Report: Preproduction begins on House of the Dragon season 2

The first season of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel show House of the Dragon is fading in the rearview mirror. The series was a big hit, but unfortunately, we’re still a ways off from seeing new episodes. HBO didn’t renew the show for a second season until it premiered to excellent numbers. So it’s coming, but it’s coming slow.

We do have some good news, though; according to reliable on-target fansite Redanian Intelligence, preproduction on House of the Dragon season 2 has begun at Leavesden Studios in the UK, which is the show’s main base of operations.

That said, earlier reports had it that preproduction would being in October of last year. It’s possible things got delayed. Last we heard, filming itself — production proper — will begin in March but that may have gotten pushed back too.

House of the Dragon won’t be back until next year

Any way you slice it, the chances of us seeing new episodes of House of the Dragon this year are vanishingly slim. Not only will filming start too late, but the show will only get more complicated to make from here on out. Remember the dragon-on-dragon fight that ended season 1, where Vhagar made mincemeat out of little Arrax (and poor Lucerys Velaryon, who was riding him)? There’s a lot more of that kind of thing in this story going forward, and all it will require many months of work from special effects artists.

Last we left our “heroes,” Rhaenrya had just heard what had happened to her son Lucerys, and was clearly done being Mrs. Nice Lady Who Doesn’t Reign Fire Down Upon Her Enemies. It was a great cliffhanger, but will viewers be willing to wait until 2024 to see what happens next? I’d venture yes — Game of Thrones took years-long breaks in between later seasons, which were watched in record numbers — but I’d like the episodes sooner anyway, please.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels