Over the course of 8 seasons and 73 episodes, Game of Thrones became one of the most watched and most discussed TV shows of all time. The series ended in May last year, but long before the final episode screened, HBO had stated that it was developing a number of spin-off shows. The world created by George R.R. Martin is a massive one and the potential for other stories in different eras and locations is clearly huge.
Most fans were expecting the first spin-off to be one that had reached pilot stage, with Kingsman writer Jane Goldman acting as showrunner and Naomi Watts cast in the lead role. However it wasn’t to be–in October it was announced that although the pilot had been shot, HBO wouldn’t be moving forward with the series. While this was something of a surprise, the blow was cushioned by the simultaneous announcement that another spin-off, titled House of the Dragon, had been given a full season order.
While it’s early days for this new show, we do already know a few things about it. The initial announcement provided some story details, and a few bits of extra information have crept out over the past year. So here’s everything we know so far about House of the Dragon.
What’s House of the Dragon’s release date?
There’s no confirmed premiere date for House of the Dragon yet. However, at a Television Critics Association event in January, HBO programming chief Casey Bloys stated that 2022 was his “best guess” as to when we might see the show.
In December, HBO confirmed that the series will start production in 2021, while WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar stated that shooting will start “in a few months.” All of which points towards a 2022 debut.
How many episodes will it be?
Season 1 of House of the Dragon will have 10 episodes.
Who’s making the show?
House of the Dragon has been co-created by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, who is best known for the acclaimed sci-fi series Colony, which ran for three seasons until 2018. Condal will also share showrunner duties with Miguel Sapochnik, who directed some key Game of Thrones episodes, including “Battle of the Bastards,” “The Long Night,” and “The Bells.” Sapochnik will also direct the pilot episode of House of the Dragon, as well as some later episodes.
What’s the cast?
House of Dragon started the casting process in the summer, and in October the lead actor was revealed. Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz, Peaky Blinders) will star as King Viserys Tagaryen, who is described as being “chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal.” No other actors have been announced yet, but with production only a few months away, expect more names to be added soon.
What is House of the Dragon about?
House of the Dragon will be set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The show is set to take its main inspiration from Martin’s 2018 book Fire & Blood, an account of the rise of House Targaryen. The book is written as a historical account, with the text moving through the decades to document each successive Targaryen ruler and the various battles, relationships, and family conflicts. Whether the series will take this approach or stick to one particular era remains to be seen, but either way, it’s a richly detailed roadmap on which to base the new show.
Is there anything to look at?
Footage and images are some way off, given the show is yet to start production. But last year HBO released this stylish poster, and more recently revealed some new concept art.
Will there be more spin-offs?
Back in early 2018, it was reported that there were five Game of Thrones spin-offs in development at HBO. We know that the Naomi Watts-starring show is not happening, while there have been no further updates on the status of any other shows. But if House of the Dragon is a hit, then it’s very possible that more shows will also be made. Game of Thrones remains one of the most famous TV properties in the world, and HBO is unlikely to stop investing in the franchise any time soon.
Disclosure: ViacomCBS is GameSpot’s parent company
