A new action-packed trailer for new HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon features an abundance of dragons and combat. Coming after the cultural sensation that was Game of Thrones, prequel series House of the Dragon was announced in 2019. The prequel announcement followed the original series' divisive finale, creating an uphill battle for creators of the new fantasy show. However, hype for House of the Dragon has increased with every update and the series promises to deliver where some feel Game of Thrones fell flat. The series features an all-star cast including Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, and Olivia Cooke.
Based on the 2018 George R.R. Martin novel Fire & Blood, House of the Dragon is set 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, featuring a Targaryen family roughly nine generations removed from Thrones' Daenerys. Because of the show's timeline, plenty of figures besides the Targaryens and their dragons that were mostly absent in the original series will make an appearance in House of the Dragon, including House Velaryon, House Hightower, House Strong, and northern House Dustin. Where the plot of Game of Thrones often centered around the aftermath of the Targaryen dynasty's fall, House of the Dragon will chronicle their rise and eventual catastrophic civil war, which will have dire consequences outside of the family as well as within.
The trailer, released today by HBO Max, offers a closer look at the long-awaited prequel series ahead of the premiere, giving fans plenty of action and intrigue to be excited about. Watch the full promo below:
Based on the trailer, House of the Dragon will certainly appeal to fans who felt that Thrones under-utilized its dragons. With plenty of Targaryens to follow, their famed beasts will clearly take center stage in the new series. However, one acclaimed aspect of Thrones will be difficult for House of the Dragon to top - the battle sequences, which will be extremely important to get right for this action-packed show. Luckily for fans, the show is co-created and directed (along with Ryan Condal) by Miguel Sapochnik, who crafted some of the most well-received episodes of Thrones. Among his credits is the thrilling season 5 episode, "Hardhome," and renowned season 6 episode, "Battle of the Bastards." From the trailer, it's obvious that Sapochnik's talents will be put to good use.
As the House of the Dragon trailer promises, fire will reign on Sunday, August 21 at 9:00pm ET/PT. The series will debut on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max, with new episodes coming out every Sunday until the conclusion of the 10-episode season 1 run. The season 1 finale is set to air October 23, and will likely leave viewers eager for the next chapter in the bloody history of the Targaryens.
Source: HBO Max