It’s been just over three years since fans have seen the shores of Westeros. After the conclusion of HBO’s epic fantasy seriesGame of Thronesleft a fiery hole in fans' hearts (or a dagger), it’s nearly time to return once again to The Known World.The prequelHouse of the Dragontakes place around 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and chronicles the political unrest that stirs within the ancient Targaryen family. Fans are anxious to revisit King’s Landing and to watch thecivil warunfold as new and powerful players vie for control of the Iron Throne once more.
ShowrunnerRyan J. Condalworked alongside authorGeorge R.R. Martin, whose novels the series are based off of, to bring fans back to this rich fantasy world. The standards are as high as the stakes when it comes to the GOT fanbase and the fate of Westeros. After eight seasons the original series culminated to a shocking end that left audiences wanting, with a conclusion that felt rushed and not quite in line with character arcs. Working with a number of high-profile series directors likeGame of Thrones’Miguel Sapochnik(the man responsible for the renowned “Battle of the Bastards” episode) andThe Alienest’sClare Kilner, Condal has put forth every effort to give the people what the want.
Such efforts include the outstanding casting for the families of Westeros, including the dragon-taming Targaryens who will play the most prominent role inHouse of the Dragon. The Targaryens will be lead byPaddy Considineas King Viserys, whose endeavors toappoint an heirwill be the catalyst for the show;Emma D’Arcywill play Princess Rhaenyra and rightful, by law, heir apparent to the Iron Throne andMatt Smithportrays Daemon Targaryen, the younger brother of King Viserys and heir presumptive. Other players in the game of thrones includeOlivia Cookeas Alicent Hightower,Rhys Ifansas Otto Hightower,Eve Bestas Princess Rhaenys Velaryon,Steven Toussaintas Lord Corlys Velaryon andSonoya Mizunoas Mysaria. Additionally, fans will see young Princess Rhaenyra portrayed byMilly Alcockand young Alicent byEmily Carey. WhetherHouse of the Dragonwill do for its cast whatGame of Thronesdid as far as the now-well-known actors Clarke,Maisie Williams,Kit Harington,Sophie Turnerand more, will depend entirely on if this prequel can take flight.
Collider’s ownSteve WeintraubandChristina Raddishspoke about their reactions to the new series, saying that is really well done and “feels epic in scale and scope while telling a personal and intimate story about one family.” Considering Weintraub disliked the final season ofGame of Thrones, it is promising to hear that this series might re-inspire fans to get lost in Westeros once more.
RELATED:‘House of the Dragon: DracARys’ App Gives Users Targaryen Powers
Other critics likeBrandon Katzcalled the pilot “a worthy successor” to the series that came before. Noting that the premiere is “vibrant.”
Cat Combsshared similar enthusiasm about the first episode, calling it “fantastic.” While others called it a “heavyweight” praising the new series for its more serious tone. Which is saying something, consideringGame of Throneswas serious.
Another critic teased that there’s something in the premiere that some fans might consider “heresy,” but that comment was preceded by high praise for the first episode, saying that it might rope fans back in.
Decide for yourselves ifHouse of the Dragondeserves the crown. The series premieres on HBO Max on August 21, and will air new episodes weekly on Sundays. Check out the trailer below:
