Game of Thrones fans rejoice! HBO has released the first official images for the upcoming drama series, House of the Dragon. The series sets us 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and is based on the House that birthed the Mother of Dragons herself – Daenerys Targaryen.
So what can you look forward to in the new series? Here’s what we know.
HBO has a whole new cast lined up, with a few famous faces from other fandoms that you can look forward to.
Matt Smith, also known for his role as the Eleventh Doctor on the Doctor Who Series, stars as Prince Daemon Targaryen. Sporting the iconic bright blond hair characteristic of all Targaryens, it is said that the younger brother to King Viserys and heir to the throne possesses the true blood of the dragon and is unparalleled in his mastery of a Valyrian steel blade.
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans plays Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. He sees Daemon as the greatest threat to the realm so we can expect some tension between the king’s most trusted advisor and the next in line to the throne. Rhys is also known for his portrayal of Spike in Notting Hill and Jed Parry in Enduring Love.
Olivia Cooke, known for her starring role as Emma Decody in the A&E drama thriller series Bates Motel, plays Alicent Hightower. She’s the daughter of Otto Hightower and the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms. Raised in the Red Keep, she is close to the king and his inner circle.
Adorned in a long lavish robe and striking a powerful stance against the sea – Steve Toussaint plays Lord Coryls Velaryon, aka the Sea Snake. This suitably imposing first look is befitting of the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros. Having built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters, Lord Corlys will certainly be a force to be reckoned with.
Lastly, we have Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. As the king’s first-born child, she is of pure Valyrian blood and also a dragonrider. While born privileged, Rhaenyra faces the challenge most encounter in the 21st Century – being born a woman.
One Year More
Unfortunately a gruelling year awaits us all, as the series will only be available to stream on HBO Go in 2022 but when it lands, we can look forward to 10 episodes of dragon-filled action. In the meantime, refresh your GOT knowledge by streaming the complete series on HBO Go or tide yourself over with some of our recommended Netflix Releases and Top 10 Must-watch Shows on Disney+.
