{"id":5391,"date":"2021-10-06T14:19:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T12:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=658437"},"modified":"2021-10-06T15:09:36","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T13:09:36","slug":"house-of-the-dragon-release-date-rumours-cast-trailer-and-news-for-game-of-thrones-spin-off","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/house-of-the-dragon-release-date-rumours-cast-trailer-and-news-for-game-of-thrones-spin-off\/","title":{"rendered":"House of the Dragon: Release date rumours, cast, trailer and news for Game of Thrones spin-off"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Huw Fullerton\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 06 October 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

House of the Dragon is officially winging its way towards us, with a first-look trailer revealing the look and feel of the Game of Thrones prequel<\/a> including a different design for the iconic Iron Throne.<\/p>\n

Also showing us more of the series\u2019 action (in tournament and duel form) and key characters like Matt Smith\u2019s Prince Daemon Targaryen and Olivia Cooke\u2019s Alicent Hightower, the trailer concludes with a vague airdate \u20132022 \u2013 and hints of fiery conflict for House Targaryen.<\/p>\n

But if you\u2019re hoping to be reunited with characters from the original series then you\u2019re out of luck as House of the Dragon will be set around 200 years earlier, eliminating the opportunity for surprise cameos. Unless the Night King drops by for a visit.<\/p>\n

Alicent Hightower & Otto Hightower. #HouseoftheDragon<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/QI3Bl9pZyJ<\/a><\/p>\u2014 House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) May 5, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>

However, one familiar face is returning: Ramin Djawadi, the composer who wrote the iconic theme song for the fantasy drama, winning two Emmys for his efforts, as well as regular Thrones director Sapochnik.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s everything you need to know about House of the Dragon.<\/p>

House of the Dragon release date<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gods. Kings. Fire. Blood.@HouseOfDragon<\/a> is coming to HBO Max in 2022. #HouseoftheDragon<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/16aV66l07i<\/a><\/p>\u2014 HBO Max (@hbomax) October 5, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>

It has been confirmed that the series will air in 2022<\/strong>, so there\u2019s not too long to wait.<\/p>\n

And we do already know where the 10-episode series will air in the UK. Sky Atlantic, the same channel that aired Game of Thrones, has extended its deal with HBO after House of the Dragon\u2019s announcement. Of course you\u2019ll also be able to find the show on NOW.<\/p>\n

To catch up, you can watch Game of Thrones seasons 1 \u2013 8 on Amazon Prime<\/a> today or on NOW<\/a> when it becomes available. You can also buy the DVD boxset for seasons 1-8 on Amazon for \u00a399.99<\/a>.<\/p>\n

House of the Dragon trailer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n

A first-look trailer was finally released in October 2021, soundtracked to a slow version of the classic Game of Thrones theme but introducing a host of new characters and story ideas, including a different design of the Iron Throne. You could say it\u2019s looking pretty sharp\u2026<\/p>\n

House of the Dragon cast<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\""Paddy\"<\/div>\n

Paddy Considine has been announced as the series lead King Viserys I, a king whose reign ended up causing the Targaryen-vs-Targaryen civil war known as The Dance of the Dragons when he left behind two rival claimants for the throne.<\/p>\n

\u201cViserys was chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal,\u201d an official statement said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA warm, kind, and decent man, Viserys only wishes to carry forward his grandfather\u2019s legacy, but as we\u2019ve learned from Game of Thrones, good men do not necessarily make for great kings.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last December, HBO revealed that Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One) and Emma D\u2019Arcy (Wanderlust) had joined the spin-off\u2019s cast.<\/p>\n

Cooke, who is best known for her roles in Vanity Fair and Bates Motel, is set to play Alicent Hightower, the daughter of Otto Hightower \u2013 the Hand of the King. \u201cShe was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both courtly grace and a keen political acumen,\u201d HBO teases.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Smith will play Prince Daemon Targaryen \u2013 King Viserys\u2019 (Considine) younger brother. \u201cDaemon is a peerless warrior and a dragon rider who possesses the true blood of the dragon,\u201d a statement reads. \u201cBut it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\""Emma\"<\/div>
Actress Emma D\u2019Arcy has been cast in the project (Getty)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Also joining the cast is Emma D\u2019Arcy, an up-and-coming actress best known for starring in Wanderlust and Truth Seekers, who\u2019ll be playing Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen \u2013 the king\u2019s first-born child.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is of pure Valyrian blood, and she is a dragon rider,\u201d HBO writes. \u201cMany would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything\u2026but she was not born a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

In late April, Smith and D\u2019Arcy were seen filming in-character as Daemon and Rhaenyra during early shooting in Cornwall.<\/p>\n

Matt Smith definitely does look the part as Daemon Targaryen filming in Cornwall yesterday ???????? #HouseoftheDragon<\/a> #MattSmith<\/a> #Targaryen<\/a> #GameofThrones<\/a> #DoctorWho<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/5rfut4perR<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Connor (@Connor_1313_) April 28, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>

Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, known for playing Hugh Grant\u2019s flatmate in Notting Hill, will play Otto Hightower, a servant to the King, while The Honourable Woman\u2019s Eve Best will play Princess Rhaenys Velaryon aka \u201cThe Queen Who Never Was\u201d.<\/p>\n

