Like mother show Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon has a HUGE cast of characters. Who’s in this prequel series, and who are they playing?
It’s really happening! Many details remain unrevealed, but HBO is officially in production on House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones set over 100 years before the original show. Based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, House of the Dragon tells the story of a brutal Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Just like Game of Thrones, this new show has a deep bench of characters, many of which fans are sure to fall in love with. Let’s take a look at who we know has been cast so far, and get to know the characters they’re playing.
Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon
I always feel that fantasy shows and movies are well served when the actors have classical training and stage experience. Eve Best comes to House of the Dragon from the stage, where she’s won an Olivier Award and been nominated for a Tony twice over. For a glimpse of what we might see from her on the show, take a look at her brilliant-but-brief turn as Wallis Simpson in The King’s Speech. She’s also appeared on television in Fate: The Winx Saga and Nurse Jackie, among other credits.
Best will play “The Queen that never was,” Princess Rhaenys Velaryon. Rhaenys is the eldest daughter of Prince Aemon Targaryen, the eldest son of King Jaehaerys. Her father is first in line for the Iron Throne, which means she’s not far behind.
However, upon her father’s death, Jaehaerys passes her over and names his second son Baelon as heir to the throne. That son eventually dies as well, leading to the Great Council of 101, when Jaehaerys brings the entire realm together to decide who should succeed the throne. Rhaenys, there with her son Laenor and husband Corlys Velaryon, is put forth as the potential Queen to be. But the assembled lords vote to appoint Baelon’s son Viserys instead. When House of the Dragon begins, King Viserys is still on the Iron Throne, and while Rhaenys respects his rule, she’ll always know that the realm passed her over for him.
The decision at the Council set the precedent that the male claimant always supersedes the female, which will be very important in setting the stage for the Dance of the Dragons. Passed over again, Rhaenys and her husband retire to their home on Driftmark and eventually marry their son Leanor to Viserys’ daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. That makes them second cousins. Compared to some of the other instances of incest in this story, that’s pretty mild.
Rhaenys is powerful, smart and loyal. She’s into her middle years by the time of House of the Dragon, but still a fearsome warrior known for riding her red dragon Meleys into battle. Look for her marriage with Corlys to be one of the healthier relationships depicted on the show. I have no doubt an actress like Eve Best can make this character one to remember.