House of the Dragon cast | Who Are The Characters in Game of Thrones prequel

House of the Dragon cast

Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the series is a brutal, brilliant television that sets the stage for the wars to come.

House of the Dragon is a new series set centuries before the events of Game of Thrones and has a huge cast from Matt Smith, there’s also Olivia Cooke as Queen Alicent Hightower, Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon and Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole to consider, not to mention all the new castings in later episodes.

Plus, with House of the Dragon season 2 in the pipeline already, this cast will only grow over time (even if some of their characters do get killed off along the way). Read on and we’ll round up who’s who in the current crop of characters and cast members.

House of the Dragon cast: Characters in Game of Thrones prequel

The following main cast members are confirmed for House of the Dragon.

We have more information on the cast of House of the Dragon below.

Matt Smith plays Prince Daemon Targaryen

Who is Prince Daemon Targaryen? Prince Daemon is the younger brother of King Viserys, who is formidable in battle but held back by his impulsive and, at times, reckless behaviour. Therefore, while he is technically the heir to the Iron Throne – as Viserys does not have a legitimate son – there is a strong feeling among many lords in Westeros that he should not be allowed to rule. He is often dubbed “The Rogue Prince”. At the start of the series, Daemon is in a loveless marriage to Lady Rhea Royce of Runestone and has a paramour in the form of prostitute and dancer Mysaria. After the death of Lady Rhea, Daemon goes on to marry Lady Laena Velaryon and has two daughters: Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena.

What else has Matt Smith been in? Smith is probably best known for his stint as The Eleventh Doctor on the BBC’s long-running sci-fi drama Doctor Who, during which time he also made cameos in The Sarah Jane Adventures and An Adventure in Space and Time. After leaving the role, Smith portrayed a young Prince Philip on Netflix’s royal drama The Crown, while he has also taken film roles in Terminator Genisys, His House, Last Night in Soho and Morbius.

Paddy Considine plays King Viserys I Targaryen

Who is King Viserys I Targaryen? King Viserys is the warm-hearted king of the Seven Kingdoms and inherited the Iron Throne from his grandfather, King Jaehaerys, whose 50-year reign was defined by peace and prosperity. However, there is tension brewing around both Viserys’ ascension to the throne and who his successor might be, which is causing factions to emerge and could lead to a significant conflict. Can King Viserys avoid a civil war within House Targaryen?

What else has Paddy Considine been in? Considine is known for his roles in films such as 24 Hour Party People, Cinderella Man, Hot Fuzz, The Bourne Ultimatum and The Death of Stalin. On the small screen, he has appeared in Channel 4’s Red Riding, ITV’s The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, BBC One’s Peaky Blinders and Sky’s The Third Day.

Olivia Cooke and Emily Carey play Queen Alicent Hightower

Who is Lady Alicent Hightower? Lady Alicent is the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower. With her father serving as Hand to the King, she has spent much of her life in the royal household, during which time she developed a strong friendship with Princess Rhaenyra. However, that bond will be tested in the years to come and as the game of thrones grows more and more brutal, perhaps Alicent has the determination to win it. As Queen Consort of the Seven Kingdoms, Alicent is the mother of Prince Aegon, Princess Helaena and Prince Aemond.

What else has Olivia Cooke been in? Cooke’s breakthrough performance came in Psycho prequel Bates Motel, where she played a childhood friend of the troubled Norman Bates. She later bagged film roles in horror films The Quiet Ones, Ouija and The Limehouse Golem, as well as Steven Spielberg blockbuster Ready Player One and Riz Ahmed’s awards contender The Sound of Metal. She currently plays Sid Baker on Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses.

What else has Emily Carey been in? Carey is best known for her roles as Grace Beauchamp in Casualty and in the BBC/Netflix series Get Even.

Emma D’Arcy and Milly Alcock play Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Who is Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen? Princess Rhaenyra is the daughter of King Viserys, who hopes to become the first queen of the Seven Kingdoms when her father’s reign ends. However, tradition dictates that only a male may rule, so it could prove difficult to get the Lords of Westeros to back this idea. Rhaenyra begins the series as a close friend of Lady Alicent Hightower, but the politics of the day will test their friendship.

What else has Emma D’Arcy been in? D’Arcy starred opposite Toni Collette in the BBC/Netflix co-production Wanderlust, before taking later roles in ITV’s Wild Bill as well as Prime Video originals Hanna and Truth Seekers. On the big screen, they are known for British dramas Misbehaviour and Mothering Sunday.

