"House of the Dragon": The "Game of Thrones" Prequel Has a Full Cast

Updated on April 29, 2022 at 1:50 PM

Getty | Matt Winkelmeyer / Jim Spellman / David M. Benett

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HBO has finally rounded out the main cast for its long-anticipated "Game of Thrones" prequel, "House of the Dragon." The series, which is set 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones," is based on author George R.R. Martin's 2019 novel "Fire & Blood" and will follow the story of House Targaryen. The five major actors who have been tapped as the lead characters are Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, and Steve Toussaint. Other additions to the cast include Ryan Corr, Graham McTavish, Jefferson Hall, Matthew Needham, David Horovitch, Bill Paterson, and Gavin Spokes.

Smith opened up about his role on the show in 2021. On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he said that his role is "an interesting and dark and disturbed part to play." Even scarier than his character, he said, is his dragon, Caraxes. "He's big and red and angry," Smith said. "He's a really angry dragon. Mine's the angriest of all the dragons. There is no angrier dragon than Caraxes. He's a real moody bastard."

HBO originally announced the Targaryen-focused prequel back in September 2019, giving it a 10-episode order and tapping Miguel Sapochnik and Ryan Condal to serve as showrunners and executive producers. Sapochnik worked extensively on "Game of Thrones," directing some of the show's biggest episodes and most massive battles, including "The Battle of the Bastards" and "The Long Night."

The show is set to premiere Aug. 21, and we'll find out just what bloody antics the Targaryens will get into then. Prepare yourself for the new series by learning about the show's extensive cast.

Ahead, read up on all the cast members and characters in "House of the Dragon."

Sign up for HBO Max now to watch "House of the Dragon" when it premieres on Aug. 21, 2022.

Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen I

Chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal, Viserys I (Paddy Considine) is a warm, kind, and decent man who only wishes to carry on his grandfather's legacy. But we all know good men do not necessarily make for great kings. Fans of "Game of Thrones" remember that Viserys I ruled over Westeros for nearly 100 years after Aegon's Conquest, and his children, Rhaenyra and Aegon II, ultimately fought a civil war over his throne that became known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Emma D'Arcy is set to star as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, a dragonrider and the king's first-born, pure-Valyrian-blood child. According to HBO, Rhaenyra was "born with everything . . . but she was not born a man."

Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen

"Doctor Who" and "The Crown" star Matt Smith will transform into Prince Daemon Targaryen, King Viserys' younger brother and heir to the throne. Daemon is described as a "peerless warrior and a dragonrider" who possesses the true blood of the dragon.

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower

Olivia Cooke's character is the daughter of Hand of the King Otto Hightower. She was raised in the Red Keep, where the king and his inner circle often machinate. Known as "the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms," Alicent has "courtly grace and a keen political acumen."

Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon

Lord Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint, stems from a Valyrian bloodline that's as "old as House Targaryen." His character, also referred to as "the Sea Snake," is considered to be the most famous marine adventurer in the history of Westeros. He "built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and that claims the largest navy in the world."

Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria

Sonoya Mizuno is set to portray Mysaria, whose character came to Westeros with next to nothing and has "been sold more times than she can recall." Rather than folding to the pressure, she rises to becomes Prince Daemon Targaryen's most trusted ally.

Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole

Fabien Frankel is taking on the part of Ser Criston Cole, who is of Dornish descent and is the son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. Without any claim to land or titles, all Cole has is his honor and swordsmanship.

Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon

Eve Best is set to play Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, a dragonrider and wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon. She is passed over as the next heir to the throne because the realm prefers her male cousin, Viserys, for his gender.

Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin "Breakbones" Strong

Ryan Corr plays Ser Harwin "Breakbones" Strong, aka possibly the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms. He's the eldest son of Master of Laws Lyonel Strong and heir to Harrenhal.

Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling

"Outlander" star Graham McTavish has been tapped to play Ser Harrold Westerling. Ser Harrold has served in the Kingsguard since the days of King Jaehaerys and embraces everything about chivalry and honor.

Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower

Rhys Ifans will be helming the role of Otto Hightower, also known as the Hand of the King, who faithfully and loyally serves his king and realm.

Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury

Bill Paterson will play the part of Lord Lyman Beesbury, Lord of Honeyholt and Master of Coin on King Viserys's small council.

Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong

Gavin Spokes joins the cast as Lord Lyonel Strong, the Master of Laws to King Viserys and Lord of Harrenhal.

David Horovitch as Grand Maester Mellos

Played by David Horovitch, Grand Maester Mellos serves as the voice of reason to and trusted advisor of King Viserys.