Steve Toussaint, who recently starred in Doctor Who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon, known as The Sea Snake, while Devs star Sonoya Mizuno has been cast as Mysaria, a girl from humble beginnings who somehow becomes a trusted friend of Prince Daemon.<\/p>\n

Actor Fabien Frankel has also been cast as a member of King Viserys I Targaryen\u2019s Kingsguard, who helped win the civil war. The British actor, who recently appeared with Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke in romantic comedy Last Christmas, will play Ser Criston Cole.<\/p>\n

The news was revealed by saga author George R.R. Martin on his blog: \u201cHe is the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven,\u201d Martin wrote.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has no claim to lands or titles, all he has is his honor and his skill with sword and lance. He is a challenger, a champion, cheered by the commons, beloved of the ladies. He is a lover (or is he?), a seducer (or is he?), a betrayer (or is he?), a breaker of hearts and a maker of kings \u2026 Welcome to Westeros, Fabien. And do keep that sword sharp.\u201d<\/p>\n

A casting call went out in February 2020 for key roles of Aegon and Visenya Targaryen, as reported by Knight Edge Media<\/a>, which could suggest a role for flashbacks, given that these figures existed many years before the events of this series.<\/p>\n

Will any Game of Thrones characters return in House of the Dragon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\""Game\"<\/div>\n

Probably not \u2013 unless the Night King or some Children of the Forest make a cameo.<\/p>\n

The series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, meaning that none of the characters we\u2019ve grown to know and love would appear.<\/p>\n

However, it is possible that we\u2019ll see the ancestors of the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons and other families that we\u2019re more familiar with. Depending on exactly how much ground is covered we could also see original Westerosi conquerors Aegon, Visenya and Rhaenys Targaryen, as hinted by early casting announcements, though this hasn\u2019t been confirmed.<\/p>\n

And there is one familiar face that we might seen again \u2013 that of famously large dragon Balerion the Black Dread, Aegon\u2019s mount whose skull resided in the dungeon\u2019s of King\u2019s Landing throughout most of Game of Thrones, and who was \u201chistorically\u201d ridden by King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) at one point. Though he might have a little bit more skin on his bones this time.<\/p>\n

The first concept art released for the show seemed to suggest that it will indeed live up to its name.<\/p>\n

Dragons are coming.#HouseoftheDragon<\/a> begins production in 2021. pic.twitter.com\/Bxl763FVdY<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) December 3, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote>

What is House of the Dragon about?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\""episode-64-1920"\"<\/div>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been confirmed that the Targaryen Civil War \u2013 known as the Dance of Dragons \u2013 will be the focus of the prequel. This conflict took place after two rival claimants for the Iron Throne rose up (sound familiar?) from different branches of the Targaryen family, leading to a bloody clash of men, women and dragons.<\/p>\n

Thrones author George RR Martin said: \u201cFor what it\u2019s worth, those who have read Fire & Blood will realise it contains enough materials for a dozen shows.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can<\/em> say that there will be dragons. Everyone else has said that, so why not me?\u201d<\/p>\n

While the specific plot details are yet to be nailed down, we do know that the Targaryen family will be front and centre throughout.<\/p>\n

Casey Bloys, president of HBO programming, said after the show\u2019s announcement: \u201cThe Game of Thrones universe is so rich with stories. We look forward to exploring the origins of House Targaryen and the earlier days of Westeros along with Miguel, Ryan and George.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Olivia Cooke says the current script is different from the first draft she saw years ago, after writers toned down scenes featuring violence towards women.<\/p>\n

Writers and directors experienced backlash over Game of Thrones scenes featuring Emilia Clarke\u2019s dragon queen character Daenerys Targaryen, after she was brutally raped by Jason Momoa\u2019s Khal Drogo.<\/p>\n

Cooke told The Telegraph: \u201cI wouldn\u2019t feel comfortable in being a part of anything that has just egregious graphic violence towards women for no reason whatsoever, just because they want it to be tantalising in a way that gets viewers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was lucky enough to read the script before, and it has changed a lot from the first few seasons (of Game of Thrones). I don\u2019t think they\u2019d be in their right minds to include any of that any more\u201d<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve gone into a bit more depth here on Game of Thrones spin-off potential storylines<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n

Who\u2019s making House of the Dragon?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/div>\n

George RR Martin, who wrote the original A Song of Ice and Fire book series that Game of Thrones is based on, has been working on the series with Ryan Condal, the creator of sci-fi TV series Colony.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201c[The series] has a script and a bible, and both of them are terrific, first rate, exciting,\u201d Martin said. \u201cThey\u2019re the work of Ryan Condal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a helluva strong writer, and a huge fan of A Song of Ice and Fire, Dunk & Egg, and Westeros in general. I\u2019ve loved working with him, and if the Seven Gods and HBO are kind, I hope to keep on working with him for years to come on this new successor show.\u201d<\/p>\n

Director Miguel Sapochnik will also serve as co-showrunner<\/a> with Condal, and has been tapped to direct the first episode as well as several others, having previously helmed prolific Game of Thrones chapters including Battle of the Bastards and Winds of Winter.<\/p>\n