain a centerpiece of the season. Salim credits Toussaint with fostering a supportive environment that allowed him to thrive despite the initial intimidation of joining such a monolithic production.
"Steve made me feel like I had been there from the beginning," Salim shared. "That’s a powerful testament to who he is as a person. The way he makes me feel makes me feel as if I could do anything."
Conclusion
Abubakar Salim’s portrayal of Alyn of Hull is a masterclass in the economy of performance. In a series characterized by dragons, fire, and grandiloquent speeches, Salim finds power in the quiet moments of reflection and the weight of a gaze. As he navigates the complex, often treacherous waters of Season 3, one thing remains certain: whether through the haunting melodies of Elden Ring or the intense, intimate scenes with his onscreen family, Salim is fully committed to the evolution of a character who has become one of the most compelling figures in Westeros.
For the fans, the wait for the new season is an exercise in patience. For Salim, it is an opportunity to continue the work, to keep the music playing, and to show the world that sometimes the most powerful figures are the ones standing quietly on the edge of the frame, waiting for their moment to move.
Raul Delapena Setiawan
