'House of the Dragon' S02: Plot, cast, release—everything to know
What's the story
As anticipation builds for the second season of House of the Dragon, fans have been treated to a glimpse of what lies ahead through two captivating new posters. Featuring Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke), the posters capture their intense dynamics. All signs now point to delving into the tumultuous Dance of Dragons civil war. Here's everything we know so far.
Context
Why does this story matter?
House of the Dragon—based on parts of George RR Martin's Fire & Blood—unfolds the Dance of Dragons, a devastating conflict from Westeros's history. Season one laid the foundation for impending chaos, as Rhaenyra—the chosen heir—faced usurpation by Otto Hightower, leading to Aegon II Targaryen taking the Iron Throne. The Game of Thrones prequel chronicles the brutal years-long saga that shook the once-mighty Targaryen Empire.
Posters
Rhaenyra, Alicent demand 'Fire for Fire,' 'Blood for Blood'
House of the Dragon's official X account shared new character posters for season two on Friday. They showcase D'Arcy's Rhaenyra and Cooke's Alicent demanding "blood for blood" and "fire for fire." The new character posters of these two formerly close friends turned bitter rivals hint at the impending drama in the second season. However, the specific plot details for the upcoming season remain undisclosed.
Twitter Post
Take a look at the posters here
Tomorrow.
— House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) December 1, 2023
The first look at #HOTDS2 is coming with fire and blood. #HOTDnaCCXP pic.twitter.com/Yknlfh5T6Z
Prequel
But first, know everything about prequel series
Since the conclusion of the immensely popular GoT series in 2019, the hunger for more dragon-filled narratives has led to the development of multiple spinoff series. A prequel series, House of the Dragon premiered its first season on August 21, 2022. Focused on House Targaryen, the dynasty that birthed Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), it is set during the reign of King Viserys (Paddy Considine).
Plotline
Plot developments and Targaryen civil war
In season two, Rhaenyra and her uncle Daemon—who controversially wed in season one—will clash with the newly-crowned Aegon II in a Targaryen civil war. The Blacks, including Rhaenyra, Daemon, and over a dozen dragons, will face off against the Greens, featuring King Aegon II, Alicent, Otto, and Vhagar—the world's largest dragon. The shocking season one finale saw Aemond and Vhagar kill Rhaenyra's son, Luke.
Characters
Meet new characters, dragons in season 2
The second season promises an ensemble cast featuring Matt Smith, Cooke, D'Arcy, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans, as announced by HBO. Returning cast members also include Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, and Matthew Needham. Showrunner Ryan Condal reportedly confirmed that viewers can look forward to meeting five new dragons.
Crew
Meet crew of 'House of the Dragons'
Season two unveils a dynamic blend of established talent and emerging directors through Warner Bros.'s Discovery Access Directors Shadows program. B Welby and Ebele Tate, chosen under the program, will direct an episode each. The second season, slightly shorter with eight episodes, will see co-creators Martin and Condal continuing their roles as executive producers. The show is reportedly set for a mid-2024 release.