House of the Dragon confirms Graham McTavish, adds important roles

After a couple of eventful weeks on the set, HBO is revealing more casting information about its upcoming Game of Thrones prequel show House of the Dragon, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter. Let’s meet the new arrivals!

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Graham McTavish attends the Starz Premiere event for “Outlander” Season 5 at Hollywood Palladium on February 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for STARZ) /

Graham McTavish is Ser Harrold Westerling on House of the Dragon

Ser Harrold Westerling is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard for King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine), and also served under his grandfather King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. He’s been around for a while and is considered fair and chivalrous. We’d heard that Outlander veteran Graham McTavish was playing him a while back, so it’s good to see it confirmed.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Gavin Spokes attends the press night performance of “Quiz” at the Noel Coward Theatre on April 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) /

Gavin Spokes is Lord Lyonel Strong

Lord Lyonel Strong is the lord of Harrenhal at the start of House of the Dragon, which is set some 180 years before the events of Game of Thrones. You can’t tell this story without him, but it’s his sons who make the biggest impact.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 26: Ryan Corr attends the Stan Originals Showcase at Sydney Opera House on November 26, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) /

Ryan Corr is Ser Harwin ‘Breakbones’ Strong

Harwin is the eldest son of Lord Lyonel and the heir to Harrenhal. He’s a knight and said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms. It is also heavily rumored that he has an ongoing affair with Rhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter of King Viserys and heir apparent to the realm. In fact, he may even be the father of her three children — she’s married to Laenor Velaryon, who is gay — but don’t let anyone hear you say that lest you anger the wrong people.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 12: Matthew Needham attends the press night after party for “The Twilight Zone” at The Almeida Theatre on December 12, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) /

Matthew Needham is Larys Strong

The Strong family gets a lot of play in this story. Larys Strong is the younger son of Lord Lyonel. He’s less martial but more crafty than his brother, becoming a Varys-like information broker as the story picks up speed.

Scottish actor Bill Paterson, who plays the character of Joe Small in the television film ‘Ghostbusters of East Finchley’, pictured in 1995. (Photo by Larry Ellis Collection/Getty Images) /

Bill Paterson is Lord Lyman Beesbury

Lord Lyman is the Master of Coin under King Viserys. The whole conflict of House of the Dragon really picks up when the king dies and the realm is split over who should succeed him: his elder daughter Rhaenyra or his younger son by a second marriage, Aegon. In a memorable scene from Fire & Blood, Lord Lyman argues forcefully for Rhaenyra, and…well, you’ll see.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: David Horovitch attends the press night performance of “Love, Loss & Chianti” at Riverside Studios on February 28, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) /

David Horovitch is Grand Maester Mellos

Grand Maester Mellos is a moderating voice on the Small Council of King Viserys, and a personal friend of the king. We’d heard Horovitch joining the cast before.

Jefferson Hall is Lord Jason Lannister and Tyland Lannister

This one is interesting: Vikings veteran Jefferson Hall will play twin brothers Jason and Tyland Lannister — the former is the Lord of the Casterly Rock during this period and the latter a politician who served on the small council is different roles for different rulers. It wouldn’t be a Game of Thrones show without a pair of Lannister twins, I suppose.

Also, funnily enough, Hall had a small role in the very first season of Game of Thrones as the haughty, newly made knight Ser Hugh of the Vale. Watch him above!

What do you think of the new additions? House of the Dragon premieres sometime in 2022.

Next. George R.R. Martin excited to see “17 dragons” on Game of Thrones prequel. dark

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