House of the Dragon star Olivia Cooke compares anti-abortion laws in Texas to the medieval world of Game of Thrones’ Westeros
Actress Olivia Cooke on Saturday slammed America’s new anti-abortion laws, comparing Texas to the fictional medieval world of Westeros.
The 28-year-old House of the Dragon star spoke more than a month after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in a landmark ruling on June 24 on the issue.
‘It’s so reflective [the Game of Thrones] world,” she told the Daily Telegraph.
Actress Olivia Cooke, 28, (pictured) on Saturday criticized America’s new anti-abortion laws, comparing Texas to the fictional medieval world of Westeros
She continued, “And this is set in a fantasy world that’s loosely based on a more medieval period, and yet we’re still dealing with the same themes.
“It’s incredibly discouraging. Females in Westeros are expected to breed as early as possible, and it’s the same in Texas.’
Texas banned abortion from the moment of conception, days after legislation that made the medical procedure a constitutional right was repealed 50 years after it was introduced.
The House of the Dragon star spoke on the subject over a month after Roe v. Wade was overturned in a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court on June 24, singled out Texas. (Pictured with House of the Dragon cast at the world premiere of the series on July 27 in Los Angeles)
The southern state is one of 14 other state governments that have outright banned or severely restricted abortion.
Olivia, who made her name as Becky Sharp on ITV drama Vanity Fair, was unaware of how “current” the world’s harsh patriarchal laws would be in House of the Dragon.
In the land of Westeros, the continent where the hit TV series Game of Thrones and its prequel are set, men usually rule, while women are expected to serve them and bear their children.
Texas banned abortion from the moment of conception, days after legislation that made the medical procedure a constitutional right was repealed 50 years after it was introduced. (Pictured: Amy Schumer and Jennifer Lawrence at the Abortion Justice Rally in New York City)
Olivia hopes the confrontational storyline will force viewers to reflect on current social norms and the curtailment of women’s rights around the world.
“Hopefully, but who knows?” She said. “I didn’t realize how timely it would be, especially now at the time of publication.”
House of the Dragon tells the story of a civil war dubbed the Dance of the Dragons.
In the land of Westeros, the continent where the hit TV series Game of Thrones and its prequel are set, men usually rule, while women are expected to serve them and bear their children. (Pictured as Lady Alicent Hightower alongside Rhys Ifans as her father Lord Otto)
It features another power struggle for the Iron Throne, this time between King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and the Hand of the King, Lord Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).
Her daughters Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Lady Alicent Hightower (Olivia) take center stage as rivals for the crown.
House Of The Dragon will be available to stream on BINGE and watch on Foxtel starting August 22nd.
Olivia hopes the confrontational storyline will force viewers to reflect on current social norms and the curtailment of women’s rights around the world