House of the Dragon 2: All You Need to Know Before Season 2

It's been two years since the release of the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon. The show quickly became a fan favorite with its immersive story, cool dragons, and interesting characters. This month, we will finally get to see what happens after the cliffhanger we were left with in HOTD's final episode.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know before the release of House of the Dragon Season 2! Make sure to read until the end so you are fully prepared for the next season!

House of the Dragon Season 1: Recap 

Let's start with a quick summary of where we left off after Season 1. Right before his passing, Viserys I Targaryen told his wife Alicent about a prophecy he once believed in. Misunderstanding his words, Alicent believed that he wanted their son Aegon to be the rightful heir to the throne. Despite her and Rhaenyra finally being on good terms, she decides to usurp the throne without informing her.

After finding out about her father's death and Alicent's betrayal, Rhaenyra and her subordinates begin strengthening their defenses and considering their next course of action. Initially, Rhaenyra disagreed with Daemon's demands to attack King's Landing before the enemy could strike first, but this was about to change.

Both the Greens and the Blacks started gathering alliances with other powerful houses. Rhaenyra's son Lucerys was given the task of visiting House Baratheon to ask for their support. However, there he encountered Aemond Targaryen. The two engaged in a dangerous chase with their dragons, which ended with Vhagar killing Lucerys and his dragon Arrax. Once the devastating news reached Rhaenyra, it was decided—war was about to begin. 

House of the Dragon Season 2: Episode Details

Unlike House of the Dragon Season 1, which had 10 episodes in total, HOTD Season 2 will have only 8 episodes. HBO explained that the second season of the show is getting fewer episodes not because of a lack of budget but because it made more sense for the story. Some fans found this promising for a possible Season 3 of HOTD. The first episode of the season, titled "A Son for a Son," is said to be 64 minutes long, and it is expected that the final episode will also exceed an hour. 

House of the Dragon Season 2: Cast and New Characters

We will see most of the previous cast return in Season 2 of the show. Here is who you should expect: 

• Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
• Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
• Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen
• Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon
• Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen
• Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen
• Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
• Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower
• Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole
• Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II Targaryen
• Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen
• Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
• Matthew Needham as Larys Strong

Here are some of the confirmed new characters that will make an appearance in the new season and will join the upcoming war:

• Simon Russell Beale as Simon Strong
• Tom Taylor as Cregan Stark
• Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer
• Tom Bennett as Ulf
• Freddie Fox as Gwayne Hightower
• Amanda Collin as Jeyne Arryn
• Vincent Regan as Rickard Thorne

House of the Dragon Season 2: Release Date and Where to Watch

House of the Dragon Season 2 will premiere on June 16 at 9 PM ET. The episodes will be released every Sunday on HBO and Max. Here is a timetable for the release of the episodes in different time zones.

Make sure to check our website for more interesting HOTD content and updates on the upcoming season!