Everything we know about House of the Dragon Season 3

Though House of the Dragon started off strong with season 1, season 2 left viewers with mixed feelings. Season 1 introduced the characters and settings surrounding the Civil War, while Season 2 showcased the beginning of the war, focusing on character development and long-awaited battles.

One of the standout episodes was the Battle of Rook’s Rest, featuring the first aerial dragon battle. However, many fans felt the scope of season 2 was smaller than expected. It ended on a cliffhanger, setting up more intense battles for season 3, which promises even more breathtaking action as the Dance of the Dragons rages on.

HBO executives and showrunner Ryan Condal have shared some details about what we can expect in the upcoming season. Here is everything we know so far about Season 3 of House of the Dragon.

Read More: “Prepare for a filler season”: Brutally honest video sums up everything that was wrong with House of the Dragon Season 2

When will House of the Dragon Season 3 come out?

Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO

Quick Facts

• Season 3 is anticipated to be released in early to mid-2026.
• No trailer has been released for Season 3 yet.
• Showrunner Ryan Condal mentioned that the writing team was already deep into writing the script for Season 3
• House of the Dragon was renewed for season 3 in June 2024
• Pre-production for House of the Dragon Season 3 is officially set to begin on October 31, 2024.
• The production will return to Caceres, Spain, to film key scenes for Season 3 in early 2025

Season 3 Renewal

House of the Dragon was renewed for season 3 in June 2024, even before season 2 aired, showing HBO’s strong confidence in the series. In a press statement via Variety, HBO’s Francesca Orsi praised the show and confirmed its third season. Orsi stated:

“We are in awe of the dragon-sized effort the entire team has put into the creation of a spectacular season two, with a scope and scale that is only rivaled by its heart. We could not be more thrilled to continue the story of House Targaryen and watch this team burn bright again for season three.”

Writing for Season 3 was already underway in May

Showrunner Ryan Condal mentioned in May that the writing team was already deep into writing the script for Season 3 of House of the Dragon. Condal promised that the new season would be filled with more action and larger-scale battles, reflecting the escalating war between the Targaryen factions. He mentioned that his writing would focus on deepening the character arcs while delivering the political intrigue and dramatic tension that fans love.

Season 3 to begin pre-production in October 2024

Pre-production for House of the Dragon Season 3 is officially set to begin on October 31, 2024. After the production was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, fans are eagerly awaiting the next steps for the series.

With Season 2 already complete, the show’s creators are wasting no time preparing for what’s expected to be an action-packed third season. This timeline suggests that filming could begin in early 2025.

House of the Dragon will return to Caceres, Spain, for Season 3 filming

The production of House of the Dragon will return to Caceres, Spain, to film key scenes for Season 3. This location, which has previously served as King’s Landing, will once again play a central role in the series. Filming in Caceres is expected to occur in early 2025, adding further authenticity to the medieval setting.

Read More: How House of the Dragon solidifies the ‘Chosen One’ troupe in Game of Thrones, explains showrunner Ryan Condal

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12/20/2024 05:42 am GMT

Who will be in the cast of House of the Dragon Season 3?

Credit: HBO

Most of the main cast is expected to return for season 3. This includes Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower. The returning cast will likely include:

• Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower
• Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon
• Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole
• Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
• Matthew Needham as Lord Larys Strong
• Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen
• Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen
• Phia Saban as Queen Helaena Targaryen
• Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
• Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen
• Phoebe Campbell as Lady Rhaena Targaryen
• Jefferson Hall as Lord Jason Lannister and Ser Tyland Lannister
• Kurt Egyiawan as Grand Maester Orwyle
• Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer
• Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull
• Tom Taylor as Lord Cregan Stark
• Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull
• Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower
• Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers
• Tom Bennett as Ulf White
• Sir Simon Russell Beale as Ser Simon Strong
• Oscar Eskinazi as Prince Joffrey Velaryon
• Jamie Kenna as Ser Alfred Broome
• Vincent Regan as Ser Rickard Thorne
• Amanda Collin as Lady Jeyne Arryn

More cast members are expected to return, and there will be new faces, including the anticipated introduction of Daeron Targaryen.

Read More: Budget constraints impacted the House of the Dragon finale, reveals showrunner Ryan Condal

What to expect from House of the Dragon Season 3

Credit: HBO

Quick Details

• Season 3 is expected to have eight episodes, similar to Season 2.
• It will bring several new characters and intense battles.
• The Battle of the Gullet will likely occur in the season premiere.
• Admiral Sharako Lohar, played by actress Abigail Thorn, will likely play a major part in this battle.
• We will see the introduction of Prince Daeron Targaryen in Season 3.

The Battle of the Gullet might be the biggest war sequence in Season 3

According to Ryan Condal, the highly anticipated Battle of the Gullet is expected to be the biggest war sequence in House of the Dragon Season 3. This naval battle, which plays a key role in the civil war between Team Black and Team Green, will likely feature in the season premiere. According to reports, the production is investing heavily in both special effects and choreography to deliver a spectacle on par with the most iconic battles in the Game of Thrones universe.

Season 3 will be about “Total War”

With House of the Dragon Season 2 featuring only one major clash between Team Black and Team Green at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, Ryan Condal assured fans that things will change in Season 3.

Unlike the slower pace of the second season, where Princess Rhaenyra focused on minimizing collateral damage, Condal emphasized that Season 3 will be more action-packed.

Speaking in the post-finale featurette, the showrunner said Season 3 will be about “total war.” He stated:

“While this season was very much about the fits and starts of an early medieval war, season three is clearly going to be about total war.”

Aegon will go through a transformation in Season 3

Actor Tom Glynn-Carney, who portrays Aegon II Targaryen, hinted at significant character development for Aegon in Season 3. In a recent interview, Glynn-Carney revealed that viewers will see Aegon undergo a major transformation, likely becoming more ruthless and mature as the Targaryen civil war intensifies. This character arc will be crucial as tensions between the warring factions escalate.

New characters and expected battles

Fans also hope to see the introduction of Nettles, a fan-favorite character from the books who was absent in season 2. Though it was assumed that this character was merged with Rhaena Targaryen, Season 2’s ending has left it ambiguous.

The war will possibly include some major battles like the Butcher’s Ball and possibly even the Battle Above the God’s Eye, making season 3 even more action-packed. We will definitely see the introduction of the young Prince Daeron Targaryen, whose dragon we saw flying above the Hightower armies in the season finale.

Read More: Who is Sharako Lohar in House of the Dragon?

How many seasons of House of the Dragon will there be in total?

Credits: HBO

The fourth season of House of the Dragon is expected to be its last. In August, Ryan Condal confirmed that the show will end with Season 4. While Game of Thrones had eight seasons, George R.R. Martin mentioned on his blog that House of the Dragon needed four seasons to properly cover the Dance of the Dragons. He wrote:

“It is going to take four full seasons of ten episodes each to do justice to the Dance of the Dragons, from start to finish.”

However, HBO executive Francesca Orsi said in May 2023 to Deadline that the exact number of seasons was still being discussed. She confirmed that it would be no less than four but could potentially be more. She stated:

“Is it four seasons? I don’t think from where I sit at this point will be any less than four. But could be more. We’ll see.”

At a press conference, Condal also noted that the writers now know the show’s final destination and that it will be concluded within three more seasons after Season 2. He stated:

“One of the things that really came into play in Season 2 is: What is the final destination of the series, and where are we going? And I think it was a combination of factors that led us – knowing now where we’re going and we know what that end point is – to rebalance the story in such a way that we had three further great seasons of television to round out and tell this story, and we knew where we were going and we know how those things kind of break up and break out.”

George R. R. Martin’s comments on House of the Dragon Season 2

Credit: George R.R. Martin

George R. R. Martin, along with many fans, has shared mixed reactions to the second season of House of the Dragon. While he initially expressed excitement for the season, his comments have shifted to more critical reflections as the season progressed. Below is a breakdown of Martin’s evolving views on the show.

Early excitement and positive impressions

In December 2023, Martin praised the first two episodes of House of the Dragon Season 2 after an early viewing. He appreciated the darker tone of the season and its emotional depth. Martin felt the show delivered a strong narrative, drawing from his love of Shakespearean tragedy. His initial reaction to Season 2 was overwhelmingly positive, with high praise for its intensity and impact.

Frustration over creative choices

As the season unfolded, Martin began expressing frustration over certain creative decisions. One major issue he raised in July 2024 was using an incorrect four-legged dragon sigil for House Targaryen. He pointed out that this deviation from the original two-legged dragon used in earlier seasons of Game of Thrones bothered him deeply. Martin’s frustration reflected his concern for accuracy in portraying his world, both in the books and on-screen.

Disagreements on character removal

One of Martin’s more significant critiques came when he expressed disappointment over the decision to remove Prince Maelor from the show. In a now-deleted blog post from September 2024, Martin explained his disagreement with showrunner Ryan Condal’s decision to cut the character for budgetary reasons. He believed that while Maelor’s role seemed small, his death and its impact were crucial to the larger storyline. Martin hinted at future issues with the show if similar changes were made, expressing concern about how they might affect the overall narrative.

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