House Of The Dragon’s Abubakar Salim Tells Us About Alyn Of Hull, Scars & Stories

House Of The Dragon – HBO’s high-budget prequel to Game of Thrones – is back for season 3 with all the political intrigue, family dysfunction and spectacular dragon sequences fans have come to expect. Conjured by Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, the series has become a flagship drama driven less by the fantastical elements than by the dysfunctional rivalrous family at its heart, their conflicts, and the gallons of blood spilled as a consequence.

Below, C&TH sits down with Abubakar Salim who plays Alyn of Hull to talk transformations, standout battle sequences, and why he’s grateful to be working with one of television’s most ambitious ensemble casts.

Q&A: Abubakar Salim On House Of The Dragon

Hi Abubakar, how’s life going at the moment?

I’ll be real with you. It’s a climb. Always a climb. You have your moments of victories, but you have to keep your eye on the ball and continue grinding. It might just be a me thing though. No rest for the wicked.

You can currently be seen in House of the Dragon season 3. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the series for anyone who has never tuned in?

It’s a family drama with dragons. Succession meets Lord of the Rings. It’s not about the fantastical elements at all. It’s about dysfunctional families and the feeling of privilege, and what that does to you.

Abubakar Salim: ‘I feel ridiculously fortunate that the creative team are giving me more responsibility this season.’ (HBO)

You play Alyn of Hull – how would you describe him?

A realist. Cares only for family and having a tight unit. When that is threatened, he’s an unstoppable force. He’s someone who has been scarred by the realities of the world and keeps that in mind wherever he goes.

What does he have in store this season?

A lot. He’s put in uncomfortable positions which forces him to grow. I feel ridiculously fortunate that the creative team are giving me more responsibility this season.

What has it been like to be part of such a mammoth show?

Incredible. I’m such a nerd and love these storyworlds, so to be a part of it is like a dream come true. Honestly, I’m having the best time.

Tell us about your makeup, costume and transformation into Alyn.

This has to be the most fun transformation I’ve had to date – and I wore a latex suit, blue contacts and ginger hair for my last gig! For one, I’m having to shave my head bald, which makes shower time and maintenance super easy. But what’s really cool is the amount of scars we’re putting on my face and body. The cool thing about wearing these scars is each has a special story to them which I’ve crafted.

Also, another really fun fact: one of the scars belonged to Harrison Ford from one of his roles. The makeup team are wonderful, and shared that little fact with me, which instantly made me feel special!

Abubakar Salim: ‘This has to be the most fun transformation I’ve had to date.’ (HBO)

What are you most excited for fans to see in season 3?

We’ve taken fans on a journey of getting to know characters. Now, you’re about to see their journeys and evolutions through the multiple trials and tribulations they will be going through. It’s one of the most exciting things about TV – you really see characters that you’ve already been on a good journey with go through even more.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

For me, it would definitely be the Battle of the Gullet. That whole sequence was something that truly tested me and was the most fun. The scale of it was intimidating, so to then see the final product of it on TV was truly moving.

Anything you can tease about season 4?

I wish I could, but I have no idea!

What has been your favourite project to date?

Every project holds a special place in my heart. Assassin’s Creed Origins was probably the coolest, as I’d been a fan of the franchise for so long. So to be the main Assassin in the game was really special. Raised by Wolves gave me a lot of confidence to delve into my weird side with Ridley Scott. But of everything, it would be making Tales of Kenzera: Zau. That was a project I had made in honour of my late father, and it had won me a BAFTA which even to this day I can’t believe. I learnt the most from that.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

Are you trying to get me fired? Sure, let me tell you about this special particular project that I had to sign 101 NDAs about! What I can say is that you’ll hear about it soon.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

Amanda Collin. We worked incredibly closely on Raised by Wolves, and honestly she is the most grounded and beautiful human being I’ve met. Her, her whole family – they hold a special place in my heart and I remember thinking to myself that if I continue in my career, I want what she has.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Steve Toussaint. That is a man who has had so much experience, yet brings the most comforting and welcoming energy on set. This man has wrestled Titans in the industry and he’s so down to earth, it’s incredibly humbling to witness. Ridiculously talented too. He makes that camera work.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Sci-fi. I’m a huge sci-fi fan so more sci-fi drama, please.

Abubakar Salim: ‘I’m a big homebody. Nothing beats the comfort of your own home.’ (Pawel Pysz)

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, Christopher Nolan, Chloé Zhao – I could go on. There’s a particular vision that the ones I’ve named grasp that I would love to learn from and be a part of. Again, brilliant storyworld builders. It makes me hungry.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

All the time. I’m a big homebody. Nothing beats the comfort of your own home.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

Currently in town, but moving to the country. I’ve had both and both have their positives and negatives. Personally though, I think it’s more about the home you’re in rather than the area. Again, I’m such a homebody. I love to cook, clean – all the housework stuff I find super meditative.

What’s your interior design style?

Hah! I don’t even know what I would say my style is! When I bought my first place, I had to ensure every room felt different and unique. It was important that the colour of the walls, the layout and even the scents felt like you were stepping into a different space. I think it’s playing a lot of Sims growing up that made me really appreciate the power of interior designing a space.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

Surrounding yourself with good people. That’s where all the balance is. Life is a team game, I feel. It can be lone wolfed, but it’s much more fun with good people around you. It’s how I run my studio, and it’s why I come home every day! All about being around good people.

How can we all live a little bit better?

I need to practise what I preach but sleep. Sleep is so important. When I’ve had healthy rest, the next day I feel younger. But here I am, running three businesses and also a dad – I should really sleep more.

But I’d say that kindness also goes a long way. Compassion and empathy for others not only helps those around you, but also yourself. Need more kindness in the world.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

There is, on both sides, and I can’t wait to share them when ready!

What Abubakar Salim Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Widows Bay. Phenomenal TV.

What I’m reading… Katabasis by R.F. Kuang. Great book.

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Your Friends and Neighbors. Jon Hamm. What a guy.

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Invite by Olivia Wilde. Looks great.

Favourite film of all time… It’s a tie between The Dark Knight and Twelve Angry Men

Favourite song of all time… So tough. Between ‘Purple Rain’ by Prince and ‘Bring It On Home to Me’ by Sam Cooke

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Metallica is my go to. I’m a metalhead at heart!

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Watching all of Hayao Miyazaki’s films (Studio Ghibli). Incredible artistry and storytelling – a journey I’m currently going on with my daughter.

Cultural guilty pleasure… My mum’s cooking. Can I say that? I’m saying it.

New episodes of House Of The Dragon season 3 land weekly on Mondays on Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO Max.