House of the Dragon, the HBO series based on Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin, is gearing up for its next chapter with a third season slated for June 2026 on HBO Max. Created by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal, this prequel to Game of Thrones launched in 2022 continues to expand the franchise. The season, consisting of eight episodes, is currently filming in the UK, with Ryan Condal at the helm and directors Clare Kilner, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Andrij Parekh, and Loni Peristere leading the way.
Set nearly two centuries before the events of the original series, the story explores the rise of the Targaryen civil war. The fierce rivalry between the Black and Green factions heats up as they vie for the Iron Throne, reshaping alliances among Westeros's noble houses.
This third season focuses on the immediate aftermath of the conflict, particularly with the escalation of hostilities into the North and Villevieille. The adaptation is expected to depict the Battle of the Gullet, a strategic naval clash from George R. R. Martin’s work, while delving deeper into the complex political and familial dilemmas that drive the Dance of the Dragons. The personal journeys of the characters are woven into a war that is poised to reshape the dynasty for generations to come.
The main cast features Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, and Tom Glynn-Carney. new characters are also introduced: Tommy Flanagan plays Ser Roderick Dustin, Dan Fogler takes on the role of Ser Torrhen Manderly, and James Norton joins the cast as Ormund Hightower. HBO Max also released a teaser visual along with new promotional images to mark the launch of the first official trailer.
The series was officially renewed for a fourth season in November 2025, according to a statement from HBO released during a press presentation. This decision is part of HBO’s long-term plan to expand the universe created by George R. R. Martin, which also includes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Fans can look forward to Season 4 arriving around 2028.
Produced in the United Kingdom and continuing the style of its previous seasons, the series maintains a focus on political drama and strategic clashes. Its tone remains dark, centered on the internal power struggles within a dynasty, echoing contemporary medieval-style sagas. The storyline emphasizes the gradual escalation of conflict and its human toll.
House of the Dragon
Series | 2022
Season 3 coming to HBO Max in June 2026
Drama | 8 episodes
Created by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal | Starring Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke
Original title: House of the Dragon
Country: United States
With a third season slated for June 2026, House of the Dragon continues its careful deep dive into the Targaryen’s downward spiral. The already planned fourth season underscores the series’ firm place in HBO’s long-term content strategy and signals their intent to keep the Dance of the Dragons unfolding over several years.
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