The renewal of House of the Dragon for a second season was met with jubilation from fans of the series, undoubtedly making both the old and new gods smile upon us. The confirmation arrived swiftly, just five days after the premiere of the inaugural episode. HBO’s interest in the Game of Thrones spin-off was entirely understandable, given the insatiable demand from fans. House of the Dragon, during its Sunday broadcast and the following Friday, drew in an astounding 20 million viewers, setting a new record as the most-watched new HBO original series in the network’s history. It also earned a well-deserved spot in our list of top television shows for 2022. Filming commenced on March 6, with locations spanning the UK and Spain, as revealed in the Film & Television Business Alliance’s Production List. It’s anticipated that we won’t see season two until the spring or summer of 2024, given the expected year-long production schedule.
Now, let’s talk about the House of the Dragon season 2 cast and who’s set to return:
Unfortunately, Prince Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) and his dragon, Arrax, both met a tragic fate at the talons of Vhagar, so they won’t be gracing season two. However, their absence is sure to reverberate through the storyline. Paddy Considine, who portrayed King Viserys, will not be part of the season two cast either, as he’s left his crown on the Iron Throne, leaving his warring children to vie for it. Emma D’Arcy will reprise her role as Rhaenyra Targaryen, the rightful claimant to the Iron Throne, and she’ll undoubtedly face off against Queen Alicent, played by Olivia Cooke.
As the Greens vs. Blacks conflict rages on, key characters will return to support their chosen rulers. Matt Smith as Prince Daemon and Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys will be back to bolster Rhaenyra’s cause, while Rhys Ifans and Fabien Frankel will reprise their roles as Otto Hightower and Ser Criston Cole, supporting Aegon and Alicent.
A civil war without the Targaryen and Velaryon children wouldn’t be as thrilling. Here are the individuals expected to return from this mix of cousins, nephews, and uncles:
- Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen
- Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen
- Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
- Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon
- Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen
- Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen
We might see Aegon “the younger” Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen, and Joffrey Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s younger offspring, join the ensemble in the future. However, Daeron Targaryen, another child of Alicent and Viserys, seems to have been omitted from the TV adaptation. The reasons behind this omission remain a mystery. The fate of Corlys Velaryon is less clear, but we anticipate Steve Toussaint reprising his role as The Driftwood Lord, considering his apparent recovery and the potential for more adventures. While a teaser might possibly emerge by the end of 2023, it still appears optimistic. We’ll stay vigilant for updates and inform you at the first whisper from the Red Keep. In the meantime, we’ve included the season one trailer to keep you entertained.
