HBO has had a few false starts when it comes to expanding the “Game of Thrones” universe. After the lackluster (putting it mildly) end of the series a couple of years ago, the network is extra cautious with what series they release next, as it’s clear fans are going to probably enter the deal with a bit of skepticism. This led to the network ditching one spinoff after filming the pilot and switching course to focus on “House of the Dragon.” And now, with the latter entering production, we have our first look at the next iteration of ‘Thrones.’
And as seen in the pictures released by HBO, “House of the Dragon” looks…well, like “Game of Thrones.” I mean, what else were you expecting, as the series is a prequel that tells a story that happens a couple of generations before the main series. And since the focus is on House Targaryen, you have a couple of folks in platinum blonde wigs. Then you have others looking like people from Westeros. So, in that sense, fans have to be happy, right?
“House of the Dragon” is co-created by George R.R. Martin (who is more of a TV producer than a novelist, by now, right?) and Ryan Condal, with the latter writing the series also. Miguel Sapochnik, a filmmaker who directed some of the most memorable episodes of ‘Thrones’ returns to direct the pilot and additional episodes of ‘Dragon.’
READ MORE: George R. R. Martin Signs Massive Five-Year Deal With HBO, So Say Goodbye To The Books
HBO also released descriptions of the characters featured in the images, which you can read below:
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.
READ MORE: HBO Has 3 More ‘Game Of Thrones’ Spinoffs In Development
There’s no release date set for “House of the Dragon.” Honestly, the filming process literally just began, so we’re still in the early stages of production. However, HBO is obviously committed to expanding ‘Thrones’ and fast, so we can fully expect this to arrive in 2022, probably towards the beginning of the year.
Here are all the new photos:
