The first full trailer for House of the Dragon has officially been released. HBO is returning to the fantasy world created by George RR Martin in 2022 with the first ever Game of Thrones spinoff show. Set roughly 200 years before the events of the original hit series, House of the Dragon shifts the focus squarely on the Targaryen dynasty that eventually brought Daenerys Targaryen into the world. The spinoff show has been in development for a few years, and HBO kicked off the marketing campaign earlier this year with the first teaser trailer.
House of the Dragon features another sprawling cast of characters in the Westeros sandbox, such as Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Rhys Ifans, and Sonoya Mizuno are just a few of the main cast members playing key characters in the Targaryen's rule. Just as with Game of Thrones, the marketing for House of the Dragon has focused on the epic scope of the series, teased major events known to fans of the source material, and highlighted the large presence of the Targaryen's dragons.
Ahead of the Game of Thrones spinoff's highly anticipated release in August, HBO Max has now released the first full House of the Dragon trailer. The footage is packed with new looks at the upcoming series, including a large focus on Rhaenyra Targaryen's quest to become Queen of Westeros and sit on the Iron Throne, as well as the family feud over this power that breaks out between Prince Daemon Targaryen and King Viserys I Targaryen. Of course, many dragons are also featured in the full House of the Dragon trailer.
The Targaryen civil war and their dragons are part of how House of the Dragon will adapt the Dance of the Dragons event from the source material. The war begins when King Viserys continues to view Princess Rhaenyra as the heir to the Iron Throne, even though it was custom in the Seven Kingdoms to have the eldest son - in this case, Prince Daemon - be the official heir. The Targaryens and most of the Seven Kingdoms erupt into a war for the throne as a result, and the different sides of the Targaryen family use their many dragons to try and win. The Dance of the Dragons is ultimately what leads to almost every dragon dying, though.
With this powerful House of the Dragon trailer showcasing the drama, characters, and action, the footage should ensure that many Game of Thrones viewers return for the prequel show. The divisiveness over how Game of Thrones ended put some pressure on HBO to win back some of their biggest fans. House of the Dragon seems well-positioned to do just that and give audiences an epic fantasy story filled with Targaryen war and dragons.
Source: HBO Max