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Hit show with A-list stars lands third series – before the second one has even aired
The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming second season
A POPULAR show which is part of a long-running franchise has secured a third season - before the second has even aired.
HBO launched the programme in August 2022, having assembled an all-star cast.
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Fantasy drama House of the Dragon is a prequel to smash hit Game of Thrones which aired on HBO from 2011 to 2019.
As a prequel, the story depicted in House of the Dragon takes place around 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones.
The original show was itself based on the novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin.
The plot of House of the Dragon portrays the decline of House Targaryen.
This bloodline was most notably represented in Game of Thrones by Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), a lead character throughout the show's run.
As such, central figures of House of the Dragon season 1 include King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine), a kind and decent king.
The ensemble also features younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen (played by former Doctor Who star Matt Smith), a fierce warrior who is more unpredictable than his brother.
Ahead of season two being released later this month, HBO has announced the hit show will also return for a third outing.
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The network’s programming and drama series chief Francesca Orsi shared the update in a statement.
Francesca said: “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 rivalled by its heart.
First look at series two of epic Game Of Thrones prequel House Of The Dragon
“We could not be more thrilled to continue the story of House Targaryen and watch this team burn bright again for season three.”
She also praised George R.R. Martin and showrunner Ryan Condal for their work.
Who stars in House of the Dragon?
A prequel to smash-hit fantasy series Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon premiered in August 2022. The show features an ensemble cast playing characters in the fictional setting of Westeros. Let's take a look at some of the famous faces in House of the Dragon.
Paddy Considine: Actor, director and screenwriter Paddy received the role of King Viserys I Targaryen in House of the Dragon and led the ensemble in sesason one. Paddy's film credits include Hot Fuzz and The World's End, while his other TV work ranges from Peaky Blinders, The Outsider and The Third Day. He is also known for his collaborations with director Shane Meadows.
Matt Smith: Matt became the youngest ever actor to play Doctor Who, when he nabbed the role as a 29-year-old in 2009. Now a few years removed from the beloved BBC show, he is now playing the unpredictable Prince Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Matt also starred as Prince Philip in The Crown, receiving a Primetime Emmy award nomination for his performance.
Olivia Cooke: From Oldham in Greater Manchester, Olivia Cooke has enjoyed success on both sides of the pond. She had a starring role as Emma Decody in Bates Motel from 2013 to 2017. Prior to starring as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, Olivia also appeared in period drama Vanity Fair and the sci-fi film Ready Player One, which was directed by Steven Spielberg.
Rhys Ifans: Before playing Ser Otto Hightower, Rhys Ifans was no stranger to blockbuster franchises. He's played Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and Marvel Comics villain Dr Curt Connors/Lizard. He portrayed Mycroft Holmes in CBS series Elementary. Rhys also starred in films such as Notting Hill, Kevin & Perry Go Large and Enduring Love.
Emma D'Arcy: Before landing the role of Princess/Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Emma had appeared as a main cast member in Wanderlust and Truth Seekers. Their film credits include 2020's Misbehaviour opposite a cast including Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Greg Kinnear, Keeley Hawes, Jessie Buckley, Phyllis Logan and Lesley Manville.
This update follows a trend for the show, having been renewed for its second season just five days after premiering.
Returning cast members include Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy and Rhys Ifans.
The first episode of House of the Dragon season 2 will air on Sky Atlantic in the UK at 2am on Monday, June 17.
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