What else has Milly Alcock been in? The Australian actress has appeared in Janet King, A Place to Call Home, Fighting Season, Pine Gap, Les Norton, The Gloaming, and Reckoning.

Rhys Ifans plays Ser Otto Hightower

Who is Ser Otto Hightower? Ser Otto holds the powerful appointed role of Hand of the King, serving as the closest adviser to Viserys and having authority to make decisions in his name. He has a strong dislike of the King’s brother, Daemon, and aims to keep him out of power by any means necessary. Ser Otto is also willing to use his daughter Lady Alicent in his games.

What else has Rhys Ifans been in? Ifans is known for his film work in Notting Hill, Kevin & Perry Go Large, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Alice Through The Looking Glass. Marvel fans will know him as the supervillain Lizard, who first appeared in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man and returned in last year’s smash-hit No Way Home. On the small screen, he played Mycroft Holmes in the US drama Elementary and Gubby in Sky’s Temple.

Steve Toussaint plays Lord Corlys Velaryon/’The Sea Snake’

Who is Lord Corlys Velaryon? Lord Corlys is the leader of the powerful and wealthy House Velaryon, whose legendary seafaring has resulted in him being known across Westeros as the “Sea Snake”. House Velaryon is as old as House Targaryen and they have been joined in marriage through Corlys’ union with Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Lord Corlys is the Lord of the Driftmark and the Master of Ships on the Small Council for King Viserys. A defender of Prince Daemon’s rights as heir and someone willing to go to war for the sake of his house, could Lord Corlys prove problematic for the King?

What else has Steve Toussaint been in? Toussaint has recently appeared in critically acclaimed dramas It’s A Sin and Small Axe: Red White and Blue, with earlier projects including Our Girl, Death in Paradise, Lewis and Scott & Bailey.

Eve Best plays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

Who is Princess Rhaenys Targaryen? Princess Rhaenys is the cousin of Viserys and Daemon, who married the wealthy adventurer Lord Corlys Velaryon. She has twice been in line for the throne, but on both occasions, she has been passed over in favour of a man, earning her the moniker of ‘The Queen Who Never Was’. However, Princess Rhaenys has some insights for a young Princess Rhaenyra. Rhaenys is also the mother of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Lady Laena Velaryon, both of whom she is willing to use in forging new alliances through marriages.

What else has Eve Best been in? Best is known for playing Dr Eleanor O’Hara in the first five seasons of US drama Nurse Jackie, while she later appeared opposite Maggie Gyllenhaal in acclaimed miniseries The Honourable Woman. Most recently, she played headmistress Farah Dowling in Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga. On the big screen, viewers may recognise her from a supporting role in Best Picture winner The King’s Speech.

Fabien Frankel plays Ser Criston Cole

Who is Ser Criston Cole? Ser Criston is a skilled swordsman from the Dornish Marches and the bastard son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. Criston’s prowess with a sword earns him great fame and advancement in King’s Landing and leads to him catching the eye of a young Princess Rhaenyra. However, as Ser Criston advances into being selected as one of the Kingsuard, it should be noted that such a role requires chastity, loyalty and honour. Will Ser Criston stay true to his vows?

What else has Fabien Frankel been in? Frankel played Dominique Renelleau in true crime drama The Serpent, starring Jenna Coleman.

Sonoya Mizuno plays Mysaria

Who is Mysaria? Mysaria is a former dancer and prostitute who has risen from her beginnings as a victim of slavery and trafficking to become the most trusted ally and paramour of Prince Daemon Targaryen. At the conclusion of the first episode, Prince Daemon departs King’s Landing on the back of his dragon Caraxes with Mysaria. After the end of their romance, Mysaria takes up a new line of work and is dubbed the “White Worm”.

What else has Sonoya Mizuno been in? Mizuno is known for her collaborations with writer-director Alex Garland, having appeared in films Ex Machina and Annihilation, as well as miniseries Devs. She has also appeared Netflix cult favourite Maniac along with major box office hits La La Land, Beauty and the Beast, and Crazy Rich Asians.

Graham McTavish plays Ser Harrold Westerling

Who is Ser Harrold Westerling? Ser Harrold is a loyal and longstanding member of the Kingsguard and has served House Targaryen since the reign of King Visery’s father, King Jaehaerys. Harrold is tasked with watching over and protecting Princess Rhaenyra. Ser Harrold later serves as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.

