To mark the launch of House of the Dragon Season 3, HBO Max staged one of its most ambitious promotional stunts yet: an eight‑metre replica of Syrax, Rhaenyra Targaryen’s dragon, flying over the Tower of London. The spectacle blended cutting‑edge aeronautics with fantasy spectacle, drawing crowds and media attention while symbolically tying Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne to the heart of Britain’s capital.
Quick read
- Syrax replica measured eight metres long and weighed 13kg.
- Built by German aeronautics firm Airstage with 23 moving parts.
- Took nearly 3,000 hours and seven test flights to perfect.
The stunt in detail
The Syrax replica was designed and built by Airstage, a German aeronautics company specializing in flying models. Constructed from vacuum‑formed foam, carbon fibre, and aluminium, the dragon weighed just 13kg despite its massive eight‑metre length. Engineers fitted 23 moving parts to replicate Syrax’s lifelike movements, while concealed impellers in the legs created realistic flight patterns. The build took nearly 3,000 hours over three months, with more than seven test flights conducted before the London debut.
Event and reception
The dragon soared above the Tower of London, chosen for its iconic skyline and medieval resonance with the show’s themes. The activation was produced by Electric Sheep Events, followed by a reception hosted by Harriet Rose. Cast members in attendance included Kieran Bew (Hugh Hammer), Tom Bennett (Ulf White), Clinton Liberty (Addam of Hull), and Abubakar Salim (Alyn of Hull), underscoring the stunt’s connection to Season 3’s naval and dragonseed storylines.
