Among the many things about House of the Dragon season 3 we’re excited to see is the slate of new characters. As much as we love stars Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith), some of the biggest plot points feature scene-stealing side characters, and we’re expecting that trend to continue in the third installment.
One of the confirmed newcomers to enter the scene in season 3 is Alysanne Blackwood, a.k.a. Black Aly. If you love strong female characters, prepare to meet your next obsession. The fierce character from Fire & Blood fights in the Targaryen civil war in support of Team Black, proving her skills as an archer and overall warrior. It’s not surprising book fans have been desperate to see her depicted onscreen, and we’re finally about to get that.
How Annie Shapero relates to Alysanne Blackwood
At the House of the Dragon season 3 world premiere in London this afternoon, actress Annie Shapero, who plays Black Aly, answered questions on the red carpet in anticipation of her character’s introduction. She didn’t reveal much about what fans can expect, but she did speak on the trait she and Alysanne share.
“I think her love of nature,” Shapero said of how she relates to Black Aly. “I know that probably makes me sound quite lame, but I love nature and that was such a beautiful thing that I was kind of able to relate to Alysanne with.”
Annie Shapero (Alysanne Blackwood) attends the ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 World Premiere in London, England. pic.twitter.com/rCganez0Kv
— Thrones Updates (@ThronesUpdates) June 8, 2026
It’s not exactly surprising that Shapero didn’t spill many details about her character on the red carpet considering she hasn’t been at the forefront of the season 3 marketing. It’s likely HBO is keeping her largely under wraps as to not spoil an exciting character viewers are sure to love. For book fans, her introduction will come with a lot of hype, and for non-book fans, she’ll be a fun addition.
Warning: Spoilers for Fire & Blood are below.
In Fire & Blood, Black Aly eventually marries Cregan Stark, who is portrayed by Tom Taylor in House of the Dragon. She has a close relationship—that’s rumored to go beyond platonic—with a character named Sabitha Frey, who has a very small appearance in season 2 and is expected to return for season 3. How the show depicts the two ladies’ relationship is anyone’s guess, though fans are hoping Black Aly at least gets a fleshed out storyline, as much as time permits.
Unfortunately for Cregan Stark fans, it’s looking likely that the Wolf of the North might not appear in season 3, as he’s been left out of any of the marketing and the show has appeared to move past his storyline. What that means for his future storyline with Black Aly, we’re not sure.
First look at Annie Shapero as Alysanne Blackwood, aka Black Aly, in ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ Season 3. 🐉
— westerosies (@westerosies) May 13, 2026
Premieres June 21 on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/9DJAfHL6RR
Joining Shapero in the list of season 3 newcomers are James Norton as Ormund Hightower, Tommy Flanagan as Lord Roderick Dustin, a.k.a. Roddy the Ruin, Tom Cullen as Luthor Largent, Dan Fogler as Torrhen Manderly, and, as recently confirmed, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Daeron Targaryen. We’re certain we’ll meet even more faces in the third installment who are being held back from the promo for one reason or another.
House of the Dragon season 3 is promised to be “bigger and better,” and we have a feeling that statement will prove true. Don’t miss the premiere on Sunday, June 21 on HBO and HBO Max.
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