What else has Graham McTavish been in? McTavish is best known for his role as the dwarf Dwalin in The Hobbit trilogy, but has also appeared in numerous television series such as Castlevania, Preacher and Outlander. He has also voice acted for the Uncharted video game series and co-wrote Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other with his Outlander co-star Sam Heughan.

Matthew Needham plays Larys Strong

Who is Larys Strong? Larys is the second son of Lord Lyonel Strong and the younger brother of Ser Harwin Strong. A shrewd observer, Larys ingratiates himself with Queen Alicent’s circle and soon show his ambitions when he acts out.

What else has Matthew Needham been in? Needham has appeared in the television series Endeavour and Sherlock in guest roles, as well as the film The Ritual.

Jefferson Hall plays Lord Jason Lannister and Ser Tyland Lanniste

Who is Lord Jason Lannister? The Lord of Casterly Rock and the Warden of the West; a wealthy aristocrat.

Who is Ser Tyland Lannister? The twin brother of Lord Jason and a cunning politician on the Small Council.What else has Jefferson Hall been in? Hall has starred in Wizards vs Aliens, Vikings, Taboo, Silent Witness, Devs, and the 2018 film Halloween.

Sian Brooke plays Queen Aemma Arry

Who is Queen Aemma Arryn? Queen Aemma is the consort of King Viserys I Targaryen and the mother of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. At the start of the series, Queen Aemma is heavily pregnant with who she hopes will be the male heir to King Viserys. Queen Aemma is of House Arryn of the Vale but is also descended from House Targaryen herself. At the end of the first episode, Queen Aemma has died after a brutal childbirth.

What else has Sian Brooke been in? British actress Sian Brooke is best known for her role as Eurus Holmes in Sherlock opposite Benedict Cumberbatch but has also had roles in Doctor Foster, The Moorside, Good Omens, Trying, Stephen and No Return.

Gavin Spokes plays Lord Lyonel Stro

Who is Lord Lyonel Strong? The honest and down-to-earth Lord of Harrenhal and the Master of Laws in the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen. Lord Lyonel is the father of two sons, Ser Harwin and Larys. Lord Lyonel later serves as the Hand of the King.

What else has Gavin Spokes been in? Spokes has appeared in numerous television series, including ITV drama The Ipcress File, Hitmen, Casualty, and Holby City.

John Macmillan, Theo Nate and Matthew Carver play Ser Laenor Velaryo

Who is Ser Laenor Velaryon? Ser Laenor is the son and heir of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Ser Laenor is set to inherit the Driftmark and the title Lord of the Tides. Due to his powerful blood ties and future inheritance, Ser Laenor is an ideal husband for Princess Rhaenyra but his sexuality means they can only ever love each other platonically.

What else has John Macmillan been in? Macmillan, who portrays an older Ser Laenor, is best known for his roles in Mitchell and Webb sitcom Back, Critical, Famalam, Hang Ups, and Chewing Gum.

What else has Theo Nate been in? Nate, who plays Ser Laenor as a young adult, previously appeared in the BBC prison drama series Time.

Bill Paterson plays Lord Lyman Beesbury

Who is Lord Lyman Beesbury? The experienced Lord of Honeyholt and the Master of Coin on King Viserys’ small council. Lord Beesbury goes on to become one of the longest-running advisors to the King.

What else has Bill Paterson been in? The veteran Scottish actor has appeared in numerous films and television series including: Comfort and Joy; Auf Wiedersehen, Pet; Truly, Madly, Deeply; Wives and Daughters; Sea of Souls; Amazing Grace; Miss Potter; Little Dorrit; Doctor Who; Outlander; Fleabag; Inside No. 9; Good Omens; and Brassic.

David Horovitch plays Grand Maester Mellos

Who is Grand Maester Mellos? A member of the Small Council and a long-running advisor to House Targaryen of moderate political leanings.

What else has David Horovitch been in? The English actor is best known for his role as Inspector Slack in Miss Marple. Horovitch’s other television roles include Thriller, The New Avengers, Prince Regent, Piece of Cake, Bulman, Hold the Back Page, Boon, Love Hurts, Peak Practice, Foyle’s War, The Second Coming, Deceit and Casualty.

