In typical GoT fashion, factions are separated due to rivalries and family issues as every living breathing character has a least a slight thirst for the throne. Coming to HBO this August 21st, here’s 5 solid reasons why you should get excited about the new GoT prequel series.
Targaryen Empire at their Prime
Everyone knew the Targaryens through on-screen characters Viserys and Daenerys, but the House was even bigger than these two - a family with a rich history that once ruled the Seven Kingdoms. Proof of their reign is clear; the Iron Throne itself was forged by Balerion the Dread, which was the dragon of one Aegon Targaryen.
House of the Dragon will explore the highs, lows, laughter and betrayals of the Targaryen Empire through the journey of Princess Rhaenyra, played by Emma D’Arcy, who’ll be the main protagonist in the series. Rhaenyra looks to carry her family’s legacy after the events of Valyria’s Doom.
Finally, we will be seeing the family that once conquered all.
Well.. Dragons!
Love or hate the series, GoT is frankly one of the best series to depict these fire-breathing lizards. The hype of Game of Thrones picked up after the reveal of Daenerys’ three fearsome dragons. What’s more exciting is that, since it’s set a few hundred years before GoT, you can bet there’ll be an increase in dragon sightings in the skies (or dungeons?).
As the Targaryens will be taking centre stage once again, we will see more flying dragon-riders? We’ll see, but it’ll for sure be thrilling to see the relationships of these dragons and their masters once again.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon
Matt Smith was always cast for the most, unique and intriguing characters - for better or for worse. The most notable one, of course, is his stint as the cunning and eccentric eleventh doctor in Dr Who. Taking the baton from David Tennant, Matt Smith redefined the Doctor’s character during his time, especially in the iconic ‘Vincent and the Doctor’ episode.
For the series, Matt Smith will be taking on the role of Prince Daemon, the brother of King Viserys and the husband to Princess Rhaenyra. According to the book, we may be seeing Daemon wield the Valyrian steel blade Dark Sister as he declares himself the King of the Stepstones.
Better Writing (Hopefully)
Due to the novel's delayed deadline (c’mon Georgie, please finish writing the books), the showrunners had to improvise and write their own alternate endings for the last season of Games of Thrones. As everyone knows, the gamble didn’t turn out well as most fans hated the ending and some even demanded the final season to be canned and redone.
Unlike GoT, Fire and Blood (the book that the series is based on) has concluded and is the current bible of the show. So expect more dragon-riding, big battles and George-esc twists and betrayals like you’ve seen in your favorite seasons.
The Origins of the Seven Kingdoms
Every other character in Game of Thrones spoke about the Seven Kingdoms. The might, the width, the tales of it all - but audiences have never seen the birth of the concept and how it all came about.
In House of the Dragon, fans and audiences will get to see the story of the Seven Kingdoms, once ruled by the King of the Andals from Red Keep, maybe even a glimpse into the War of Conquest before the prime of the Targaryen rule.
Which ever part you’re most excited about, the wait is finally over. Await the royals and the dragons on the 21st of August, 2022 on HBO.