Summary
Eight months after the end of the second season,House of the DragonSeason 3 is already knee-deep in business as it officially begins shooting. And the developments are rapid.
House of the DragonSeason 2’s closing stages left a lot of fans disappointed for failing to make good on its promises of a grand battle between both factions of the Targaryen Civil War (dubbed the “Dance of the Dragons” in the source material, George R.R. Martin’sFire & Bloodnovel). The backlash was enough to cost the epic fantasy show a slot among the Emmys’ Outstanding Drama Series nominees of 2024.House of the DragonSeason 3, confirmed to have the same episode count as the previous season, aims to remedy the agonizing wait by beginning with one of the bloodiest battles in the Targaryen Civil War:the naval “Battle of the Gullet.”
Showrunner Ryan Condal had earlier said that production would start in the “first quarter of 2025" and various sources previously claimed thatHouse of the DragonSeason 3 had begun filming as early as March 17. However, news of the recent development came from the horse’s mouth.HBO on X, via a ten-second clip, announced thatHouse of the DragonSeason 3 officially commenced filming on March 31.Redanian Intelligence, a trusted source on all things Westeros, revealed that the location isLondon’s Leavesden Studios— the same one whereHouse of the Dragonstar Milly Alcock currently shootsSupergirl.
Shooting OnHouse of the Dragon’s Third Season Has Officially Begun
A lot had happened in the few days leading up to the shooting. A now-deleted Instagram post by Steve Touissant, who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon (dubbed the “Sea Snake” in these parts), of a cast index from the season’s character readaccidentally revealed a surprise introduction of a missing Targaryen prince. Meanwhile, fresh set photos show the construction of a new town and the Sea Snake’s ship — visual proof thatHouse of the DragonSeason 3 will indeed open shop with the infamous “Battle of the Gullet.” New faces have also joined the cast, including Tommy Flanagan as Roddy the Ruin (as reported byDeadline), Peter Polycarpou as Lord Gaunt, and Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly.
Much has been said aboutHouse of the Dragon’s position as a prequel to the successful juggernaut ofGame of Thrones. The sum of the words leans slightly south (less positive) compared to its predecessor. CreatorGeorge R.R. Martin routinely shares his positive feelingsabout some aspects, such as Paddy Considine’s Viserys Targaryen, but not so much as about others.
Thankfully for fans, a lot of questions left unanswered in Season 2 — chief of which are Otto, Alicent, and King Aegon’s status — will be redeemed in the upcoming season. Those longing for the gore of the Dance of the Dragons will likely have their fill of it as set photos and rumors increasingly betray the showrunners' choice to go full action. A little patience is required, though. With an expected release in Summer 2026, fans will have to make do with anotherGame of Thronesprequel:A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
