Speculation is rife that the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel is being filmed in Cornwall, after crews were spotted in different locations on Tuesday.
Locals have spotted crew assembling a medieval set in the midst of the west English countryside, with Warner Bros. vans also seen parked on the site.
House of the Dragon will act as a prequel to the hit series Game of Thrones following its conclusion in 2019 and will feature Doctor Who star Matt Smith in one of the leading roles.
What’s going on? Speculation is rife that the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel is being filmed in Cornwall, after crews were spotted in different locations on Tuesday
The new series will reportedly tell a story set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II, two dragon-wielding heirs to the Iron Throne.
It was reported in October 2020 that House of the Dragon would be filmed in the UK, at Leavesden Studios, which is owned by Warner Bros.
In Cornwall on Tuesday, locals spotted lorries bearing the Warner Bros logo at Penhale Camp, near Holywell, Newquay.
Questions: Locals have spotted crew assembling a medieval set in the midst of the West English countryside, with Warner Bros. vans also seen parked on the site
Star-studded: The much-anticipated series will feature a star-studded cast including Doctor Who’s Matt Smith
The spotter said: ‘Through the eye of a lens! Exciting to see what film this will be. A Warner Bros logo can be seen!’
At Penhale, lorries with ‘Warner Bros set lighting and rigging’ were seen, as well as several other vehicles including tractors and small off-roaders.
There were also wheeled lighting rigs which appear to have been driven down to the site on the sand near the dunes.
Speculation: In Cornwall on Tuesday, locals spotted lorries bearing the Warner Bros logo at Penhale Camp, near Holywell, Newquay
Rumours: People on site were not able to say what was being filmed, or provide any further details
People on site were not able to say what was being filmed, or provide any further details.
Meanwhile, at St Michael’s Mount, crews of people could be seen building sets, and up some scaffolding rigging film equipment.
One image shows crews creating a stone archway, which looks like it could fit in with sets from the original Game of Thrones series.
On the island, there were also large tents which appear to have also been set up by the crews present.
Plans: It was reported in October 2020 that House of the Dragon would be filmed in the UK, at Leavesden Studios, which is owned by Warner Bros
Pictures spurred on speculation that it could be anything from a new Fantastic Beasts feature to a Sesame Street film.
However, rumours and other small pieces of information point to it being potentially the pre-production of House of the Dragon, including a recent casting call.
Cornwall Live reported that the advert asked for: ‘Men and women of all ethnicities, ages and looks to film Cornwall on a medieval drama.
‘Ideally, we are looking for men with longer hair and beards and women with long natural hair, so no obvious dye or highlights. You must have your own transport. You must live in Cornwall.’
The casting call is similar to one put out in 2011 – reported on by the BBC – for series two of Game of Thrones.
The timing also fits for the currently-known production schedule for the Game of Thrones prequel.
An official Twitter account for the franchise simply posted on April 14 the slogan: ‘Winter is Coming’, prompting further speculation that there was either upcoming news, or production, for the new series.
The account also tweeted, on December 3, 2020: ‘Dragons are coming. Houseofthe Dragon begins production in 2021.’
Stars: Details about the prequel remain a closely guarded secret though several characters have been cast including Paddy Considine (L) as King Viserys Targaryen and Matt (R) as Prince Daemon Targaryen
The National Trust, which owns the land, was unable to confirm what was being filmed.
A spokesperson told Cornwall Live: ‘We are unable to share any further details at this time to protect the integrity of the project.
‘Security and traffic management services will be provided by the production company to keep disruption to a minimum. The production company has experience of working in similar locations and on similar projects.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Warner Bros. and The National Trust for further comment.
Fire is coming: The hotly-anticipated show is set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, which ended its eight season run in 2019
The series was previously filmed largely in Northern Ireland, but also included shoots in Croatia, Spain, Morocco, Malta and Iceland.
With Cornwall’s sweeping landscapes, stunning scenes and ancient sites, it would be a perfect place for the story of the Targaryens to be filmed.
Emma D’Arcy will star as Rhaenyra Targaryen opposite a yet to be cast Aegon II. Doctor Who star Matt Smith was previously announced as Daemon Targaryen.
He will join Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria and Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon.
Casting began last year, and the prequel is due to be released in spring 2022.
A long wait for fans: The fantasy drama is slated to debut on HBO Max sometime in 2022
