Did 'House of the Dragon S3' COPY Turkish Drama 'Magnificent Century: Kosem'? Netizens Highlight Striking Parallels
Netizens are debating striking similarities between a poignant grief scene in 'House of the Dragon' Season 3, Episode 2, where Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra mourns her son Jace, and a memorable moment from the Turkish drama 'Magnificent Century: Kosem' starring Beren Saat.
The realms of Westeros and the Ottoman Empire have seemingly collided in a surprising cinematic discussion. Following the highly anticipated premiere of House of the Dragon Season 3, which debuted on HBO and Max on June 21, 2026, a particular scene from its second episode, which aired on June 28, 2026, has become the epicentre of a viral social media debate. Viewers are pointing out uncanny resemblances between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's heartbreaking moment of mourning for her son and a similar scene from the acclaimed Turkish drama, Magnificent Century: Kosem. ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Premiere Shocks Fans As Aemond Targaryen Kisses Mom Alicent Hightower-Here’s Why It Happens.
The second episode of House of the Dragon Season 3, which aired on June 28, 2026, depicted Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra Targaryen grappling with devastating grief after the return of her eldest son, Prince Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon (Harry Collett), following his death in the Battle of the Gullet in the season's premiere episode. The emotionally charged sequence shows Rhaenyra approaching Jace's body, laid on a stretcher, before collapsing in an overwhelming display of maternal sorrow.
A Striking Cinematic Parallel: ‘House of the Dragon’ Meets ‘Magnificent Century Kosem’
The comparison has gained traction through a viral video juxtaposing Rhaenyra's scene with one featuring Beren Saat as Kosem Sultan in Magnificent Century: Kosem. This Turkish historical drama, which first aired in 2015 on Star TV, chronicles the formidable life of Mahpeyker Kosem Sultan, one of the most influential women in Ottoman history.
Fans have highlighted numerous visual and emotional similarities between the two scenes. These include the grieving queen walking towards her deceased son's body on a stretcher, the profound collapse in sorrow, specific character gestures, hand movements as they reach out to their sons, similar camera framing, and even background staging. The overall emotional progression, leading to a raw and intense portrayal of loss, has struck many as remarkably alike.
‘House of the Dragon S3’ Faces Copying Allegations As Netizens Compare It to ‘Magnificent Century: Kosem’
Netizens React to the Viral Comparison
The viral video has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. While the comparison video itself refrains from explicitly accusing either production of direct copying, it has prompted viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Many fans of both series have expressed their astonishment at the parallels. "I definitely thought of this scene when I was watching last night!" one fan reportedly commented, while another from the Turkish drama's fanbase noted, "Oh my God, I thought I was the only one who saw the cinematic parallel." Some observers even pointed out similarities in the dialogue, remarking.
Netizens React
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Turkish fans, in particular, have weighed in, praising both Beren Saat and Emma D'Arcy for their powerful performances. One fan, while acknowledging D'Arcy's strong portrayal, stated, "When I saw the scene between Rhaenyra and Jace, I remembered the same scene of Kösem and Mehmet. Emma D'Arcy did well, but Beren Saat represents magnificently the grief of losing a son."
‘House of the Dragon’ S3E2
Despite the online debate, House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 2 has received critical acclaim, largely stemming from Emma D'Arcy's powerful portrayal of Rhaenyra's grief, which has already garnered early Emmy buzz. HBO Drops Exciting New Promo Teasing ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Lanterns’ and More (Watch Video).
The episode plunges deeper into the Dance of the Dragons, showcasing the brutal aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet. Jacaerys Velaryon's demise, as portrayed by Harry Collett, is a pivotal moment, further escalating the conflict between the Blacks and the Greens and undoubtedly shaping Rhaenyra's path as queen.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 01:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).