The first official teaser for House of the Dragon dropped for HBO Max’s European launch. House of the Dragon is the prequel to Game of Thrones. Set 200 years before the Targaryen throne collapsed, at the height of their empire, House Targaryen rules the world where Dragons are a reality and not yet legend. House of the Dragon is based on George R. R. Martin’s series Fire and Blood.
Setting and Storyline
The series is set around the Targaryen family and the Civil War for the throne between members of House Targaryen, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), and Aegon II, Alicent Hightower’s son, who is a half brother to Princess Rhaenyra. Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) is the second wife to King Viserys. Matt Smith plays Daemon Targaryen, younger brother to the king and heir to the throne.
In the teaser, we hear Matt Smith narrate, which we see through flashes while Smith’s character, Prince Daemon Targaryen states, “Gods, Kings, Fire, Blood. Dreams didn’t make us kings. Dragons did.”
The Trailer
Filled with scenes of jousting, a fight scene with Matt Smith, the throne crowded by Valerian steel swords, imagery of the hand of the king, the teaser is sure to excite those who loved the Game of Thrones series. There is also the first look at Lord Corlys Velaryon, (Steve Toussaint) and his court, the Sea Snake, who has the largest Navy in the world and holds the richest empire. It becomes clear that the House of Targaryen and House Velaryon will be the most prominent of families in the time before the Lannisters and the Starks.
The Dragons Will Come
While there are no images of the dragons, if Matt Smith’s quotation is to be believed, there will be plenty of dragon action in the series. House of the Dragon is set to premiere on HBO Max in 2022.
The show is co-created and executive produced by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal. They executive produce along with Miguel Sapochnik, who is also the co-showrunner and director of the pilot and additional episodes. Other executive producers include Vince Gerardis and Ron Schmid. Executive producer Sara Hess will write with Ryan Condal. Other directors will include Clare Kilner, Greg Yaitanes, and co-executive producer Geeta V. Patel.