At last, HBO has finally rounded out its main cast for its long-anticipated Game of Thrones [1] prequel, House of the Dragon [2]. The series, which is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, is based on author George R.R. Martin's 2019 novel Fire & Blood and will follow the story of House Targaryen. The five major actors who have been tapped as the lead characters [3] are Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, and Steve Toussaint. Other new additions to the cast include Ryan Corr, Graham McTavish, Jefferson Hall, Matthew Needham, David Horovitch, Bill Paterson, and Gavin Spokes.
HBO originally announced the Targaryen-focused prequel [4] back in September 2019, giving it a 10-episode order and tapping Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal to serve as showrunners and executive producers. Though no official release date has been announced yet, HBO did tease a 2022 premiere in its latest trailer [5]. Now that all the major cast members have been announced, we could be expecting more news about the series any day now. Ahead, read up on all the cast members and characters on House of the Dragon!
Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen I
Chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen at the Great Council at Harrenhal, Viserys I is a warm, kind, and decent man who only wishes to carry forward his grandfather's legacy. But we all know good men do not necessarily make for great kings. Fans of Game of Thrones remember that Viserys I ruled over Westeros for nearly 100 years after Aegon's Conquest, and his children, Rhaenyra and Aegon II, ultimately fought a civil war over his throne that became known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
D'Arcy is set to star as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, who is the king's first-born, pure Valyrian-blooded child and a dragonrider. According to Variety, Rhaenyra was "born with everything . . . but she was not born a man."
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen
The Doctor Who and The Crown star will transform into Prince Daemon Targaryen — King Viserys' younger brother and heir to the throne. Daemon is described as a "peerless warrior and a dragonrider" who possesses the true blood of the dragon.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
Cooke's character is the daughter of Hand of the King Otto Hightower. She was raised in the Red Keep where the king and his inner circle often machinate. Alicent is known as "the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms" and has "courtly grace and a keen political acumen."
Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon
Toussaint's role as Lord Corlys Velaryon [7] stems from a Valyrian bloodline that's as "old as House Targaryen," according to Deadline. His character, also referred to as "The Sea Snake," is considered the most famous marine adventurer in the history of Westeros. He also "built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world."
Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
Mizuno is set to portray Mysaria [8], whose character came to Westeros with next to nothing and has "been sold more times than she can recall." Instead of folding under pressure, she rises up to become the most trustworthy ally to Prince Daemon Targaryen.
Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole
Frankel is taking on the part of Ser Criston Cole [9], who comes from Dornish descent and is the son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. Without any claim to land or titles, all Cole has are his honour and swordsman skills.
Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon
Best is set to play Princess Rhaenys Velaryon [10], a dragonrider and wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon. She was passed over as the next heir to the throne because the realm preferred her male cousin, Viserys, simply because of his gender.
Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin "Breakbones" Strong
Corr is cast as Ser Harwin "Breakbones" Strong, aka possibly the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms [11]. He's the eldest son of Master of Laws Lyonel Strong and heir to Harrenhal.
Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling
Outlander [12] star McTavish has been tapped to play Ser Harrold Westerling [13]. Ser Harrold has served in the Kingsguard ever since the days of King Jaehaerys and embraces everything about chivalry and honour.
Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower
Ifans will be helming the role of Otto Hightower [14], also known as The Hand of the King, who faithfully and loyally serves his king and his realm.
Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury
Paterson will be playing the part of Lord Lyman Beesbury [15], known as Lord of Honeyholt and Master of Coin on King Viserys's small council.
Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong
Spokes joins the cast [16] as Lord Lyonel Strong, the Master of Laws to King Viserys and Lord of Harrenhal.
David Horovitch as Grand Maester Mellos
Horovitch's role as Grand Maester Mellos [17] serves as the voice of reason and also the trusted advisor to King Viserys.