Every new actor joining House of the Dragon in season 2 (and who they're playing)

Simon Russell Beale as Simon Strong

Once described by The Independent as "the greatest stage actor of his generation," English actor Simon Russell Beale has a ton of stage and screen credits to his name. He'll play Ser Simon Strong, the castellan of Harrenhal. That means he takes care of the massive castle when its lord is away. The lord is Simon's great-nephew Larys Strong, who you'll remember is a shceming advisor to Alicent Hightower with an interest in foot stuff.

Steven Pacey as Gunthor Darklyn

Another English actor known for his stage work, Steven Pacey will play Gunthor Darklyn, the lord of the castle of Duskendale, which is just outside King's Landing. When the Dance of the Dragons breaks out, lords and ladies across the Seven Kingsdoms declare for either one side or the other: Team Black or Team Green, Team Rheanyra or Team Aegon. Lord Darklyn is near King's Landing, the home base of the greens, so you'd think he chooses their side. But he remains loyal to Rhaenyra and her blacks, possibly to his sorrow.

Vincent Regan as Ser Rickard Thorne

Vincent Regan is a Welsh actor with experience appearing in period pieces like 300, Troy and Clash of the Titan. He also played Luffy's grandfather in Netflix's live-action One Piece show, if you're wondering where you know him from.

Regan wlll play Ser Rickard Thorne, a member of King Aegon's Kingsguard. If you recall, Lord of Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Harrold Westerling quit his job towards the end of season 1; now, some members are loyal to Aegon while others are loyal to Rhaenyra. Aegon's Kingsguard is now commanded by Ser Criston Cole, with Rickard Thorne as one of his knights.

Archie Barnes as Oscar Tully

The Tully family from Game of Thrones will feature on House of the Dragon. At the start of the Dance of the Dragons, old Grover Tully is in charge of House Tully. Grover wants to support Aegon and her greens, but his grandson Elmo Tully wants to remain neutral. Elmo has two sons: Kermit and Oscar Tully, played by Archie Barnes. Over the course of the war, Oscar will become a leader and a warrior.

Grover, Elmo, Kermit, Oscar...if you're wondering, yes, all of these characters are purposefully named after Muppets. So far, the only Tully we know will appear in House of the Dragon season 2 is Oscar. I hope Grover, Elmo and Kermit show up too.

As for Archie Barnes, his biggest job before House of the Dragon was a small role in The Batman.

Michael Elwyn cast as Lord Staunton of Rook’s Rest

Lord Staunton plays a crucial role in House of the Dragon season 2. He's the lord of Rook's Rest, a castle that lies to the northeast of King's Landing. Once war breaks out, Lord Staunton declares for Rheanyra and her blacks. King Aegon, Criston Cole, and an army of greens march on the castle and demand that he abandon Rhaenrya. Rook's Rest becomes the sight of a huge battle between the greens and the blacks, one we know that HBO put a lot of effort into filming.

Lord Straunton is played 81-year-old Welsh actor Michael Elwyn. He started his career on the original Doctor Who show back in the 1960s and has worked consistently on stage and screen ever since.

Turlough Convery as Lord Mooton

Turlough Convery, known for his work in shows like Poldark and Resident Evil, will play Lord Mooton in House of the Dragon season 2. There are actually two Lord Mootons involved in the Dance of the Dragons. The first is Walys Mooton, the lord of Maidenpool and the head of House Mooton. He declares for Rhaenrya, and sees an opportunity to get into her good graces after the Battle at Rook's Rest. You see, that battle involves a couple of dragons, including King Aegon's dragon Sunfyre, who is wounded and spends some time recuperating on the ground afterwards. Walys Mooton tries to kill Sunfyre during this period, but he dies in the attempt because of course he does; you were never going to be able to slay a dragon, Walys. They're really hardcore.

After that, Walys' brother Manfryd becomes the new Lord Mooton and continues to support Rhaenyra. We're guessing that Convery will play Walys Mooton, since he has more to do during this next stretch of story.

Daniel Fathers as Humfrey Lefford

English actor Daniel Fathers has been working consistently onscreen since the early 2000s, appearing in shows like Snatch and Orphan Black. He's the head of House Lefford, which is sworn to House Lannister. House Lannister supports the greens, so Humfrey does too. He participates in a major battle called the Battle by the Lakeshore, also known as the Fishfeed, but it seems unlikely that season 2 will get that far into the story. Lord Hemfrey Lefford's most memorable moments may be ahead of him.

Jamie Kenna as Alfred Broome

Alfred Broome is the most senior knight living on the island of Dragonstone, which is where Rhaenrya Targaryen makes her home base. That means he's working for the blacks, but let me just say: keep an eye on that guy. He has a sour disposition and is bitter that Rhaenyra passed him over for a promotion. He could be trouble. Ser Alfred is played by actor Jamie Kenna, who's appeared on British soap operas like Eastenders and Coronation Street.

John-Paul Hurley as Lord Darry

Lord Darry, the head of House Darry in the Riverlands, declares for Rhaenyra Targaryen early on in the Dance of the Dragons and sticks it out despite some pretty hairy moments. We never do learn his first name in Fire & Blood. Perhaps the show will fill us in. Lord [FIRST NAME HERE] Darry will be played by English actor John-Paul Hurley.

And those are all the actors who are playing characters drawn directly from the pages of Fire & Blood. It's a lot! But don't underestimate just how huge this cast is. Next, let's look at some of the actors playing characters invented for the show: