Casting includes Emma D'Arcy (non-binary actor using they/them pronouns) in the central female role of Rhaenyra Targaryen, alongside ongoing diverse choices such as Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon and Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, building on Season 1 adaptations that altered book descriptions for the Velaryon house. Audience reception shows backlash labeling elements like a 'girl-boss pirate,' sidelined male characters, and perceived DEI storylines as woke intrusions, with some reviews calling the premiere a 'woke disaster' or 'mess full of woke DEI content.' Creator and actor statements, including D'Arcy discussing their non-binary identity as a 'privilege' on screen, add a layer of modern framing, yet these remain secondary to the source-material-driven themes of succession, war, and power. The foundational premise of relentless factional struggle and dragon battles shows no evidence of identity politics, systemic oppression critiques, or queer relationships as the core emotional driver.