A comprehensive look at the cast and characters in “House of the Dragon,” the newest fantasy drama on HBO.
With HBO’s brand-new fantasy series “House of the Dragon,” it’s time to return to the Seven Kingdoms.
The drama, which was created by “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, will go back 200 years to the time when House Targaryen controlled Westeros and sat on the Iron Throne.
Like the original HBO series, “House of the Dragon” casts actors who are well-known internationally for their work in the U.K. and Australia, bringing many fresh faces to American television screens. Its primary cast also includes Rhys Ifans from “The Amazing Spider-Man” and Emmy candidate Matt Smith from “The Crown.”
Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of who is playing who in the new series:
Prince Daemon Targaryen as portrayed by Matt Smith:
King Viserys Targaryen, the reigning ruler of Westeros, has a younger brother named Daemon. He is the heir to the throne because his elder brother is without children. He is regarded as a warrior without equality. He is a dragon rider, just like his niece Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. His dragon, Caraxes, is an erratic creature with a bad reputation. Matt Smith, a former Doctor from “Doctor Who” from 2010 to 2014, portrays Daemon. As Prince Philip in Netflix’s “The Crown,” he was nominated for an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Emmy in 2018.
Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen:
Viserys is Daemon Targaryen’s older brother. He is the father of Princess Rhaenyra and the husband of Queen Aemma. To succeed the ancient king, his grandfather Jaehaerys Targaryen, whose only descendant is a daughter named Princess Rhaenys, was chosen by the Great Council at Harrenhal. As “House of the Dragon” opens, Viserys, who is renowned for being friendly, considerate, and decent, does not yet have a son. Viserys is portrayed by English actor Paddy Considine. His performance as Father John Hughes in “Peaky Blinders” made him famous. In addition, he costarred with Jude Law in the HBO miniseries “The Third Day” in 2020 and Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in “The World’s End” in 2013.
Emma D’Arcy and Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen:
King Viserys and Queen Aemma’s daughter Rhaenyra (pronounced Rain-ear-uh). She rides dragons, just like Prince Daemon, her uncle. Syrax is Syrax’s dragon. She does not want to be constrained by outdated gender norms. The role is played by two actors: Emma D’Arcy portrays the older Rhaenyra and Milly Alcock plays the younger princess. Alcock has been in various Australian dramas as well as the Tim Minchin comedy “Upright.” London-born D’Arcy has acted in the Netflix series “Wanderlust” alongside Toni Collette and in the Prime Video film “Hanna” (2020).
Olivia Cooke and Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower:
Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, is the father of Alicent. She was reared in the Red Keep and is renowned for her beauty. She and Princess Rhaenyra get along well. The younger Alicent is portrayed by Emily Carey, and the elder Alicent is portrayed by Olivia Cooke. In the 2017 film “Wonder Woman,” Carey portrayed a 12-year-old Diana. She also made an appearance in the Netflix teen drama “Get Even” about a private school. Cooke and Tye Sheridan co-starred in “Ready Player One” in 2018. She co-starred alongside Gary Oldman in the first season of the Apple TV+ series “Slow Horses.”
Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen:
Jaehaerys Targaryen, the previous king, is the father of Rhaenys. She is referred to as the “Queen who never was” since the Great Council chose her cousin, Viserys Targaryen, who is currently king, to succeed her father on the throne. Lord Corlys Velaryon, often known as The Sea Snake, is Rhaenys’ husband. Two kids were born to the couple. In the first season of “Fate: The Winx Saga” on Netflix in 2021, Best played headmistress Dowling. In the Showtime series “Nurse Jackie” from 2009 to 2015, she played physician Dr. Eleanor O’Hara, the best friend of Edie Falco’s Jackie or “Jacks,” as she called her.
Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka The Sea Snake:
As old as the Targaryen name itself, Lord Corlys hails from the Velaryon House. He has a Valyrian bloodline as well. Princess Rhaenys, the “Queen that never was,” is married to him. As the most well-known sailor in the realm, he earned the moniker “The Sea Snake.” In addition to having the largest navy in the Seven Kingdoms, he made his House wealthier than the Lannisters. Steve Toussaint, who portrays Corlys, has a long acting history that includes parts in “Judge Dredd” and “Prince of Persia” (2010). (1995). His most recent television appearances include cameo roles in “Our Girl” in 2018, “Deep Water” in 2019, and the acclaimed U.K. drama “It’s a Sin” in 2021.
Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole:
Ser Criston was born in Dorset. He is the naturally born child of the Lord of Blackhaven’s steward. He is landless and without titles, yet he is a master of the sword. Criston is portrayed by London-born actor Fabien Frankel. He made an appearance in the 2021 television movie “The Serpent,” which also included Jenna Coleman from Matt Smith’s “Doctor Who” show. He also might be familiar with Targaryens because he was in Emilia Clarke’s 2019 romantic comedy “Last Christmas.”
Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower:
Alicent’s father, Otto Hightower, is a Hand of the King who works for Viserys Targaryen. He considers Prince Daemon to be a threat to the throne and is devoted to Viserys. In the 1997 movie “Twin Town,” Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto, made a big impression. Spike, Hugh Grant’s hippy flatmate in the Julia Roberts-starring “Notting Hill,” was one of his most memorable appearances. He also portrayed Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard in the 2012 film “The Amazing Spider-Man.”
Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria:
Prince Daemon has grown to like Mysaria, a resident of King’s Landing. The character, played by Sonoya Mizuno, was cast as Kyoko in Alex Garland’s 2014 film “Ex Machina.” She most recently appeared in Garland’s “Devs” miniseries on Hulu as Lily Chan.
Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling:
Ser Harrold has been a Kingsguard soldier since the reign of King Jaehaerys. He is said to as a shining example of valour and honour. He aids in Princess Rhaenyra’s defence. The dwarf Dwalin was portrayed by Graham McTavish in the “The Hobbit” trilogy. Fans of “Outlander” will recognise him as Dougal MacKenzie, the uncle of Jamie Fraser played by Sam Heughan.
FAQs about House of dragon
Where can I view the Dragon House?
The House Targaryen dynasty takes power. On August 21, HBO and HBO Max will premiere the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon.
How many instalments will there be in House of the Dragon?
Ten episodes will comprise the first season; new episodes will air each week in September and October. House of the Dragon is available on HBO and in streaming on HBO Max. The hour-long segments will air starting on October 9; the finale will air on October 23.
What is the price of adding HBO Max to Hulu?
$14.99/month
You may access all of the HBO Max originals, exclusives, and fan favourites on the HBO Max app for an extra $14.99 per month if you purchase our HBO Max Add-on. On the Hulu app, you can now access the familiar and beloved old HBO programming.
Around 175 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon takes place in the century after Aegon the Conqueror’s initial unification of the Seven Kingdoms, during which time the Targaryens were at the pinnacle of their influence in Westeros.
Author Martin and artist Ryan J. Condal are the minds behind House of the Dragon. The precursor to Martin’s first book in the Game of Thrones series, A Song of Fire and Ice, Fire & Blood, serves as the basis for the prequel series. In addition, Martin and Condol co-executive produce the show with Miguel Sapochnik, the series creator.