If you’ve spent any time on the corner of the internet that obsessively analyzes every frame of HBO’s Westeros, you know that Sonoya Mizuno is a name that sparks some pretty heated debates. People have opinions. Strong ones.
Whether it's the shifting accent that had fans scratching their heads in Season 1 or that massive, series-altering kiss with Rhaenyra in Season 2, Mizuno’s portrayal of Mysaria—the "White Worm"—has become one of the most polarizing yet essential elements of the show. Honestly, she's gone from a background player to a central pillar of the Black Council.
From the Dance Floor to the Dragonpit
Most people don't realize that before she was whispering secrets in Daemon’s ear, Sonoya Mizuno was a professional ballerina. You can see it in how she carries herself. There’s a specific, almost feline grace to her movements that feels very intentional for a character who operates in the shadows.
She's been Alex Garland’s go-to muse for years. Remember the haunting robot Kyoko in Ex Machina? Or the lead role in Devs? She’s used to playing characters who know more than they're letting on. But House of the Dragon is a different beast entirely. It’s huge. It’s loud. And the fans? They notice everything.
The Accent Mystery: What Really Happened?
Let’s just address the elephant in the room. In Season 1, Mysaria’s accent was… a choice. Fans on Reddit were ruthless, comparing it to everything from a botched French accent to something entirely alien.
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"I think she's definitely different from the other women, because she's a survivor and a fighter," Mizuno told Highsnobiety when reflecting on the role.
By the time Season 2 rolled around, the accent had noticeably softened. It wasn't just a random change; it felt like a response to the feedback while also reflecting the character's evolution. In the world of the show, Mysaria had spent more time in Westeros. It makes sense she’d lose some of that Lysene lilt. Or maybe the showrunners just realized it was distracting. Either way, the "new" Mysaria feels more grounded and far more dangerous.
Why the Rhaenyra Kiss Changed Everything
The biggest shocker for book purists wasn't a dragon death or a betrayal. It was the kiss between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Mysaria.
In George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, Mysaria is mostly just Daemon’s mistress/spymaster. The show took a hard left turn. According to Mizuno and Emma D’Arcy, that moment wasn’t even originally in the script as a full-blown romantic beat—it evolved from the chemistry on set.
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It changed the power dynamic of Team Black.
Suddenly, Mysaria isn't just an employee. She’s a confidante. A lover. She’s the one who understands the smallfolk, something the high-born Targaryens usually ignore. This move makes the "White Worm" a triple threat:
- She controls the information flow in King’s Landing.
- She has the Queen’s ear (and heart).
- She knows exactly how to manipulate the public's perception.
Sonoya Mizuno: The Human Behind the Worm
Off-camera, Mizuno is surprisingly low-key. She doesn't have social media. She’s a "proud cat person" who told Interview Magazine she’d rather be at home with her cat than at a red carpet event.
There’s a real humility there that contrasts with the "Machiavellian" reputation of her character. While everyone is arguing about whether Mysaria is a hero or a villain, Mizuno is just focused on the work. And that work is expanding. In late 2025, news broke that she's making her directorial debut with a dance film called Stages, backed by A24. She's not just a pawn in the Game of Thrones; she's building her own empire in the real world.
What’s Next in Season 3?
As we look toward the 2026 release of Season 3, the stakes for Mysaria couldn't be higher.
The civil war is escalating. The "Dragonseeds" are in play.
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We know the production for Season 3 wrapped in late 2025, and rumors suggest Mysaria’s role only gets darker. In the books, her fate is tied closely to the fate of King's Landing. If the show continues to deviate from the source material, we might see her survive longer than expected—or meet an even more dramatic end.
She's become the voice of the people in a show about the 1%.
That makes her the most unpredictable variable in the entire Dance of the Dragons.
What you should do next:
If you're looking to understand the full scope of Mysaria's influence before the new episodes drop, go back and re-watch Season 2, Episode 6, "Smallfolk." Pay close attention to the stories she tells Rhaenyra about her past in Lys. It’s the key to understanding why she’s so desperate to see the Greens fall. Also, keep an eye out for news on her upcoming film Stages—if you liked her physical performance in Ex Machina, her directorial work in the world of dance is likely to be just as visually striking.