House of the Dragon: Get your first look at the Game of Thrones spin-off!

It’s happening, it’s actually finally happening! Yes, HBO has released the official first look images for the highly-anticipated Game of Thrones spin-off series House of the Dragon.

From the official press release, HBO is teasing their upcoming drama series, based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood blooks. House of the Dragon will be set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones and tell the story of House Targaryen.

While the show recently began production, it won’t officially debut on HBO until 2022. The series will also stream on HBO Max like other HBO shows.

Who is starring in House of the Dragon?

Of course, we’re all familiar with the Targaryens that starred in eight seasons of Game of Thrones, but don’t anticipate seeing any familiar faces in the spin-off, which also functions as a prequel. We’ll be meeting a brand new cast of characters and that includes new actors!

From the press release, the following will lead the ensemble cast:

Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: Rhaenyra seems to have everything as the king’s first-born and a dragonrider, but she’s not a man, which still comes with many restrictions during the era despite her pure Valyrian blood. Will she be House of the Dragon‘s Daenerys?

Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen: The former Doctor Who star will play King Viserys’ young brother and heir to the throne. Also a dragon rider, Daemon possesses the true blood of the dragon, “but it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…”

Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, “The Sea Snake”:  Considered the most famous nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys commands the largest navy in the world and sits in a house that’s even richer than the Lannisters. He comes from a Valyrian bloodline as hold as House Targaryen.

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower: Bates Motel alum Olivia Cookie portrays the daughter of Otto Hightower, Hand of the King. She is considered one of the most comely women in the Seven Kingdoms and is quite politically savvy, having been raised close to the king and in the Red Keep.

Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower: Alicent’s father is the Hand of the King, faithfully serving his regent and realm. He believes the greatest threat to the realm is the king’s brother, Daemon.

Check out the first look images from House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon is HBO’s chance to salvage Game of Thrones‘ reputation after the mess the showrunners made of the final season. Here’s hoping the new series is more like the early days of Game of Thrones.