Julian Lewis Jones plays Lord Boremund Baratheon

Who is Lord Boremund Baratheon? The Lord of Storm’s End, Lord Paramount of the Strormlands and a nobleman who swore to protect Princess Rhaenyra.

What else has Julian Lewis Jones been in? The Welsh actor is best known for his television roles in Where the Heart Is, Caerdydd, The Tudors and Stella. He has also had small film roles in blockbusters such as Justice League.

Steffan Rhodri plays Lord Hobert Hightower

Who is Lord Hobert Hightower? The older brother of Ser Otto Hightower, the uncle of Alicent Hightower, and the ruler of Oldtown.

What else has Steffan Rhodri been in? The Welsh actor is best known for his roles as Dave Coaches in Gavin & Stacey and as Reg Cattermole in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.

Wil Johnson plays Ser Vaemond Velaryon

Who is Ser Vaemond Velaryon? The younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon and a commander in the Velaryon navy who joins his brother in his war in the Stepstones. Ser Vaemond is a fierce advocate of the important of Velaryon blood.

What else has Wil Johnson been in? Johnson is also known for his roles in Waking the Dead, Cracker, Holby City, and his role as Dom Andrews in Emmerdale from 2012 to 2014.

Daniel Scott-Smith plays Craghas Drahar/ “The Crabfeeder”

Who is Craghas Drahar? Dubbed “The Crabfeeder” due to his torture techniques, Drahar is a Prince-Admiral from Myr who represents the Triarchy and is seeking to conquer the islands known as the Stepstones and comes into conflict with Prince Daemon and House Velaryon. The war-mongerer suffers from Greyscale.

What else has Daniel Scott-Smith been in? Scott-Smtih is a stage performer and has appeared in productions of The Invitation, Hamlet, Common, Red Nose, In Extremis, and Sweeney Todd, along with television shows Amazon television series Jungle and the film Men in Black: International.

Ryan Corr plays Ser Harwin Strong/”Breakbones”

Who is Ser Harwin Strong? Known as “Breakbones”, Ser Harwin Strong is noted as the strongest Knight in the Seven Kingdoms and is the heir to Harrenhal. Ser Harwin has a liking for Princess Rhaenyra and also serves in the City Watch of King’s Landing. Ser Harwin is rumoured to be the biological father of Princess Rhaenyra’s children.

What else has Ryan Corr been in? The Australian actor is best known for his roles in the Aussie series Packed to the Rafters and Love Child, along with roles in the films The Wolf Creek, The Water Diviner and Holding the Man.

Nanna Blondell, Savannah Steyn and Nova Fouellis-Mose play Lady Laena Velaryon

Who is Lady Laena Velaryon? The daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the sister of Ser Laenor Velaryon and, later, the second wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen and the mother of his two daughters, Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena Targaryen. Laena is a dragonrider whose mount is the largest living dragon in the world, Vhagar.

What else has Savannah Steyn been in? Steyn has starred in Sky’s Intergalactic and A Discovery of Witches.

What else has Nanna Blondell been in? The Swedish actress has appeared in the series Partisan and the film Black Widow and has starred in many Swedish television shows including Irene Huss and Hassel.

Solly McLeod plays Ser Joffrey Lonmouth

Who is Ser Joffrey Lonmouth? A knight dubbed “The Knight of Kisses” who serves House Velaryon and is the lover of Ser Laenor Velaryon.

What else has Solly McLeod been in? McLeod has starred in Outlander, The Rising and will soon be seen in ITV’s Tom Jones.

Rachel Redford plays Lady Rhea Royce

Who is Lady Rhea Royce? The estranged first wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen and the heiress to Runestone in the Vale of Arryn. Daemon refers to her as his “bronze b***h”.

What else has Rachel Redford been in? Redford has also appeared in the series Shadow and Bone and Gap Year.

Owen Oakeshott plays Ser Gerold Royce

Who is Ser Gerold Royce? The cousin of Lady Rhea Royce who has a bone to pick with Prince Daemon following her death.

What else has Owen Oakeshott been in? Oakeshott has also appeared in The Elder and The Upside of Anger.

Tom Glynn-Carney and Ty Tennant play Prince Aegon Targaryen

Who is Prince Aegon Targaryen? The eldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen from his marriage to Queen Alicent Hightower. A lustful prince, Aegon is now hungry for the power that his mother craves for him. Aegon is a dragonrider and his mount is the dragon Sunfyre.

