‘House of the Dragon’: Who is Otto Hightower? Rhys Ifans plays Hand of the King who is loyal to Viserys I

In the books, Otto Hightower was portrayed as a knight known for his extensive knowledge, who was also very calculated and cautious
PUBLISHED AUG 21, 2022
'House of the Dragon' featuring Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower (IMDb)
'House of the Dragon' featuring Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower (IMDb)

Do you find the hype around 'Game of Thrones' neverending? Wait until you get to know about its prequel. Another one of George RR Martin's epic creations is set to come to HBO and HBO Max. 'House of the Dragon' will premier on August 21, 2022. With the astonishing and popular success of 'Game of Thrones,' the level of anticipation and expectations out of its prequel is through the roof. 'House of the Dragon' is expected to have a much smaller, easy-to-follow plot as it follows the life and history of the Targaryen family. Moreover, the prequel is set almost 200 years before the story of 'Game of Thrones'.

If dragons are your thing, no doubt 'House of the Dragon' will pique your interest. The first season will have 10 episodes. HBO's plan to expand the fantasy universe is sure to elicit positive responses. The show will showcase a Targaryen civil war. As it is set at a time when the ruling family was at its pinnacle of power, we can expect to see family feuds and drama unravel.

RELATED ARTICLES

'House of the Dragon': From Caraxes to Silverwing, all the Dragons appearing in the HBO fantasy series

George RR Martin wanted 'House of the Dragon' to accurately showcase these THREE key details from book

Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower (IMDb)
Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower from 'House of the Dragon' (IMDb)

Who is Otto Hightower?

Played by Rhys Ifans, Otto Hightower plays a major role in the life of the Targaryens. However, House Hightower was not included or accounted for in 'Game of Thrones.' Otto Hightower is the Hand of the King to Viserys Targaryen. Prior to this, Otto Hightower has a king and vast history of assisting other kings. His character is also defined by his relationship with his daughter Alicent Hightower. He is portrayed as someone whose loyalty and trust lie with the Targaryen family. He is known for his explicit dislike of the king's brother, who he strongly believes is up to no good. In the books, Otto was portrayed as a knight known for his extensive knowledge. Although the ability made him arrogant, he was also very calculated and cautious. 

Who plays Otto Hightower in 'House of the Dragon'?

Otto Hightower is played by the versatile actor Rhys Ifans. Born in Wales, Rhys attended Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Rhys has not only acted in blockbuster movies like 'The Amazing Spider-Man' and 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', he has also showcased his talent on Tv screens by playing the role of the earnest and disciplined Mycroft Holmes in 'Elementary'.

Viewers hope to add 'House of the Dragon' to the list of Rhys' memorable performances. 

RELATED TOPICS HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (2022)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'God of War' game creator David Jaffe minced no words in his initial reaction to the picture featuring the two main characters in a YouTube video.
48 minutes ago
Based on Manuel Gonzales' short story, a freak accident sees Matthew Macfadyen and Elizabeth Banks in a world of trouble in 'The Miniature Wife.'
1 hour ago
'Bridgerton' showrunner envisages the world of the show as one in which all past characters are perpetually present and have never left.
2 hours ago
Season 2 of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ shifts to a harsher new landscape as Dunk and Egg face drought, loyalty tests and rising tensions.
3 hours ago
'Where There's Smoke' marks Tyler Perry's extended work for Netflix after 'Beauty in Black' and 'Six Triple Eight'
3 hours ago
The 'Chicago' and '9-1-1' franchises mark their return to TV with much-awaited crossovers after a quiet February.
4 hours ago
'Bridgerton's' Sophie Baek grew up with her father as an illegitimate child before being handed to her stepmother, following the death of her own mother.
5 hours ago
'Paradise' Season 2 episode 4 showed an unexpected twist with Annie and her baby, and the fans shared their reactions on the internet.
5 hours ago
'Best Medicine' was adapted from Dominic Minghella's British classic 'Doc Martin,' and Season 1 was watched by 12.6 million viewers.
6 hours ago
The comedy-drama series is set in the 1960s, and it sees Kristen Wiig as Maxine trying to carve out a place for herself in high society
9 hours ago