{"id":21938,"date":"2021-05-05T16:38:10","date_gmt":"2021-05-05T16:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=21938"},"modified":"2021-05-05T17:04:27","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T17:04:27","slug":"house-dragon-game-thrones-hbo","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/house-dragon-game-thrones-hbo\/","title":{"rendered":"HBO Reveals First Pics From \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019 Prequel"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"House
House of the Dragon (Image: Courtesy of HBO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So much for breaking that wheel! HBO is rolling back to Westeros history with its highly anticipated Game of Thrones<\/em><\/a> prequel House of the Dragon<\/em>. The epic fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin\u2019s 2018 novel Fire & Blood<\/em> won\u2019t air until next year, but today we\u2019re getting a first look at some of the show\u2019s key players.<\/p>\n

Executive produced by Martin and showrunner Ryan Condal and set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones<\/em>, House of the Dragon<\/em> will tell the story of House Targaryen, ancestors of Thrones<\/em>\u2019s Daenerys (Emilia Clarke)\u2014aka Khaleesi, aka Mother of Dragons, aka white savior<\/a> lady, aka the one who slept with her nephew. In Martin\u2019s novels, the Targaryens arrived in Westeros astride their dragons, conquering the continent which they then ruled for centuries, as their motto goes, with fire and blood.<\/p>\n

\"Emma
Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith (Photos: Ollie Upton\/HBO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the series, Emma D\u2019Arcy plays Princess Rhaenyra, the Targaryen king\u2019s eldest child. According to HBO\u2019s description, \u201cMany would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything\u2026 but she was not born a man.\u201d She\u2019s also described as having \u201cpure Valyrian blood,\u201d which is probably code for \u201cshe\u2019s inbred.\u201d As the heir to the throne, Matt Smith\u2019s Prince Daemon sounds like he could be either an ally or a serious rival to his niece Rhaenyra.<\/p>\n

\"Olivia
Olivia Cooke and Rhys Ifans (Photos: Ollie Upton\/HBO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Daemon is also seen as a major threat to the realm, at least by the Hand of the King, Rhys Ifan\u2019s Otto Hightower. He and daughter Alicent (Olivia Cooke<\/a>) reside in the Red Keep amongst the king\u2019s innermost circle of courtiers and advisers. Alicent (what even are these names?<\/em>) is described as one of the most beautiful women in the Seven Kingdoms\u2014and one of its most keen political minds.<\/p>\n

\"Steve
Steve Toussaint (Photo: Ollie Upton\/HBO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Apparently, dragons are as at home in the water as they are in the air. At least that seems to be the case for Steve Toussaint\u2019s nautical adventurer Lord Corlys Velaryon, aka \u201cThe Sea Snake.\u201d Commanding the largest navy in this world, Lord Corlys\u2019s house eclipses even the Lannisters in its wealth.<\/p>\n

And yes, according to the official Game of Thrones <\/em>Twitter account<\/a>, there will be dragons!<\/p>\n

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Dragons are coming.#HouseoftheDragon<\/a> begins production in 2021. pic.twitter.com\/Bxl763FVdY<\/a><\/p>\n

— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) December 3, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n