'House of the Dragon' season two is coming as triumphant Targaryens spark fan fever
The show's premiere drew in nearly 10 million viewers in the US
Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon'. All photos: HBO
Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen.
Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon and Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.
Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole.
Milly Alcock as the young Rhaenyra and Emily Carey as the young Alicent.
Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria.
Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.
Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon.
Reuters
Less than one week after its celebrated premiere,House of the Dragon, the highly anticipated Game of Thrones prequel, has been renewed for a second season.
Based on George R R Martin’s Fire & Blood, the drama is set almost 200 years before the events that played out in Game of Thrones and focuses on how the House of Targaryen falls into civil war.
It begins with King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) deliberating who should be his next heir — his brother Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) or his daughter Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy).
"Fire reigns. #HouseoftheDragon has been renewed for Season 2," the official House of the Dragon Twitter account said.
The show's premiere on Sunday drew nearly 10 million viewers on TV and the HBO Max streaming service, the largest audience for any new original series in the history of network, according to HBO.
In the UK, where the series airs on Sky Atlantic and streaming service Now, the first episode also proved successful with critics and fans.
"House of the Dragon is already proving to be a ratings hit, and we predict it will go from strength to strength due to the captivating storytelling and incredible production values," said Zai Bennett, managing director of content at Sky.
"We look forward to sharing a second series with our customers on Sky and Now.”
Game of Thrones first broadcast in 2011, becoming a global phenomenon. The award-winning HBO series wrapped up in 2019 with a finale that divided fans.
From left, Fabian Frankel, Milly Alcock, Steve Toussaint, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy, Paddy Considine, Eve Best, Rhys Ifans, Emily Carey and Graham McTavish at the premiere of 'House of the Dragon' in London. Invision / AP
From left, Eve Best, Emily Carey, Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy and Milly Alcock. Invision / AP
Sonoya Mizuno, who plays Mysaria, attends the red carpet event on Monday. Reuters
Milly Alcock, who stars as the young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, dressed to impress. Getty Images
Matt Smith, who plays Prince Daemon Targaryen, looked dapper in a black suit and white shirt. Reuters
Emily Carey plays the young Alicent Hightower. Reuters
Paddy Considine, who plays King Viserys Targaryen. Getty Images
Cast members Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent Hightower, and Emma D'Arcy, who plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Reuters
Bill Paterson, who plays Lord Lyman Beesbury. Reuters
Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto Hightower. Getty Images
Steve Toussaint appears as Lord Corlys Velaryon in the series. Getty Images
Scottish actor Graham McTavish stars as Ser Harrold Westerling in the show. Getty Images
Tom Glynn-Carney, who appears as Aegon Targaryen, wearing a sharp suit on the red carpet. Getty Images
Fabien Frankel, who plays Ser Criston Cole. Getty Images
Eve Best, who stars as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, wore a black jumpsuit at the premiere. Getty Images
Singer Kellimarie Willis and cast member Emily Carey attend. Reuters
British campaigner and TV presenter Nikki Lilly. Getty Images
British TV star Larissa Eddie. Getty Images
TV actors Scott Thomas and Ryan Thomas. Getty Images
TV presenter Phillip Schofield and daughter Molly. Getty Images
British comedian Asim Chaudhry, aka Chabuddy G. Getty Images
British comedian Al Murray and daughter Willow. Getty Images
TV presenter Hayley Palmer. Getty Images
English model Amber Le Bon. Getty Images
'Love Island' star Luca Bish. Getty Images
Model and designer Betty Bachz attends. Getty Images
Model Daniel Millar attends. Getty Images
Jasmine Jobson, star of Netflix's 'Top Boy'. Getty Images
Actress Dominique Tipper. Getty Images
'Love Island' star Nas Majeed and guest. Getty Images