And so it begins. THE HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. The proof is in the graphics that have come to everyone’s attention. It all starts with the table read. A still on Twitter confirmed the cast is assembling. It is difficult to make out who is sitting where, not that it matters, but the cast gathered with digital copies of the script in front of them to read, perhaps for their first time, one of ten scripts that were crafted to tell the Targaryen tale. Based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the series was penned by Ryan Condal. He serves as co-showrunner alongside Miguel Sapochnik, who will direct the pilot and additional episodes.
But that is not all we have to offer. Some major players have also been fitted with costume & make-up to present a first-time look at their characters. Take a peek and register a first impression. First is Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith. D’Arcy wanders in from Wanderlust and Truth Seekers and, of course, we know Smith as a Dr. Who and Prince Philip. They both are now Dragonriders!
Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: The king’s first-born child, she is of pure Valyrian blood, and she is a dragonrider. Many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything… but she was not born a man. Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen: The younger brother to King Viserys and heir to the throne. A peerless warrior and a dragonrider, Daemon possesses the true blood of the dragon. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…
Next to cut a profile is Steve Toussaint who has done quite a bit of British telly and has been seen in HBO Max’ IT’S A SIN. Now he is a Lord of the high seas surrounding Westeros!
Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, “The Sea Snake”: Lord of House Velaryon, a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. As “The Sea Snake,” the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world.
Another striking pair the one personified by Olivia Cooke and Rhys Ifans. Cooke was just in Sound of Metal but was also in Bates Motel. We know Ifans from Berlin Station or perhaps you recall him from Elementary. Now he and his co-star won’t be forgotten as Hightowers!
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower: The daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms. She was raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle; she possesses both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen. Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower: The Hand of the King, Ser Otto loyally and faithfully serves both his king and his realm. As the Hand sees it, the greatest threat to the realm is the king’s brother, Daemon, and his position as heir to the throne.
There will be plenty of more glimpses from the series to gawk at as the year goes on, we’re sure. Though we are aware that there are those cautious of this prequel to unspool, there are still loyal fans eagerly awaiting the opportunity to peek into the HOUSE OF THE DRAGON come 2022. HBOWatch is there for you.
4 comments
If it weren’t for Doctor Who I wouldn’t know who he was so he would appear differently to me under those circumstances. If anything, I’m more intrigued to watch this to see him break away from the Doctor, as I’m sure he will. I believe many people will tune into watch this specifically because he was the Doctor, but that doesn’t mean I or we can’t get past that role. Matt Smith will always be the Doctor to me, just as David Tennant is. I still gleefully hated him in “Harry Potter” and “Jessica Jones” and thought he might make a better villain than a hero. Referring to them by a role doesn’t mean it casts a shadow onto their current work. It’s just the name used in reference.
So stoked!! Who knew I would love the Doctor with such shocking blonde hair?!?
Isn’t that the problem with popular actors? They want to work and play diverse characters but when you know a performer from some other work and then see them again elsewhere, even with an altered look, sometimes it is hard to see pass the previous role. I hope that doesn’t hinder Matt Smith.
I think it works both ways. I loved his performance in “The Crown,” so I’m much more likely to be interested to see him in this than I would be otherwise.