Overview of House of the Dragon Season 3 Developments
- Filming for Season 3 has commenced with an emphasis on the intense “Battle of the Gullet.”
- New cast members have joined, including Tommy Flanagan, alongside a potential introduction of a previously unmentioned Targaryen prince.
- This season seeks to resolve lingering questions from the second season while delivering the thrilling action that fans expect.
Just eight months after the conclusion of the second season, House of the Dragon Season 3 has officially entered production, showcasing swift progress in its development.
The conclusion of Season 2 left many fans feeling let down due to unmet expectations surrounding a large-scale battle within the Targaryen Civil War, known as the “Dance of the Dragons” in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. This disappointment contributed to the show being overlooked for nominations in the Outstanding Drama Series category for the 2024 Emmys. With a confirmed equal episode count to its predecessor, Season 3 aims to alleviate this discontent by strategically kick-starting with one of the most ferocious battles—the naval conflict referred to as the “Battle of the Gullet.”
Initially, showrunner Ryan Condal suggested that production would begin within the first quarter of 2025; however, reports indicate that filming might have commenced earlier, around March 17. An official announcement came directly from HBO via X, confirming that production for Season 3 started on March 31. According to Redanian Intelligence, a reliable source on all matters Westeros, filming is taking place at Leavesden Studios in London, the same location utilized for the current shoot of House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock in Supergirl.
Production for Season 3 of House of the Dragon Is Officially Underway
Recent days have brought significant announcements leading up to the start of filming. A now-removed Instagram post from Steve Touissant, who portrays Lord Corlys Velaryon—also known as the “Sea Snake” —unintentionally revealed hints about the introduction of a new Targaryen prince. Additionally, recent set photos indicate the construction of a new town and showcase the Sea Snake’s ship, confirming the show’s intent to kick off Season 3 with the highly anticipated “Battle of the Gullet.”
The cast also expands with new faces, which include Tommy Flanagan as Roddy the Ruin, Peter Polycarpou playing Lord Gaunt, and Dan Fogler assuming the role of Ser Torrhen Manderly, as reported by Deadline.
While House of the Dragon serves as a prequel to the wildly popular Game of Thrones, critiques have been somewhat mixed compared to its predecessor. Although George R.R. Martin has expressed admiration for certain elements—like Paddy Considine’s portrayal of Viserys Targaryen—there are aspects he has been less enthused about.
Fans can look forward to having their questions answered regarding characters like Otto, Alicent, and King Aegon, which remained unresolved in Season 2. Moreover, those yearning for the intense action of the Dance of the Dragons are likely to be satisfied as rumors and set photos suggest that the showrunners are all-in on action sequences. Nevertheless, patience is key, as the anticipated release is targeted for Summer 2026. In the meantime, viewers can indulge in another prequel from the franchise: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Sources: HBO/X, Redanian Intelligence/X