The summer spent without television news is over. HBO Max has scheduled its big title for August 2022: Dragon House, the prequel to Game of Thrones. Created by George R. R. Martin’s expansive world, this new series revisits the saga of the Targaryens, the dragons, and the political intrigue that defined Westeros long before Daenerys, Jon Snow, and the familiar Stark and Lannister lines. After attempts at spin-offs earlier in the run, the studio returns to the family saga with a fresh story that aims to captivate fans once again.
Between the heat of a summer meant for epic fantasy and the looming release of The Ring of Power, this year’s TV lineup is under close watch as the year moves toward September. Here is what is known so far about the year’s most anticipated streaming event.
When is The House of the Dragon coming out?
The first episode will reach the United States on August 21, which means it will premiere in Spain on Monday, August 22, due to time differences. HBO Max is positioning the show a few days ahead of The Ring of Power, the highly anticipated Tolkien adaptation arriving on Amazon Prime Video. The Lord of the Rings series is scheduled for a fall release window, with a release date set toward early September.
What book is the series adapted from and what is the plot?
The House of the Dragon continues the tradition of adapting George R. R. Martin’s works for the screen. The adaptation draws from Fire and Blood, a volume that chronicles the rise and fall of the dragonlords who shaped the Targaryen dynasty. Published in 2018, it marks the first part of a two-volume set examining the era before the events of Game of Thrones. The narrative follows a Targaryen era that stretches back nearly three centuries in the fictional realm of Westeros, charting how a family fought, forged, and at times fractured to claim the Iron Throne.
The storyline unfolds roughly two hundred years before the adventures of Daenerys, Jon Snow, and the famed Stark siblings. It centers on Viserys I Targaryen’s reign, a king who aims to honor his grandfather’s legacy while confronting the realities of power and family politics that threaten stability and unity across the Seven Kingdoms.
The narrative voice comes from a council that tracks the rise of a civil conflict among the dragonlords, showing Westeros in a time when dragons literally shaped the fate of the realm. It is a world where alliances shift rapidly and loyalties are tested as the throne becomes the ultimate prize.
Producer Miguel Sapochnik stresses a core idea: the main cast features two men and two women, with Viserys on the throne, his brother Daemon as a key strategic player, his daughter Rhaenyra as a powerful contender, and Alicent as a trusted confidant who becomes a central rival. The show promises dense political drama alongside personal ambitions, making the throne a focal point of every decision.
How many episodes and seasons will there be?
The debut season is planned for ten episodes. While the network watches audience reception closely, there is talk about continuing the story with more installments if the response is strong enough. The producers have suggested that the series could sit at three or four seasons, given the shorter literary arc it adapts compared to the sprawling saga of Game of Thrones.
If the prequel proves successful, there is room to explore additional chapters related to the Targaryen civil war and perhaps expand beyond the existing books to cover events tied to the family saga.
Is George R R Martin joining the show?
Yes, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire remains deeply involved as an executive producer, collaborating with the showrunners to shape the adaptation. His expertise helps guide the series while preserving the breadth of the original universe. The creative team includes experienced showrunners, with some episodes directed by notable filmmakers who have previously delivered signature moments from the Game of Thrones universe.
The production roster also features a team of executive producers and directors who bring strong storytelling instincts and a commitment to faithful world-building, ensuring the series resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Will any characters from Game of Thrones appear?
The House of the Dragon is set long before the events of Game of Thrones, so it does not bring back Daenerys, Jon Snow, Tyrion, or the famous Stark siblings. Instead, it builds a fresh cast around the Targaryen core, exploring earlier generations and the dynastic pressures that shaped Westeros.
What is distribution?
The ensemble includes Viserys Targaryen as king, chosen by Westerosi lords to lead with a steady hand. The series also introduces a spectrum of noble houses and seasoned advisors who populate the court and actively participate in the political chess that defines the era.
The cast features Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, the younger brother with a fierce will and a dragonrider’s prowess. Olivia Cooke plays Alicent Hightower, widely regarded as one of the realm’s most influential figures, while Emma D’Arcy embodies Princess Rhaenyra, the king’s eldest daughter and a dragon rider with sharp vision for the future. The teenage versions of these characters are portrayed by emerging actors who bring fresh energy to the roles.
Steve Toussaint portrays Lord Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake, the head of a formidable maritime house. Eve Best appears as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, a dragon rider whose position was once contested by an inner circle that favored male succession. Fabien Frankel joins as Ser Criston Cole, a Dornish-born squire whose loyalties shape court politics. Sonoya Mizuno plays Mysaria, a figure whose rise to power is marked by vulnerability and resilience. Rhys Ifans portrays Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King who navigates danger from every side as the royal family maneuvers to secure the throne.
How many dragons will appear in the series?
Dragons remain central to the story, but the prequel introduces a larger ensemble of these mythical creatures. The creators revealed a growing dragon roster designed to reflect diverse personalities and their bond with riders. The visual imagination of these beings is a key driver of the series’ dramatic moments and action sequences.
As discussed by the show’s creative leads, the dragons will be distinguished not only by size and color but by behavior and their distinctive connections to their riders, creating a dynamic that fans will be eager to explore on screen.
Did the filming go through Spain?
Spain has long served as a cinematic backdrop for epic fantasy, and this production continues that tradition. Several scenes were shot in historic settings that evoke the medieval atmosphere of Westeros, including towns and plazas that provided authentic textures for the courtly drama and battle sequences.
How is the trailer?
The official trailer released by HBO Max gives a glimpse of the shifting power dynamics and the escalating tensions within the royal family. Audiences catch glimpses of bristling alliances, intense battles, and the unmistakable presence of dragons, all hinting at a sprawling story that blends political maneuvering with spectacle.