To say that HBO bungled the end of “Game of Thrones” is a bit of an understatement. Sure, we shouldn’t really blame the network for what was clearly the wrong creative decision to cram so much story in the final season (maybe the final two seasons, depending on your own opinion) of the show that spent so much of its time establishing characters and conflict. But either way, the final episodes of “Game of Thrones” attracted plenty of viewers…and even more criticism. That made the anticipation for the multiple spinoff series a bit lessened. But nevertheless, HBO is pushing on with “House of the Dragon,” a new spinoff focused on House Targaryen, and the network has found its King.
According to Deadline, veteran actor Paddy Considine has been cast as King Viserys Targaryen in the upcoming ‘Thrones’ prequel series, “House of the Dragon.” The series takes place 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and follows the story that would plant the seeds for the chaos that comes to a head in the main show. Considine’s character is at the center of the series, ruling Westeros as the head of the Targaryen dynasty, who wants to be a good, fair ruler. Of course, this is ‘Thrones’ and that sort of thing doesn’t last long.
“House of the Dragon” is created by author George R.R. Martin, writer-producer Ryan Condal, and former ‘Thrones’ director, Miguel Sapochnik. The series is the second attempt to create a spinoff of the popular fantasy series. Last year, we saw HBO film a pilot for an untitled series that was to take place even further back in the history of Westeros, with a cast led by actress Naomi Watts. The spinoff filmed a pilot but the show was eventually passed on by the network. Then work began on getting “House of the Dragon” pushed forward. Now, all eyes are on this series to see if HBO will take a chance or start from scratch a third time.
READ MORE: ‘House Of The Dragon’: ‘Game Of Thrones’ Spinoff Likely Won’t Air Until 2022
Considine is an accomplished actor that is probably best known for appearances in films such as “This is England,” “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “The World’s End.” He’s also done quite well on TV with roles in “Peaky Blinders,” as well as recent series such as “The Outsider” and “The Third Day.”
Again, it can’t be forgotten that HBO is really concerned about getting this spinoff right. Realistically, after the heavily criticized final season of ‘Thrones,’ the network knows that fans are really skeptical about a spinoff. HBO might only get one real shot to capture the magic and hook fans on a new ‘Thrones’ experience.
