House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1: Everything we know so far

House of the Dragon Season 2, set to premiere in 2024 summer, promises a thrilling continuation of the Targaryen saga, with returning favorites and tantalizing surprises.

By Samridhi Goel

Published on Dec 27, 2023 | 01:53 PM IST | 5.4M

House of Dragons (YouTube)

Exciting news for Game of Thrones enthusiasts as the Targaryen saga continues with the eagerly anticipated second season of House of the Dragon, set to premiere in 2024 summer. With a fresh ensemble of characters joining returning favorites, HBO has tantalized fans with first-look images and a teaser video, providing a glimpse into the upcoming season. The visuals, dark and evocative as ever, hint at the continuation of the Targaryen family's gripping quest for the Iron Throne. As anticipation builds, the series promises another spellbinding blend of drama and suspense. For those who have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Targaryen legacy, the summer release is bound to be a thrilling rendezvous with the world of Westeros.

House of Dragon Season 2: Everything we know so far

Despite significant production delays caused by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes affecting many major television shows, the Game of Thrones spin-off is set to make a comeback for its second season in the summer of 2024. Thanks to its union contract based in the UK, HBO's production continued filming throughout the past summer.

Francesca Orsi, the Executive Vice President of Drama Series at HBO, reiterated in May that the series was aiming for a summer 2024 return. During this time, the network was also focused on restarting production for The Last of Us and The White Lotus. In an interview with Deadline, Orsi expressed confidence in the project, highlighting the impressive cast assembled by Kate Rhodes James and the emotional depth they bring to the scripts. "The emotionality that the cast is bringing to it is something that we feel confident with, and we know that we're going to deliver something special," she said.

What will House of Dragon Season 2 be all about?

In contrast to the intense fan speculation that characterized the Thrones era, House of the Dragon draws its narrative from George R.R. Martin's completed novel, Fire & Blood, providing a more predetermined trajectory. Despite this, dedicated fans have managed to keep the fates of key characters under wraps, even as the series unfolds with a cascade of deaths and significant plot twists.

The latter part of Season One raised eyebrows by orchestrating a controversial union between Rhaenyra and her uncle, Daemon. Surprisingly, this development has sparked an unexpected fascination among fans, particularly with Daemon being dubbed "Internet Boyfriend." House of the Dragon writer Sara Hess expressed her bemusement at this phenomenon, acknowledging, “He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. She continued, “Not that Matt [Smith] isn’t incredibly charismatic and wonderful, and he’s incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is … I don’t want him to be my boyfriend! I’m a little baffled how they’re all, 'Oh, daddy!' And I’m just like: 'Really?'"

Hess further hinted at future developments beyond Season One, stating, “And right now, we’re writing season two and figuring out, what is the nature of his relationship with Rhaenyra? There are many interpretations [in George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood] to that."

As Season Two takes shape, the narrative intensifies with the looming Targaryen civil war. Rhaenyra and Daemon, backed by House Velaryon and their formidable dragons, known as the "Blacks" due to their house colors, are set to confront the newly crowned Aegon II, Rhaenyra's half-brother. The opposing faction, the "Greens," centered in King's Landing, includes King Aegon II, Alicent, Otto Hightower, Ser Criston Cole, Aemond, and the colossal dragon Vhagar. The shocking Season Finale sees Aemond and Vhagar committing a brutal act by slaying Rhaenyra's son, Luke, marking the initial tragedy in the unfolding civil war following Aegon II's ascent to power.

When will House of Dragon Season 2 release?

House of the Dragon Season 2 is eagerly anticipated to premiere in the summer of 2024. HBO has unveiled the official teaser for this original series, generating excitement among fans. The teaser was released during a CCXP23 panel held in São Paulo, Brazil, offering a glimpse into the upcoming season and teasing the developments that lie ahead.

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Who will return to House of Dragon Season 2?

The current cast of House of the Dragon is expected to return for the second season, barring any unexpected major casting changes. According to showrunner Ryan Condal in a Deadline interview, the time jumps, a distinctive feature of the series, have already been completed. However, fans can still anticipate a myriad of surprises as the narrative unfolds in the upcoming season.

Unfortunately, one notable absence in Season Two will likely be Milly Alcock, who portrayed the young Rhaenyra in flashbacks during the early episodes of House of the Dragon. Alcock's portrayal was praised as a standout element in the initial episodes before the character transitioned to Emma D'Arcy following a time jump. Addressing rumors about her potential return for Season Two, Alcock succinctly stated in an interview with Deadline, "No. It’s done." This revelation indicates that viewers may not witness any Season Two flashbacks featuring Milly Alcock as the young Rhaenyra. Despite this, fans can anticipate the continuation of the gripping storyline with the established cast and the promise of unforeseen twists in the upcoming season.

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