Why did House of the Dragon change actors?

House of the Dragon and its world, characters, and complex relationship dynamics are set in the same universe as the Game of Thrones. But, even then the makers didn’t cast any of the previous actors from GoT, why is it?

Quick answer: This one is a completely new series that doesn’t have any recurring characters from the previous show. And, since it is not a sequel or spinoff, it does make sense to rope in a fresh cast for House of the Dragon. The same actors playing different characters in the same franchise would have created confusion in the minds of the audience.

Read more: House of the Dragon Season 2 release date rumors addressed by HBO

Game of Thrones premise, characters, and cast

Credits: HBO

The basic premise of Game of Thrones is the power struggles between the noble houses of Westeros. While they contend to sit on the Iron Throne, there is an unknown threat lurking far North, beyond the wall.

The primary cast and characters of the show include-

• Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
• Kit Harington as Jon Snow
• Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
• Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
• Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
• Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

House of the Dragon premise, characters, and cast

Credits: HBO

Unlike GoT, the prequel series focuses mainly on House Targaryen and the war of succession within the family. The conflict leads to one of the major highlights of ‘Song of Ice and Fire’ called Dance of the Dragons, a Targaryen civil war.

The primary cast and characters of the House of the Dragon are-

• Milly Alcock/Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
• Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
• Olivia Cooke/Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower
• Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower
• Eve Best as Rhaenys Targayren
• Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon

House of the Dragon takes place almost 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. Being a spin-off, we get a close look at the ancestors of the characters in the previous show, showing how the events and the rivalry between the families in HoD led to Game of Thrones.

What GoT peeked us about the dragons, this one explores it and how! A lot of dragons, wars, and mind games will be coming up in the Summer of 2024. So, stay tuned for the latest updates.

Read more: What book is House of the Dragon based on? Here’s what the Game of Thrones prequel is adapted from