HBO releases first official photos of new 'Game of Thrones' spin-off series 'House of the Dragon'

It's all about the Targaryens in Westeros 300 years before GoT.
May 5, 2021 2:16 p.m. EST
HBO HBO

While the series finale may have left a whole lot to be desired, there was nothing quite like Game of Thrones, which came to a close almost exactly two years ago, after a beloved and awards-filled eight seasons (stream now on Crave).

And now, with HBO's House of the Dragon, a Game of Thrones spin-off series, it looks like we're heading right back into that world. And if you were left disappointed by season eight's end, trust us, the new sneak peek of the spin-off will rev you right back up.

That peek includes the first official photos from the series, and character bios for the cast, which includes Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon (a.k.a. The Sea Snake), Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.

House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, and will follow the story of the Targaryen family (the superior family, sorry) in Westeros and is set 300 years before Game of Thrones

Behind the scenes, it has much of the same team from the original series though, including co-showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik and, of course, Martin serving as executive producer.

Here are the character bios, via HBO (see if you can spot your early faves):

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…
 
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.

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.

The series is currently in production – with photos of the set having leaked just a week ago, likely prompting this official release – and will premiere in 2022 on HBO and Crave.

And if this has got you thirsting for more, not to worry – HBO has a whopping five other Game of Thrones prequels/spin-offs in the works, so we won't be departing Westeros any time soon. 

Plus you can stream all eight seasons of Game of Thrones on Crave anytime

 

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