HBO Max and series creators George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal have already planned the next season. Condal stated in an interview with Variety that he will not be taking a break as “we’re essentially constantly in production in some way, shape, or form.” He adds that “because of the incredibly demanding production schedule of the show, facets of the show have to overlap with one another, which means that we were writing Season 2 long before they ever announced it, while we were in post in Season 1. So, we really have to storm right into the making of Season 2 now in order to keep pace with our fans’ healthy appetites for material and HBO’s need and desire to release the show in a reasonable timeframe from season to season.” Condal also revealed that Season 2 of House of the Dragon will resume filming in early 2023.
What we know about Season 2
The plot of Season 2 will expand on the ending of the first season. War is inevitably coming in the next seasons of House of the Dragon. The final episode sees the death of Viserys the Peaceful and the immediate ascension of Aegon II to the Iron Throne. Queen Alicent conspired with the High Council to seize power and supplant Princess Rhaenyra as heir to the throne. To make matters worse, Prince Aemond killed Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys Velaryon when the two were in fighting one another with their dragons, commencing the ‘Dance of the Dragons’. Lucerys’ death is portrayed as an accident by the series showrunners, as clearly seen by the look on Aemond’s face after the incident. Nevertheless, Rhaenyra was furious at her son’s death and is taking to arms in Season 2. Both the camps now look to forge “allegiances from different kingdoms and armies all over the map of Westeros,” Condal said. Ryan Condal reveals that they intended for the season to end with the twin deaths within the Targaryen household as well as the preparations for war. Condal also mentioned during the interview that Daemon was taming King Jaehaerys’ dragon Vermithor, the Bronze Fury. This may be a departure from the books as it was Hugh Hammer that rode Vermithor. The showrunners also revealed that Cregan Stark, one of the central characters for Dance of the Dragons, will be cast at some point. Condal was illusive when asked whether Stark would appear in Season 2. Season 2 for House of the Dragon will be action-packed as war is brewing. With all the factions, characters, and dragons, it will be interesting how the series will portray an all-out war. This is exciting times for those who have been following the series and books. Fans, however, would have to wait a while before the season premieres. We expect Season 2 sometime late in 2023 or in the spring of 2024, depending on how filming goes. House of the Dragon is streaming on HBO Max.
