A few days ago, HBO released the first official images the “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “House of the Dragon”. For the uninitiated, it’s set 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” that tells the story of House Targaryen.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, “House of the Dragon” will hopefully be the first of many “Game of Thrones” spinoffs. Daenerys Targaryen’s platinum blonde hair was super iconic, so it only makes sense to create a show full of characters of that trait.
Will it reach the phenomenon success of “Game of Thrones”? While filming is still underway in the UK, this first look at the “House of the Dragon” images do provide some intriguing hints of what to expect of the characters.
Featured cast include the following:
- Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: The king’s first-born child, she is of pure Valyrian blood, and she is a dragonrider. Many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything… but she was not born a man.
- Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen: The younger brother to King Viserys and heir to the throne. A peerless warrior and a dragonrider, Daemon possesses the true blood of the dragon. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…
The photos show Daemon and Rhaenyra on a beach. Although Rhaenyra is Daemon’s niece, she will also become his wife – because what’s “Game of Thrones” without its fair share of incest right? We don’t know if they’ll tie the knot in this timeline, but these photos suggest that they’re very clearly linked together.
- Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, “The Sea Snake”: Lord of House Velaryon, a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. As “The Sea Snake,” the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world.
One of the major criticism from “Game of Thrones” was the lack of representation, as people of colour were rarely given major roles in the franchise. Even characters like Grey Worm and Missandei were slaves. It looks like “House of the Dragon” is seeking to be more inclusive by expanding its diversity in the key players.
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower: The daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen.
- Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower: The Hand of the King, Ser Otto loyally and faithfully serves both his king and his realm. As the Hand sees it, the greatest threat to the realm is the king’s brother, Daemon, and his position as heir to the throne.
Does Alicent remind you of Cersei Lannister in this shot? As pointed out by Screen Rant, there are 2 possibilities we could see for Otto. He lost his position as Hand in 109 AC, due to his belief that Viserys and Alicent’s sons should be named his heirs rather than Rhaenyra. The storyline may also pick up after the death of his replacement, Lyonel Strong, and Viserys – which begins around 129 AC (the Year of the Red Spring).
Missing from the photos so far are:
- King Viserys I Targaryen, played by Paddy Considine.
- Rhaenys Targaryen, Corlys’ wife, who’ll be played by Eve Best.
- Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon
- Lady Mysaria, Daemon’s lover and mistress of whisperers (played by Sonoya Mizuno).
- Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard (played by Fabian Frankel).
“House of the Dragon” will debut on HBO and be available to stream on HBO GO in 2022.
