The intense struggle for the Iron Throne continues as “House of the Dragon” has officially been renewed for a third season. This announcement came just days before the highly anticipated premiere of the second season, set for June 2024. The show’s popularity is evident, with around 7.8 million viewers tuning in for the season 2 premiere, according to Deadline, indicating a strong desire for more Targaryen family drama.
Set approximately 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” chronicles the rise and fall of the Targaryen family, known for their dragons and their propensity for madness. Co-created by Ryan Condal and George R.R. Martin, the series is based on Martin’s fantasy novel series that inspired “Game of Thrones.”
While the first season introduced audiences to the Targaryens, and the second season showcased several dragon battles, Condal revealed in an “Inside the Episode” special that season 3 will delve into “total war.” He emphasized that while the previous season focused on the early stages of medieval conflict, the upcoming season will escalate into full-scale warfare.
As fans eagerly await the next chapter, here’s everything we know about “House of the Dragon” season 3 so far.
The release date for season 3 has not yet been announced, following the conclusion of season 2 on August 4, 2024. The showrunners have also remained tight-lipped about the number of episodes, with season 1 featuring 10 episodes and season 2 consisting of eight.
The season 2 finale left viewers with a shocking reunion between Rhaenyra and Alicent. In a surprising twist, Alicent sneaks into Dragonstone to offer Rhaenyra a way to win the war. Together, they devise a plan for Rhaenyra to claim the Iron Throne, with Alicent tearfully agreeing to Rhaenyra’s request for Aegon’s head.
However, the episode’s closing moments reveal the Greens marching toward Harrenhal, where Daemon and his army are stationed. Meanwhile, new dragon riders for the Blacks prepare for battle, and Aegon escapes King’s Landing with Larys, complicating Alicent and Rhaenyra’s plans.
The finale also featured a significant moment connecting to “Game of Thrones,” as Daemon learns about his fate and the darkness that lies ahead through a vision guided by the three-eyed raven. This vision foreshadows the rise of Daenerys Targaryen over 200 years later, culminating in Rhaenyra sitting on the Iron Throne. Daemon’s warning to Rhaenyra, “Winter is coming,” echoes a familiar phrase for fans of the original series.
While the cast for season 3 has not been officially confirmed, fans are hopeful that Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), and Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen) will reprise their roles. D’Arcy expressed feelings of loneliness during the filming of season 2, leading to speculation about their departure from the show. However, they clarified that this sentiment stemmed from having fewer scenes with their co-stars.
In a June 2024 interview, Cooke reflected on the pressure of being part of a new offshoot of the “Game of Thrones” universe, emphasizing the hard work put into the series. Showrunner Condal revealed that the writing for season 3 had already begun, as they aim to release new seasons every other year. He acknowledged the challenge of determining when to conclude the series, wanting to find a satisfying ending that ties up loose ends while leaving some open for future exploration.
As for where to watch “House of the Dragon,” fans can currently stream seasons 1 and 2 on Max.
Plans for season 3 are already taking shape, with HBO announcing the green light for the new season on June 13, just days before the season 2 premiere. Francesca Orsi, head of HBO Drama Series and Films, praised the efforts of the cast and crew, expressing excitement for the continuation of the Targaryen saga.
Season 2 focused on the beginnings of the civil war within House Targaryen, divided between the Greens, who support Aegon and Alicent Hightower, and the Blacks, who back Rhaenyra Targaryen. With that chapter now closed, the series is poised to explore the next phase of the conflict.
The season 2 finale sets the stage for major battles, particularly at Harrenhal, where troops are gathering. The Greens have the support of the Lannisters, Hightowers, and the Triarchy fleet, while the Blacks boast at least six dragons and alliances with the Starks and Velaryons. The forces are on a collision course, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Additionally, the fate of Aegon, who has fled to Braavos with Larys, raises questions about his journey and its implications for the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Otto Hightower’s mysterious situation at the end of season 2 adds another layer of intrigue.
Condal’s comments about the upcoming season suggest a shift in focus, with the potential for total war dominating the narrative. Steve Toussaint, who plays Corlys Velaryon, hinted that Team Black is gaining momentum, while D’Arcy noted that Rhaenyra now holds a stronger position in the power struggle.
As for the cast, while HBO has not confirmed the official lineup, several characters are expected to return based on their survival at the end of season 2. This includes Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower), Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon), and others. Fans are also eager to see more of new characters introduced in season 2, such as Kieran Bew (Hugh Hammer) and Abubakar Salim (Alyn of Hull).
Production for season 3 is set to begin in early 2025, following the conclusion of season 2. While there is no official release date yet, the anticipation for the next installment is palpable. Condal has indicated that the series is likely to conclude after four seasons, although the exact timeline remains uncertain.
As the world of “House of the Dragon” continues to expand, fans can expect a thrilling exploration of the Targaryen legacy, filled with political intrigue, epic battles, and the ever-present threat of war. The journey is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
Source: Deadline, Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, ELLE
