Several new images from the upcoming HBO Game of Thrones prequel series, House of the Dragon, tease the main cast of characters that will hope to capture the audience on the same level as their predecessors. Released courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, this batch of images gives offers a new look at the likes of Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Emma D'Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, as well as the massive production values on display that will once again transport viewers to the complex world of Westeros.
House of the Dragon will pick up around 300 years before the events of the hugely successful Game of Thrones. The series will tell the story of the turbulent period for House Targaryen, as sibling is set against sibling and dragon set against dragon, as their eyes fixate on the coveted Iron Throne. Because what else would it be about?
The images tease the impressive costumes and sets that will bring House of the Dragon to life, with the series balancing between familiarity and slight changes now that the House Targaryen are in charge during this new period in the Game of Thrones tale. House of Dragon has amassed a stellar cast to bring the Game of Thrones prequel to life, including Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen, the fifth king of the Seven Kingdoms; Emma D'Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, King Viserys's firstborn child; and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, the heir presumptive to the Iron Throne and the younger brother of King Viserys.
The rest of the supporting cast features Olivia Cooke as Lady Alicent Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, and Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower, among others.
George R.R. Martin Has Heaped Praise on House of the Dragon
While audiences await the release of House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin has heaped praise on what he has seen from the prequel series. "I have seen rough cuts of a few of them, and I’m loving them,” the celebrated author said of the project. “Of course, a lot more work needs to be done. Special effects, color timing, score, all the post production work. But the writing, the directing, the acting all look terrific. I hope you will like them as much as I do. My hat is off to Ryan and Miguel and their team, and to our amazing cast."
This year will see House of the Dragon do battle with its fellow fantasy series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, with both series set to be released very close to each other. While Martin is pleased that the fantasy genre is seeing a re-emergence, saying “it's good for fantasy, I love fantasy, I love science-fiction,” the Game of Thrones creator does hope that House of the Dragon comes out on top.
"The minute the dates were announced, it's 'oh, the battle for supremacy. It's Rings of Power versus House of [the] Dragon, who will win? I don't know why they always have to do that."
The first season of House of the Dragon is scheduled to premiere on August 21, 2022 and will consist of ten episodes.