House of the Dragon: HBO teases thrilling season finale

The epic story of House Targaryen was revealed last year in the first season of House of the Dragon, the first of a number of planned spin-offs to the massively popular fantasy series Game of Thrones. As George RR Martin’s world of Westeros continues to expand on HBO, fans received some exciting news about the state of the next instalment.

HBO has confirmed House of the Dragon season two commenced filming in Leavesden in the UK this week.

Most of the series’ main cast will be returning, including Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen and Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, although some major players will be missing.

Breakout stars Milly Alcock and Emily Carey won’t be part of season two, despite receiving universal acclaim for their performances last year.

They portrayed younger versions of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower respectively, before being replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke due to a time jump.

Showrunner Ryan Condal previously confirmed to Variety: “[They] are not a part of the story that we’re telling, yet. That’s not a thing that we’re doing right now.”

Condal’s comments suggest they could eventually return for flashbacks in future seasons, though the chances of this happening will become less likely as the actresses get older.

Paddy Considine’s King Viserys Targaryen will also not be returning after succumbing to illness at the end of season one.

Also confirmed to return are Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).

The announcement has also confirmed Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), aka the White Worm, is still alive, despite her house being set on fire at the end of the first season.

Finally, rounding out the cast for season two are Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, and Matthew Needham.

HBO confirmed filming had started again with a tantalising snap of one of Game of Thrones’ most iconic props, the Iron Throne.

“It’s time to return to King’s Landing,” House of the Dragon’s official Twitter page wrote. “Season two of #HouseoftheDragon is now in production.”

Don’t miss…
9-1-1 Lone Star fans fume at Owen’s ‘weird’ relationship twist[BACKLASH]
Law and Order SVU favourite returns for season 24 finale[NEWS]
FBI International teases major death as Forrester targeted[VIDEO]

In a new statement, Condal said: “House of the Dragon has returned.

“We are thrilled to be shooting again with members of our original family as well as new talents on both sides of the camera.

“All your favourite characters will soon be conspiring at the council tables, marching with their armies, and riding their dragons into battle. We can’t wait to share what we have in store.”

Condal has stepped in as showrunner for the series following the departure of his collaborator Miguel Sapochnik after just one season.

One of Game of Thrones’ most sought-after directors, Alan Taylor, will be returning to helm some episodes of season two.

Behind the camera, executive producers Sara Hess, Melissa Bernstein, Kevin de la Noy, Loni Peristere, and Vince Gerardis are joining the show.

Season two is expected to premiere in 2024, and will consist of eight episodes as opposed to the 10-part first instalment.

House of the Dragon is available to stream on HBO Max in the USA and Sky Go and NOW in the UK.

Source: Read Full Article