House of the Dragon turned out to be a worthy Game of Thrones spin-off, with plenty of gnarly battles, political drama, shocking bloodshed, and questionable family relationships.
The first season ended with Rhaenyra Targaryen ready to bring hell to the Hightowers and their armies. But what comes next? We’ve rounded up everything we know about the return of House of the Dragon, the cast members who should be back, and some plot details to prepare you.
For fans of the fantasy genre, we also have a similar roundup for The Witcher season 3 on Netflix. Alternatively, here’s all the info you need if you want to rewatch Game of Thrones in its entirety.
Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 below.
House of the Dragon release date speculations
House of the Dragon is set to begin filming for Season 2 early next year, with no official release date yet. However, HBO Max boss Casey Bloys told Vulture that a 2024 release date seems likely.
When HBO provides more information, we’ll update this article.
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How many episodes will House of the Dragon season 2 have?
George RR Martin confirmed in his blog that the next season will have “10 hours” each season to tell the story, implying that season two is expected to have 10 episodes, like the first season.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Cast and Crew: Who Could Return?
Although the official cast list for Season 2 has not been confirmed, we expect to see the following characters again:
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
- Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Matt Smith as Demon Targaryen
- Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower
- Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
- Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon
- Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole
- Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon
- Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen
- Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen
- Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen
- Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen
- Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
- Matthew Needham as Larys Strong
- Jefferson Hall as Jason Lannister and Tyland Lannister
- Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
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We’re unlikely to see Viserys I (played Paddy Considine) again after the King dies near the end of season one – the same goes for Lucerys Velaryon (played by Elliot Grihault).
We expect a whole new cast of characters to be introduced in season two, especially other Houses that haven’t had a chance to shine yet, like the Starks.
Miguel Sapochnik, the showrunner of the first season, has moved away from House of the Dragon. The succession will be ensured by Ryan Condal, the co-runner of the first season, and Alan Taylor, who directed a few episodes during the first two seasons of Game of Thrones.
The creator of the book series – George RR Martin – is expected to return as executive producer.
What is the plot of House of the Dragon season 2?
The second season will pick up at the start of the Targaryen Civil War, also known as the Dance of the Dragons. Westeros will be split over two claims to the throne: one of King Aegon II Targaryen, who took the throne after his mother Alicent mistakenly overheard her late husband say he wanted her son to become heir.
The second is from Queen Rhaenyra I Targaryen – Viserys’ original choice as her eldest daughter. She believes the Hightowers stole the throne while she was away in Dragonstone, and as such claims Aegon’s coronation is considered treason.
At first, it seemed that Rhaenyra was willing to find a peaceful solution to this conflict. However, all of that will change after the gruesome death of his son, Lucerys Velaryon, who was eaten by Prince Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar.
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It may have been a mistake, but given the bad blood between the two boys, it won’t appear that way to others. Rhaenyra is almost certain to get her revenge on Alicent and her family – and if it’s true to the books, it will be seriously brutal.
Executive producer Sara Hess told The Hollywood Reporter that the upcoming season will also delve into the toxic dynamic between Rhaenyra and her husband (and don’t forget, uncle) Daemon.
Additionally, while the show will ultimately still center around the stories of Alicent and Rhaenyra, it will develop more into an ensemble show, according to EW.
As for the young King, Aegon Targaryen II, actor Tom Glynn-Carney says his character will “wreak havoc” in season two.
Will there be more than two seasons in House of the Dragon?
Almost certainly. Variety has revealed that George RR Martin has signed a five-year deal to create content with HBO and HBO Max, so that could mean House of the Dragon will be running for at least that amount of time.
While the show was only renewed for a second season, it was one of HBO’s biggest shows, so we’d be surprised if it was canceled.
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How can I watch House of the Dragon?
In the US, you can watch House of the Dragon on HBO if it’s included in your cable package. Alternatively, you can stream it on HBO Max – accounts cost either £9.99 per month for ad-free viewing, or £14.99 per month ad-free.
As with Game of Thrones, UK viewers will have access via Sky Atlantic for Sky TV customers, and on the flexible streaming service Now Now – which offers packages from £9.99 per month for its Entertainment subscription.
If for some reason you can’t access any of these channels, here’s how to watch HBO outside the US.
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