Fans of Westeros are seriously hyped for House of the Dragon Season 3. After all the crazy dragon fights and political drama in Season 2, everyone’s itching to see what happens next in the Targaryen saga. The show’s got that perfect mix of fire-breathing action and backstabbing family drama that keeps us glued to the screen.
When’s House of the Dragon Season 3 Hitting Screens?
So, when can we expect it? HBO hasn’t dropped a solid date yet, but filming started in March 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios, with some scenes being shot in Wales and the Canary Islands. Since there’s going to be a ton of dragon battles and big war scenes, post-production is gonna take a while — probably about a year. Season 2 filmed from April to September 2023 and premiered in June 2024, so if history repeats itself, Season 3 could show up around summer 2026.
Who’s Starring in House of the Dragon Season 3?
The main players are back, ready to clash in the escalating Targaryen feud. The returning cast includes:
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Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, fiercely chasing the Iron Throne.
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Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, the wild card stirring up trouble.
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Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, caught in the Green faction’s web.
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Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II Targaryen, wrestling with his crown and grief.
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Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen, the sharp-eyed dragonrider with big ambitions.
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Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, plotting with cunning.
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Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, steering Team Black’s ships.
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Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen, carrying her heartbreaking story forward.
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Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, the Kingsguard leader fans love to hate.
Fresh faces are shaking things up, too. Newcomers include:
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James Norton as Ormund Hightower, a lord rallying for the Greens.
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Tommy Flanagan as Ser Roderick Dustin, nicknamed Roddy the Ruin, leading the Winter Wolves.
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Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly, a northern supporter of Team Black.
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Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent, a key figure from the books.
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Joplin Sibtain as Ser “Bold” Jon Roxton, bringing more knightly grit.
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Barry Sloane as Ser Adrian Redfort, joining the battle.
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Annie Shapero as Alysanne Blackwood, or Black Aly, a fierce archer slated for five episodes and maybe sparking a quiet romance with Lady Sabitha Frey.
Word on the street is that Prince Daeron Targaryen, a major book character teased in Season 2, will finally show up. Showrunner Ryan Condal has dropped hints that Daeron’s moment is coming, which has book readers buzzing.
What’s the Story in House of the Dragon Season 3?
Season 3 jumps straight into the chaos following Season 2’s finale, with the Targaryen civil war hitting fever pitch. Team Black, led by Rhaenyra, and Team Green, backing Aegon II, are ready to tear Westeros apart. Ryan Condal has called this season a “very hot” war, promising buckets of bloodshed to answer fans who wanted more action after Season 2’s slower burn.
The big draw? The Battle of the Gullet, a massive showdown on sea and in the air. It’s one of the bloodiest moments in Fire & Blood, with Corlys Velaryon’s fleet facing off against Tyland Lannister and Sharako Lohar’s Triarchy navy. Dragons will clash, stakes will soar, and losses will hit hard. Condal says it’s the “biggest thing yet” for the show, so expect a visual feast.
Away from the battlefield, the story digs into the characters’ hearts. Rhaenyra’s set to get tougher, leaning into her claim with fierce resolve. Aegon II’s dealing with his own demons, questioning his role as king. The shaky truce between Rhaenyra and Alicent from Season 2’s end will face serious strain as their rivalry fuels the drama. There’s also talk of a unique episode showing the war through a commoner’s eyes, giving a fresh twist to the tale.
Drawing from Fire & Blood, the season will stick to the book’s bones but add its own flavor, like Season 2’s visions for Daemon or Rhaena’s hunt for Sheepstealer. The Fall of King’s Landing, where Rhaenyra and Daemon make a bold play for the throne, is likely to be a major moment.
