House of the Dragon Season 3: 4 Characters Unlikely to Return in the Targaryen Saga

Eve Best will not return as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. This is probably the least shocking entry in the list. In the sophomore installment, Rhaenys was seen getting killed at the Battle of Rook's Rest. She dies alongside her dragon Meleys after being ambushed by Aemond Targaryen. During the course of two seasons, the 'Queen that Never Was' had become a fan favorite of sorts. She was steadfast and loyal to Rhaenyra's cause even after suffering back-to-back tragedies of losing her children and dealing with her spouse's unfaithfulness. Even if the fans desperately want the most level-headed character of this saga to come back, Martin ended her tale in Rook's Rest. 

Lord Cregan Stark was probably the most highly anticipated character of the sophomore installment. Tom Taylor also played it with the typical gravitas that the audience has come to expect from the Winterfell lords. He appeared in the season 2 premiere and pledged his loyalty to Rhaenyra's cause. Since then, he has not appeared in any episodes. The actor will also reportedly not appear in the third installment. However, his role in the saga is not complete. During the civil war's climax, he will be the one to march an army in the south to take over Westeros in the name of Team Black. He will eventually serve as the 'Hand of the King' to young Aegon III, and conduct ruthless trials against those who betrayed the royal family. This period became famously known as the 'Hour of the Wolf.' Hence, it can be expected that the Stark lord will again appear in the HBO show, possibly in the next season. 

Ellora Torchia, who played Kat in the sophomore season, has not been announced as part of season three. Kat is a commoner of King's Landing. She is introduced in the third episode as the blacksmith Hugh's wife. Hugh is loyal to King Aegon and refuses to doubt Team Green. Kat, though, understands that Aegon's side may be in dire straits when they refuse to pay Hugh for his services. She asks her husband to flee with her and their daughter to Tumbleton. At first, Hugh rejects the notion, but later Kat convinces him by warning him of Rhaenyra's impending attacks. The gold cloaks stop the couple, and in the absence of resources, their daughter dies. Hurt by the loss, Hugh decides to go to Dragonstone and support Rhaenyra by claiming one of her dragons. Kat protests, but it is to no avail. Kat never appears in the books, but Hugh Hammer plays a pivotal role in the war, tilting the favor to Team Greens. Hugh's important role in the books could lead to Kat's return in the show. 

Simon Russell Beale is also not likely to return as Ser Simon Strong. Ser Simon Strong is seen working closely with Daemon Targaryen for the sake of Rhaenyra's claim in the sophomore season. He also shows intense dislike for his great-nephew Larys, who declared for Team Blacks. In the books, he became the victim of Aemond Targaryen's ruthlessness, who executes him and his grandsons after taking up Harrenhal. The storyline may be removed from the show; however, Harrenhal is deeply connected to Alys Rivers, who is an important part of Aemond's story. Hence, his return cannot be ruled out as well.