House of the Dragon season 3 is finally in sight, as HBO confirmed this week that the highly anticipated installment will debut in June. Though many fans had issues with the second season—mainly the book changes and pacing, plus the underwhelming finale—the hype surrounding what’s next is quickly rising.
Today, HBO released the very first teaser trailer for House of the Dragon season 3, which shows us the growing conflict between the blacks and greens, new characters, and (thank god!) battles ahead. Of course, book fans know that the Battle of Gullet should be the first one we see, hopefully in the premiere of season 3.
But though we’re all so excited to see this epic battle come to life, it’ll also bring a devastating death I truly don’t know if I’ll ever get over. WARNING: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 3, based on George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood.
The Battle of the Gullet will bring death to Westeros
The teaser, which you can see above, includes footage from the Battle of the Gullet, a very important battle in the Dance of the Dragons war. We see shots of Jacaerys Velaryon flying on Vermax over the water, Corlys Velaryon ordering his fleet on his ship, and other fast-paced action shots to get us so hyped.
Not only is the Battle of the Gullet regarded as one of the bloodiest battles in Westeros history, but it also results in a major death that impacts House Targaryen greatly. Picking up from the events of the season 2 finale, season 3 will likely open with a surprise attack from the Triarchy on the Gullet, orchestrated by the greens, where Corlys has been, of course, keeping his blockade.
First look at Battle of the Gullet in ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ Season 3.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 19, 2026
Described as one of the bloodiest naval battles in Westeros’ history. pic.twitter.com/NKOFce5WIz
Characters who join Corlys and his fleet in this battle include Jacaerys, along with Hugh Hammer, Ulf White, and Addam of Hull, the latter of whom, you’ll remember, are new dragonriders after the events of season 2. Again, spoiler warning, but sadly, Jace and his dragon Vermax meet their fate in devastating deaths, with Jace being shot with a crossbow repeatedly.
The aftermath of the battle is widely felt, not just for Rhaenyra Targaryen, who’s just lost another son—and her oldest child, a.k.a. her heir, at that.
This battle was supposed to happen in season 2
It’s going to be a major moment to start season 3 on, one that the show cannot afford to mess up. The main reason the season 2 finale felt so disappointing is that it wasn’t originally how the installment was supposed to end. Actually, the Battle of the Gullet was planned for the end of season 2; however, the crew pushed it back to the third season. Reasons for this reportedly included budget cuts, creative decisions, and the Hollywood strikes.
As unfortunate as it was that the second season couldn’t include the Battle of the Gullet, we can absolutely expect it early on in season 3, if it isn’t the very first episode. And as we’ve now seen from the teaser trailer, it’s likely going to be the biggest battle of the season. It’s definitely going to be the biggest battle of the show so far.
“I will say that the war this season goes very hot, very, very quickly,” showrunner Ryan Condal told Entertainment Weekly in March 2025. “I think the people that were waiting and waiting for all of the horrible, brutal, pitiless bloodshed will be getting it in copious amounts.”
Now that we know House of the Dragon season 3 premieres in June, the countdown is officially on. Get the tissues ready for the first battle of the season. Though it’ll no doubt be a thrilling watch experience, it’ll also end in heartbreak. What else do we expect from this franchise?
Keep up with us at Winter is Coming for our continued coverage of the Game of Thrones franchise, which also includes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and the A Song of Ice and Fire book series.