Why Lohar Looks So Familiar in House of the Dragon Season 2

Contains spoilers for “House of the Dragon” Season 2 Episode 8

In the opening moments of the Season 2 finale of “House of the Dragon,” viewers are reintroduced to Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) as he travels to Essos in search of armies to support Team Green, led by Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her son King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney). Ultimately, he learns that if the formidable admiral Sharako Lohar, played by Abigail Thorn, doesn’t wish to join him, he won’t secure the needed armies. This sets the stage for Tyland and the audience to meet Lohar, a character brimming with vitality and quirkiness, brought to life by Thorn.

Lohar is a delightful and humorous addition to the cast, thanks largely to Thorn’s engaging performance. Whether she’s challenging Tyland to prove his worth through mud-wrestling or asking for unusual favors, Lohar is a joy to watch. Interestingly, in the television series, Lohar appears as a woman, a departure from the male character depicted in the books. Thorn’s portrayal has already left an impression on fans, especially those who follow her popular YouTube channel, Philosophy Tube.

Most people familiar with long YouTube essays about pop culture probably know Abigail Thorn from her massively popular channel Philosophy Tube. She started the channel in 2013 to provide accessible philosophy education without expensive tuition fees. Over the years, Thorn has garnered acclaim for her insightful and creative videos, which often feature brisk editing, costumes, and innovative concepts.

In a 2021 interview with Business Insider, Thorn discussed whether she would continue producing content for Philosophy Tube as her acting career gained momentum. She acknowledged that though she knows how the channel’s final episode would unfold, she isn’t ready to end it just yet. Thorn mentioned that while acting will eventually require her to step down from Philosophy Tube, the timing would depend on various factors. She emphasized the significant impact her channel has had, especially after she came out as a trans woman during its run, making her achievements even more remarkable.

Before her appearance in “House of the Dragon,” Abigail Thorn joined another major franchise with her role in Leslye Headland’s “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte.” This series, set in the “Star Wars” universe, explores a crime drama narrative and features a strong cast including Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, and Carrie-Ann Moss.

In “The Acolyte,” Thorn plays Ensign Eurus, a witch who supports Mother Aniseya (Jodie Turner-Smith), a powerful sorceress. Although it’s a smaller role, it is a significant one as Eurus’s character adds depth to the series. Thorn’s expanding body of work continues to impress, opening doors to high-profile roles and garnering attention from casting directors.

With notable appearances on “The Acolyte” and “House of the Dragon,” it will be interesting to see where Thorn’s career heads next. Fans can currently watch “House of the Dragon” on Max and “The Acolyte” on Disney+.