From Freddie Fox to Simon Russell Beale, meet star-studded additions to HBO's 'House of Dragons' Season 2 cast
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is on the horizon, with updates already buzzing about the popular spinoff, featuring some old and returning characters.
The renewal of 'House of the Dragon' isn't unexpected, given HBO's significant investment in the show and its massive viewership numbers. The premiere episode set a new HBO record with 10 million total viewers.
Following the mixed reception of the 'Game of Thrones' finale three years ago, this prequel has reignited enthusiasm for tales from Westeros. Season 1 has garnered strong praise from both critics and viewers, revitalizing HBO's ratings.
After the Hollywood writers' strike began in May 2023, George RR Martin, the writer of Season 1 himself reassured fans about its impact on 'House of the Dragon's schedule.
He updated fans on his personal blog, stating, "The second season of 'House of the Dragon' began filming on April 11 and will continue in London and Wales. The scripts for the eight season 2 episodes were completed months ago, well before the strike began," as per Elle.
He further added, "Each episode underwent multiple drafts and revisions to address HBO notes, my notes, budget concerns, and more. There will be no further revisions. The writers have completed their tasks; now it's up to the directors, cast, crew... and of course, the dragons."
HBO CEO Casey Bloys later confirmed in November that season 2 had finished filming.
With doubts laid to rest by the first season, anticipation now builds for what lies ahead in House of the Dragon season 2 and beyond.
Not only will our favorite characters return for season 2 of 'House of the Dragon,' but there are also new cast members joining the ensemble. Here's a list of all the fresh faces and characters set to appear in the upcoming season.
A look at new cast members joining 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers
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Gayle Rankin is known for her roles in 'Perry Mason' as Emily Dodson, 'GLOW' as Sheila the She-Wolf, and 'Kindred' as Margaret Weylin. She has also appeared in movies like 'The Greatest Showman' and 'The Climb'.
In the upcoming season of 'House of the Dragon', Rankin will play the character of Alys Rivers. A mysterious and captivating figure, Rivers will be involved with Ewan Mitchell's ambitious and violent Prince Aemond Targaryen.
However, this entanglement won't unfold until later seasons, as by the end of Season 2, Harrenhal remains under the control of the Blacks.
Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull
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HBO didn't stop at just one lead from 'Raised by Wolves', as Amanda Collin's co-star Abubakar Salim, who played the android Father, has also joined Season 2.
Salim is also recognized for his role as Pedro in 'Jamestown' and for his extensive voice-acting work in games like 'Assassin's Creed: Origins', 'Diablo', and 'World of Warcraft'.
In 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Salim will take on the role of Alyn of Hull. A bastard of House Velaryon, Alyn and his brother Addam will join the Blacks' quest to find new dragon riders. Later on, they will be legitimized as heirs to Driftmark.
Freddie Fox as Gwayne Hightower
Freddie Fox is recognized for his roles as King Hugo in 'The Great' and James 'Spider' Webb in 'Slow Horses'. Prior to these, Fox had notable parts in shows like 'Cucumber', 'Watership Down', 'The Shadow Line', and 'The Crown'.
In 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Fox will play Ser Gwayne Hightower, the eldest son of Lord Otto Hightower and the brother of Dowager Queen Alicent. He is the heir to House Hightower of Oldtown.
Gwayne briefly appeared in the show's pilot episode, portrayed by a stunt actor wearing a helmet during the royal tourney. Now, Gwayne's character will be portrayed by Freddie Fox.
Simon Russell Beale as Sir Simon Strong
Simon Russell Beale is a seasoned theater actor recognized for his portrayal of Henry Lenham in 'The Lenham Trilogy'. He has also appeared in various films and shows, including a notable role in 'Vanity Fair' alongside Olivia Cooke, who plays Queen Alicent in 'House of the Dragon'.
In Season 2, Beale will join the cast as Simon Strong, the current ruler of Harrenhal and the great-uncle of the manipulative Larys Strong. Harrenhal will play a significant role in Season 2 of the show.
Tom Taylor as Cregan Stark
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Tom Taylor is most recognized for his leading role in the movie adaptation of 'The Dark Tower', where he played Jake Chambers. Additionally, he has had recurring roles in shows like 'The Last Kingdom', 'The Bay', and 'Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned'.
In an important casting choice, Tom Taylor will portray Cregan Stark, an ancestor of Jon Snow, in the upcoming season. This role will further integrate the Stark family into the story.
Joining the cast are Tom Bennett as Ulf, Kieran Bew as Hugh, Jamie Kenna as Ser Alfred Broome, Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, and Vincent Regan as Ser Rickard Thorne.
Who are the returning cast members for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
HBO has confirmed the cast for Season 2, including Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon and Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole.
Some of the other cast includes Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
Returning cast members include Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon, Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen, Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen, Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen, Jefferson Hall as Tyland and Jason Lannister, and Matthew Needham as Larys Strong.
There's anticipation around Graham McTavish's return as Ser Harrold Westerling. Some characters' fates are uncertain, like Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan), who's alive but exiled himself. Could he make a dramatic return in Season 2?
Sadly, we bid farewell to Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as young Rhaenyra and Alicent after the mid-season time jump in Season 1. Despite hopes for their return in flashback scenes, showrunner Ryan Condal says it's not part of the current storyline.
Paddy Considine's character, Viserys, also took his final bow in episode 8, ruling out his return.
What is the plot of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
In 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, the story will pick up right where Season 1 left off, focusing on the 'Dance of the Dragons.' Aegon and Rhaenyra have declared themselves as King and Queen, sparking a fierce battle for the Iron Throne.
While it's uncertain how much of 'Fire & Blood' will be adapted, the book provides insight into major events for the upcoming episodes.
Showrunner Ryan Condal hinted at the possibility of including the Blood and Cheese storyline, referencing historical rat traps he had studied. Additionally, season 2 will adopt a storytelling style more reminiscent of 'Game of Thrones,' with less focus on setup and exposition.
There's a suggestion that season 2 will feature a pivotal battle, the Battle of Rook's Rest, in the 'Dance of the Dragons.' This battle marks one of the first major clashes between the two armies and is expected to include intense dragon-on-dragon combat, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
The use of dragon-killing scorpion crossbows indicates that there will be fatalities among both dragons and humans.
When will HBO release 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has been eagerly anticipated, and HBO has at last revealed a release date after almost two years of waiting.
The new season is set to premiere on June 16, 2024, in a summer timeslot that promises to compete with the biggest Hollywood blockbusters.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer