The Game of Thrones series ended with King Bran of House Stark ruling over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. However, centuries before Bran’s reign, House Targaryen held control over Westeros, with dragons under their command.
House of the Dragon, the hit HBO prequel series, shows the Targaryen dynasty, setting the stage for the brutal civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. This war severely weakened the once mighty House Targaryen and led to their eventual downfall.
The first season of House of the Dragon introduced the brutal history of the Targaryen family, with tensions rising between rival factions. Season 2, however, was met with mixed reviews, particularly for its underwhelming climax.
Despite this, the war between the Targaryens continues, and dragons are bound to take center stage once again. With a third season already confirmed, showrunner Ryan Condal has shared valuable insights into the production schedule and what fans can expect from the upcoming season.
Battle of the Gullet in Season 3
Season 3 of House of the Dragon is expected to begin with the Battle of the Gullet, following the events of Season 2. The Battle of the Gullet is a crucial moment in the Dance of Dragons, where the Sea Snake, a legendary figure from the Targaryen era, plays a major role.
Fans are hoping for an epic portrayal of this event, based on the detailed accounts from George R.R. Martin’s written works. In a recent interview on The Stuff Dreams are Made Of podcast, showrunner Ryan Condal revealed that filming for Season 3 will begin in early 2025 and wrap up in late fall of the same year.
Condal described the upcoming production period as “utter madness,” emphasizing the intensity and commitment involved. He added, “We do have a start date for production, I don’t want to say it because it’ll be a thing, but it’s the first quarter of 2025.” Fans can expect a long production cycle, which promises high-quality visuals and storytelling to match the intensity of the Dance of Dragons.
A Promising Season Ahead
Despite some disappointments in Season 2, Condal remains optimistic about Season 3. He teased, “I will say, this is the best season to come. It is as outlandish as Leavesden Studios has been with our show to date. We’ve outlandished ourselves this time around.” This statement suggests that fans can expect more breathtaking and grand scenes, filled with action, drama, and the larger-than-life spectacle that House of the Dragon is known for.
Rhaenyra Wants a Sword
One of the most exciting developments for Season 3 is the character of Queen Rhaenyra, played by Emma D’Arcy. Rhaenyra, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, has been a central character throughout the series. However, there’s one thing Emma D’Arcy wishes to see changed in the coming season: she wants her character to wield a weapon.
In a candid interview, D’Arcy expressed her desire for Rhaenyra to have a sword, something that has been lacking for the women in the series. “The petition I’ve put in is I want a weapon.
Like it’s getting ridiculous,” D’Arcy said. She noted that many of the male characters, such as Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen, regularly wield swords, while the women are left without weapons. D’Arcy made it clear that she would love for her character to hold a weapon in Season 3, and it seems that her request might be granted.
Looking Ahead
Season 3 of House of the Dragon is still without a confirmed release date, but fans are eagerly anticipating the continuation of the Targaryen civil war. With more battles, bloodshed, and dragons on the horizon, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Seasons 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Max, so fans can catch up before the next season arrives. Stay tuned for updates on what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the House of the Dragon saga.