Shortly after the season 1 finale, House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal addresses casting Cregan Stark. While House Stark played a prominent role in Game of Thrones, the North's ruling family has largely been absent from season 1 of the prequel show, which is set about 200 years prior and instead focuses on the titular Targaryen house. House of the Dragon season 1 covered the events leading up to Dance of the Dragons. With the civil war of succession set to break out in season 2, the show will drastically expand its scope by visiting various new locations (some of them seen before in Game of Thrones) and introducing new characters.
The House of the Dragon season 1 finale sees Queen Rhaenyra send her two sons, Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon, on their dragons, Vermax and Arrax, on separate missions to rally support for her cause. Luke is sent to meet with Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm's End, where he runs into Aemond and his monstrous dragon Vhagar, ultimately resulting in the first royal casualty of the conflict which motivates Rhaenyra to wage all-out war. On the other hand, Jace was sent to Winterfell to meet with Lord Cregan Stark, though his arrival is not seen in the House of the Dragon season 1 finale.
During an interview with Variety discussing the season finale, Condal was asked about casting Cregan Stark and when viewers should expect to see him in House of the Dragon. The showrunner confirmed they will "cast Cregan Stark at some point," but had no comment otherwise. When asked if viewers should expect to see him in season 2, Condal teased, "I don’t know, will we? I can’t answer that."
Who Could Play Cregan Stark In House of the Dragon Season 2?
Despite Condal's refusal to comment on the matter, Cregan Stark will likely be introduced in House of the Dragon season 2. With the season 1 finale opting not to show Jace's flight to Winterfell and his meeting with Cregan, it's possible this will be the opening scene of season 2. Cregan is the current Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North and thus, is one of the most important castings for the show's sophomore season. Just like Ned Stark in Game of Thrones, Cregan possesses a considerable amount of power as ruler of the largest kingdom in Westeros with many strong allies at his side. In the books, Cregan is also considered to be one of the greatest swordsmen of his time.
Henry Cavill is one big name that has been rumored to join House of the Dragon season 2 who would be perfect in the role of Cregan if it wasn't for his age. At almost 40 years old, The Witcher actor might be too mature to play Cregan, as Rhaenyra suggests the Lord of Winterfell is about 25 years old during the finale. Heartstopper's Sebastian Croft is a more age-appropriate actor that fans have floated as a potential Cregan. It's important to mention that these are pure fan casts, and Condal and HBO have made no official comment on specific actors for the role. Only time will tell who might play Cregan Stark as House of the Dragon season 2 progresses through production.
Source: Variety