What else has Ty Tennant been in? Tennant has had roles in Doom Patrol, War of the Worlds, and Tolkien.

What else has Tom Glynn-Carney been in? Glynn-Carney has had roles in the films Dunkirk, The King and Tolkien, whilst also have television roles in The Last Post, Domina, and SAS: Rogue Heroes.

Phia Saban and Evie Allen play Princess Helaena Targaryen

Who is Princess Helaena Targaryen? The daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, Princess Helaena is a thoughtful and gentle figure in King’s Landing. Helaena is a dragonrider and her mount is Dreamfyre.

What else has Phia Saban been in? Phia Saban has also starred in the historical drama The Last Kingdom.

Ewan Mitchell and Leo Ashton play Prince Aemond Targaryen

Who is Prince Aemond Targaryen? The second son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. Aemond longs for a dragon of his own and is obsessed with obtaining one.

What else has Ewan Mitchell been in? Mitchell is best known for hsi role as Osferth in The Last Kingdom, but has also had roles in Trigger Point, World on Fire, and The Halycon.

Harry Collet and Leo Hart play Prince Jacaerys Velaryo

Who is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon? The eldest son and heir of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and, officially, Ser Laenor Velaryon. Suspected to be the bastard son of Ser Harwin Strong. Jacaerys is nicknamed “Jace”. A dragonrider, Jacaerys’ mount is the dragon Vermax.What else has Harry Collet been in? Collet is best known for his role in Casualty as Oliver Hide and a role in the film Dolittle.

Elliot Grihault and Harvey Salder play Prince Lucerys Velaryon

Who is Prince Lucerys Velaryon? The second son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and, officially, Ser Laenor Velaryon. Suspected to be the bastard son of Ser Harwin Strong. Lucerys is nicknamed “Luke”. A dragonrider, Lucerys’ mount is the dragon Arrax.

Bethany Antonia and Shani Smethurst play Lady Baela Targaryen

Who is Lady Baela Targaryen?The daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. Baela is a dragonrider and her mount is Moondancer.

What else has Bethany Antonia been in? Antonia has appeared in two Netflix series, Get Even and Stay Close.

Phoebe Campbell and Eva Ossei-Gerning play Lady Rhaena Targaryen

Who is Lady Rhaena Targaryen? The daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. Rhaena longs for a dragon of her own.

What else has Phoebe Campbell been in? Campbell has had roles in Midsomer Murders, Home from Home, and The Last Dragonslayer.

Arty Froushan plays Ser Qarl Correy

Who is Ser Qarl Correy? A self-made knight who made his name fighting in the Stepstones, Ser Qarl is the companion and lover of Ser Laenor Velaryon.

What else has Arty Froushan been in? The British-Iranian actor has also appeared in Strike Back, Carnival Row and Knightfall.

Dean Nolan plays Prince Reggio Haratis

Who is Prince Reggio Haratis? The Prince of Pentos who seeks an alliance with Prince Daemon Targaryen against the Triarchy.

What else has Dean Nolan been in? Nolan has also appeared the films Pan and London Road.

Supporting cast members of House of the Dragon

**Warning for mild spoilers for House of the Dragon**

Other cast members in House of the Dragon are as follows.

• Michael Carter as King Jaehaerys I Targaryen – The late grandfather of King Viserys I Targaryen, referred to as the Old King, he reigned over a peaceful kingdom for over half a century.
• Garry Cooper as Lord Commander Ryam Redwyne – Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Jaehaerys I Targaryen.
• Anthony Flanagan as Ser Steffon Darklyn – A member of the Kingsguard of King Viserys I Targaryen.
• Roger Evans as Ser Borros Baratheon – The son of Lord Boremund Baratheon.
• Kurt Egyiawan as Grand Maester Orwyle – A high-ranking maester of the Citadel in Oldtown who goes on to serve in the Small Council.
• Paul Kennedy as Lord Jasper Wylde – The Lord of the Rain House and Head of House Wylde, known as “Ironrod”.
• Luke Tittensor as Ser Arryk Cargyll – Member of the Kingsguard of King Viserys I Targaryen and the twin brother of Ser Erryk Cargyll.
  
• Elliott Tittensor as Ser Erryk Cargyll – Member of the Kingsguard of King Viserys I Targaryen and the twin brother of Ser Arryk Cargyll.
• Phil Daniels as Maester Gerardys – One of the maesters of the Citadel in Oldtown.