After the mess that was the final season of Game of Thrones, fans worried that the newest addition to the GoT universe—House of the Dragon—would be similarly unsatisfying.
Set more than 150 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, House of the Dragon introduces viewers to the members of House Targaryen who initiated the infamous civil war called the Dance of the Dragons, as detailed in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Yet despite fans’ hesitancy to trust HBO with the new show, viewers went wild when the first season of House of the Dragon premiered last fall.
The premiere episode gathered over 10 million viewers, making it the most-watched premiere in HBO history. Rave reviews included a definitive agreement that it was better than the last few seasons of Game of Thrones—thank both the old gods and the new. And while we still think Season 8 of Game of Thrones deserves a reboot, HBO has at least partially redeemed itself with the action-packed prequel, House of the Dragon.
Seriously, the action will leave you breathless. The fatal misunderstandings and behind-the-back scheming will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you haven’t seen Season 1, we suggest doing so at your earliest convenience. And while you wait for Season 2, check out everything we know so far about the highly-anticipated sophomore season.
What You Need to Know About House of the Dragon Season 2
House of the Dragon Season 2 is set to premiere sometime in 2024.
While HBO has been tight-lipped about the exact release date, it is anticipated to premiere summer 2024, at the earliest.
“My philosophy is a good script is number one priority,” said HBO CEO Casey Bloys in an interview with Variety. “I am not doing it based on wanting to have one a year, two a year. I want to do it based on the scripts that we’re excited about.”
While no one wants to wait another year (or more), we think fans can agree it’s best not to rush … especially given the Game of Thrones final–season mistakes!
The cast has received their scripts for Season 2.
At the Middle East Film and Comic Con in Abu Dhabi, Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen) confirmed that he had received the scripts for Season 2, although “late, they’re really late.”
The key actors and actresses from Season 1 are continuing on to Season 2.
Season two cast members will include: Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower), Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon Targaryen), and Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen).
Milly Alcock (young Rhaenyra) and Emily Carney (young Alicent) are not expected to return, although they have not been ruled out for appearances later on in the show
It will still be based on Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin.
Season 2 will continue to follow the plot of Goerge R.R. Martin’s book. Although there will surely be minor differences, readers can expect to see events from Fire & Blood reproduced on their television screens.
The Starks will make their first House of the Dragon appearance.
Season 1 focused primarily on the houses of the Targaryens, the Velaryons, and the Hightowers. As the civil war breaks out, more houses will be pulled into the drama—including the beloved House Stark.
Season 2 will introduce five new dragons.
Yes, you read that correctly: five new dragons are coming in Season 2. This was confirmed by House of the Dragon co-creator Ryan Condal to The Hollywood Reporter. Although this news is sure to please the fans, it may please George R.R. Martin even more.
In an interview included as a “Special Feature” on the House Of The Dragon 4K/Blu-ray edition, George R.R. Martin shared that he didn’t love the dragons in Game of Thrones because all three “look pretty similar. Yes, there are some details that set them apart, but even superfans might have trouble telling them apart from a distance. “
The dragons in HotD, however, are more up to Martin’s standards. They have distinct appearances, and have even developed their own personalities. While we did lose one dragon (Arrax, along with his rider Lucerys Targaryen) last season, we’re excited to meet the newest additions of these fantastical creatures.
We finally get to see Rhaenrya and the rest of Team Black retaliate and stop trying to keep peace with the Greens.
“The moment that [Rhaenyra] receives the news of Luke's passing, that attempt at mediation crumbles," Emma D'Arcy told Entertainment Weekly. After having her hands “all but tied” to keep things amicable in Season 1, Rhaenyra “no longer has the bandwidth to suppress her nature,” and will do “less navigating and more acting on her instincts and desires.”
Although it saddens us that Rhaenyra and Alicent almost healed their friendship and found common ground, watching Rhaenyra work time and time again to dissuade Alicent from inciting a full-blown war was frustrating and exhausting. Now, she finally has a reason to go after Team Green with no hesitation.
