The highly-anticipated second season of HBO’s “House of the Dragon” has just released a new trailer, promising more intense drama in Westeros as the Targaryen family continues to reveal. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire and Blood,” the series is set to return later this year. Martin himself has described the first two episodes of the new season as “powerful, emotional, gut-wrenching and heart-rending.”
Key cast members returning for the new season include Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Queen Alicent Hightower, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling, Matthew Needham as Larys Strong, and John MacMillan as Laenor Velaryon.
The new season will also introduce several new characters. These include Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, Jamie Kenna as Ser Alfred Broome, Kieran Bew as Hugh, Tom Bennett as Ulf, Tom Taylor as Lord Cregan Stark, Vincent Regan as Ser Rickard Thorne, Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull, Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers, Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower, and Simon Russell Beale in a yet-to-be-disclosed role.
Reflecting on the end of the first season, it concluded with Aegon II Targaryen’s coronation, which was dramatically interrupted by Princess Rhaenys arriving on dragonback. Despite having the opportunity to attack the Greens, she chose to fly to Dragonstone to align with Rhaenyra instead.
The finale also hinted at the impending “Dance of the Dragons,” a legendary conflict between Dragonriders. This was highlighted by the tragic death of Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys, during a confrontation with Prince Aemond and his dragon Vhagar. Lucerys’ death is a critical event, signaling the likely onset of war. Initially reluctant, Rhaenyra is expected to be compelled into conflict due to the loss of her son.
“House of the Dragon” will return to HBO this summer, with the first season currently available for streaming on Max. Fans are encouraged to watch the newly released dueling trailers for a glimpse of the upcoming season’s drama and action.