Merging Animated Fairyland and Realist Drama Shows
Have you ever imagined a blend of two worlds, a surreal animation like Shrek and a serious drama like ‘House of the Dragon’? It’s a weird thought, isn’t it? Yet, these two shows have some surprising parallels.
Sharing More than Just Royal Adventures
House of the Dragon has a saga filled with royal tussles, politics, and dangers. It’s a tale kind of reminiscent of Game of Thrones. But here’s the fun part. You can spot some uncanny similarities with Shrek as well. Let’s see how.
Meeting Royalty in Different Worlds
Queen Alicent Hightower from House of the Dragon is a path-breaker. She is draped in a royal green gown, bringing Princess Fiona from Shrek to mind. On the other end, we have King Viserys and King Harold. Both experience sad endings, even though one of them turns into a frog. Yes, that would be King Harold from Shrek, of course.
You might think it’s a bit odd to draw comparisons between House of the Dragon, based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, and Shrek, from William Steig’s 1990 book. But trust me, it’s not. The more you look, the more you’ll see their resemblances.
Finding Common Ground in Fantasy
Both Shrek and House of the Dragon are more alike than you might think. For starters, they love their food! Big, hearty feasts with juicy, roasted pigs are common in both shows. Did I forget to mention the dragons? They too play key roles in both narratives. Yes, fire-breathing dragons, in an animation like Shrek and a hard-hitting saga like House of the Dragon.
This blend of fantasy and reality has led to a funny Instagram clip claiming “House of the Dragon can’t outlive the Shrek comparisons”. The video even highlights the feasts, portraying wealth and generosity.
Shared Character Stereotypes with Changes
Characters, too, share common themes in the two shows. Bad kings and weak leaders are present in both Shrek and House of the Dragon. Likewise, brave female leads like Queen Alicent and Princess Fiona add a splash of courage and grace.
Behind the Scene Sentiments
As House of the Dragon ventures into its second season, the portrayal of the Targaryen Civil War becomes darker. Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra, admits to feeling “lonely” on set without her co-stars Matt Smith and Olivia Cooke. Despite facing this emotional hurdle, D’Arcy holds a sense of anticipation for viewers experiencing different aspects of the show.
The Journey of Two Unique Worlds
House of the Dragon has become a talk-of-the-town since its debut. With an intense representation of the Targaryen Civil War and sky-high viewership, it’s making TV history. The series continues to blend reality and fantasy as it dives deeper into the struggle for the Iron Throne.
Both House of the Dragon, available on Max, and Shrek, found on Netflix, continue to impress us with their unique narratives across different genres and platforms. They remind us of our shared love for storytelling, regardless of how varied their delivery might be. It’s like looking at two sides of the same coin. Strikingly different yet quite similar, they prove that stories can be told in countless ways.
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