House of the Dragon star Steve Toussaint has discussed the pivotal role his character, Corlys Velaryon, plays in the Season 3 finale, in which the "Sea Snake" is captured by Ormund and the Hightower army following Rhaenyra's refusal to legitimise his sons Alyn and Addam. Despite being held prisoner, Corlys retains his authority and steps in to broker peace between his captors and Daemon Targaryen, a moment Toussaint highlighted as showcasing the character's enduring diplomatic strength even in chains. The interview offers fans insight into how the show has diverged from George R.R. Martin's source material while keeping Corlys central to the unfolding Targaryen civil war.

In the interview, Toussaint reveals that a real cast of his hand was made for the visceral scene in which Corlys loses a finger, and he recalls learning of the mutilation from the script before special effects arrived on set. He also reflects on Corlys' capture by Ormund's forces as a significant deviation from the books, and on the finale sequence where Gwayne Hightower attempts to use Corlys as a bargaining chip against Daemon, only for Corlys himself to take charge of the negotiations. Toussaint attributes this authority to the character's reputation and bearing, which he says commands respect even from his captors.