Your Guide to the House of the Dragon Cast and Characters

The House of the Dragon cast has captured the attention of millions as the highly anticipated Game of Thrones prequel continues to make waves on screens worldwide. Set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon explores the rise and fall of House Targaryen. With an ensemble of talented actors, the show introduces various complex characters that will shape the course of Westeros.

If you're a fan of fantasy drama and want to know more about the stars of House of the Dragon, here's your comprehensive guide to the cast and the characters they portray.

Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen

Paddy Considine is known for his roles in The Outsider and Hot Fuzz. He portrays King Viserys I Targaryen, the fifth Targaryen ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Viserys is a man caught between duty and family as he navigates the delicate politics of the Targaryen dynasty. His reign begins with promise. However, tensions quickly rise as his decisions lead to a bloody struggle for power within his family. Considine brings gravitas and depth to this role, showing the internal turmoil of a ruler trying to maintain peace while struggling with familial loyalty.

Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen

Matt Smith is best known for playing Doctor Who. He steps into the role of Prince Daemon Targaryen, the younger brother of King Viserys. Daemon is a fierce warrior with a rebellious streak, often at odds with his brother’s decisions. Ambitious and unpredictable, Daemon’s actions threaten to destabilize the Targaryen dynasty, but his charm and passion make him a complex and compelling character. Smith’s performance as Daemon adds an exciting, unpredictable energy to the show, as his actions constantly keep viewers on edge.

Emma D'Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Emma D'Arcy portrays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter of King Viserys I and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, at least in her eyes. Rhaenyra is one of the show's central characters. Her struggle to claim the throne after her father’s death sets off the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. D'Arcy’s portrayal of Rhaenyra captures the character’s determination and challenges as a woman trying to assert her power in a patriarchal society. Her journey is one of strength, heartbreak, and defiance.

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower

Olivia Cooke is known for her roles in Ready Player One and Sound of Metal. She plays Alicent Hightower, a pivotal character who is one of Rhaenyra's closest friends and eventually becomes her rival. Alicent's role in the show is significant as she navigates her position's political and familial complexities. Born to a powerful family, Alicent becomes Queen after marrying King Viserys I. Her loyalty to her family and desire to secure power for her children lead to a bitter rivalry with Rhaenyra. Cooke's nuanced performance explores Alicent’s transformation from a trusted confidant to a political adversary.

Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower

Rhys Ifans, known for his roles in Notting Hill and The Amazing Spider-Man, portrays Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King and the father of Alicent Hightower. Otto is a shrewd political player, always calculating and scheming to maintain power within House Hightower. As the Hand, Otto’s role is crucial in shaping the events of House of the Dragon. His ambitions and loyalty to his family often put him at odds with the Targaryens, creating tension in the court. Ifans gives a captivating performance, embodying the scheming, manipulative nature of Otto.

Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon

Steve Toussaint plays Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake. He heads House Velaryon, one of Westeros's most influential and wealthiest families. Lord Corlys is a skilled and ambitious naval commander who plays a key role in the unfolding political and military events. His marriage to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen further solidifies his status in the realm. Toussaint brings depth to the character, portraying Corlys as a man driven by pride, loyalty, and a desire to secure his family’s legacy.

Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

Eve Best portrays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon and a formidable figure in the Targaryen family. Though she was once considered the rightful heir to the throne before Viserys took the crown, Rhaenys is often overlooked in favor of her male relatives. She is a woman of great intellect and strength, and her role in the power struggle that unfolds in House of the Dragon is crucial. Best delivers a powerful performance, showing Rhaenys as a character who must contend with the restrictions placed on her as a woman and her desire for justice.

Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole

Fabien Frankel takes on the role of Ser Criston Cole, a knight who becomes one of Rhaenyra Targaryen's most trusted allies and a key player in the Dance of the Dragons. Known for his bravery and honor, Criston becomes entangled in the politics of the Targaryen family. His loyalty to Rhaenyra is tested as his personal feelings become intertwined with Westeros's deadly game of power. Frankel’s portrayal of Criston captures the character’s internal conflict, making him one of the more sympathetic figures in the series.

David Tennant as a Targaryen (Role TBD)

David Tennant is a beloved actor known for his Doctor Who and Broadchurch work. He is set to join House of the Dragon cast in an undisclosed role, fueling fan speculation. While details about his character remain under wraps, Tennant's addition to the cast is an exciting development, and fans eagerly anticipate seeing him bring his iconic intensity to the world of Westeros.

Conclusion

The House of the Dragon cast brings an incredible range of talent to the screen, with each actor fully embodying their character's complexities and motivations. From Olivia Cooke's aspirational Alicent Hightower to Paddy Considine's troubled King Viserys, the performances in House of the Dragon cast captivate audiences and immerse them in the Targaryen family's political intrigue and power struggles.

With its incredible cast, House of the Dragon is set to become a defining show in the Game of Thrones universe. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes drama, compelling characters, or epic fantasy storytelling, this prequel has something for everyone. Keep an eye on these talented actors as they continue to bring Westeros to life.