House of the Dragon Season 3 Updates: The Targaryen legacy continues to dominate HBO, with “House of the Dragon” confirmed for another season. Here’s a look at what we know so far about the upcoming third season.
Recap of House of the Dragon So Far
The first season of this Game of Thrones prequel laid the groundwork for the infamous Targaryen civil war by portraying it as the tragic end of a once-close friendship. The rivalry between Alicent Hightower, mother of Aegon II Targaryen, and Rhaenyra Targaryen, King Viserys’ chosen heir, forms the core of this conflict. These two women, once childhood friends, are now bitter enemies, tearing their families and kingdoms apart in the process.
The Targaryen civil war, known as the “Dance of the Dragons,” erupted in full force by the end of season one. With season two drawing to a close, here’s a look at what might be in store for season three.
What Could Season 3 Explore?
The direction of season three largely hinges on how the events of season two conclude. The show is inspired by sections of George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, which chronicles the Targaryen dynasty, particularly the brutal civil war that spans several years. The first season covered over a decade through time jumps, but the conflict itself, the Dance of the Dragons, lasted only three years in total.
Given the show’s unpredictable nature, where characters face sudden death, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who will survive to see season three. However, expect the war to intensify in the next season as it has just started to escalate. Without spoiling too much, fans should brace themselves—very few characters are guaranteed safety in this bloody saga.
Who Will Return for House of the Dragon Season 3?
Though some characters have perished in season two, much of the main cast is expected to return, alongside the iconic dragons. Here’s a list of actors reprising their roles in the next season:
- Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
- Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
- Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole
- Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II Targaryen
- Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen
- Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
- Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
- Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen
- Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon
- Sonoya Mizuno as Lady Mysaria
- Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull
- Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull
- Tom Bennett as Ulf
- Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer
Fans can also expect new faces to join the already star-studded lineup, though details on fresh cast members will likely emerge as production progresses.
When Can We Expect Season 3 to Premiere?
There was a two-year gap between the release of season one and season two, which is quite a stretch for eager viewers. Since the production delays couldn’t be blamed on the SAG-AFTRA strike, as UK-based actors are part of a different union, it’s still uncertain when season three will arrive. While it’s unlikely to air before 2025, fans can hope for a faster turnaround than the two-year wait between previous seasons. Historically, Game of Thrones aired new seasons annually, except for the final season, which had a longer break. Here’s hoping House of the Dragon can return to a more regular release schedule.
