House Of The Dragon Season 2 Cast Guide: Every New & Returning Character

Warning! SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon Season 1 and minor spoilers for Season 2.The House of the Dragon cast is composed of talented actors who bring to life the intense family dynamics at the height of the Targaryen dynasty. House of the Dragon serves as the first of many upcoming Game of Thrones spinoffs. While House Stark primarily took the lead in Game of Thrones, the prequel focuses on the height of House Targaryen’s power. Season 1 sowed the seeds of the catastrophic civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, which has divided House Targaryen leading into season 2.

Based on the “fake history” book Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, House of the Dragon includes the ancestors of familiar Game of Thrones families like the Starks, Baratheons, Tullys, and Lannisters, deciding which Targaryen claim they support during the civil war. However, some of House of the Dragon’s most major families weren’t featured in the Game of Thrones story, with House Hightower and House Velaryon seeing the heights of their powers during the prequel series’ timeline. There are also more Targaryens and dragons than ever during House of the Dragon, making the family’s conflict all the more devastating.

During House of the Dragon season 1, King Viserys I Targaryen’s succession became a complex dilemma, putting to the test whether the realm would rather see bloodshed than a woman on the Iron Throne. Now, House of the Dragon season 2, set to be released on June 16, 2024, will delve into the action-packed Dance of the Dragons conflict, with major battles, dragon fights, and more on the way. Much of the main cast return for season 2, with some exciting new additions.

The Cast Of House of the Dragon Season 2
Picture	Name	Character
	Emma D’Arcy	Rhaenyra Targaryen
	Olivia Cooke	Alicent Hightower
	Matt Smith	Daemon Targaryen
	Ewan Mitchell	Aemond Targaryen
	Tom Glynn-Carney	Aegon II Targaryen
	Rhys Ifans	Otto Hightower
	Steve Toussaint	Corlys Velaryon
	Eve Best	Rhaenys Targaryen
	Fabien Frankel	Criston Cole
	Harry Collett	Jacaerys Velaryon
	Phia Saban	Helaena Targaryen
	Bethany Antonia	Baela Targaryen
	Phoebe Campbell	Rhaena Targaryen

Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen

Date of Birth: June 27, 1992

Actor: Rhaenyra Targaryen is played by Emma D’Arcy, an English actor born in North London who broke big in House of the Dragon season 1. The role earned them their first Golden Globe nomination, but they previously appeared in BBC shows and drama films. D’Arcy played a significant role on the show Wanderlust as Naomi Richards and the show Truth Seekers as Astrid. They appeared in the films Mothering Sunday and Misbehavior.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is the eldest child and daughter of the late King Viserys I Targaryen. Rhaenyra is named the heir to the Iron Throne years prior to the birth of Viserys’s eldest son, Aegon, establishing the show’s conflict. Initially childhood best friends with the Hand of the King’s daughter Alicent Hightower, the two begin a devastating feud after Alicent is married to Viserys and births Aegon, Rhaenyra’s contender in succession. Heading into season 2, Rhaenyra is still seen by many as the rightful monarch, leading her faction, the “Blacks,” who are opposed by Alicent, Aegon, and the “Greens.”

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower

Date of Birth: December 27, 1993

Actor: Alicent Hightower is played by Olivia Cooke, an English actress born in the Manchester area. Her breakthrough came from the films Thoroughbreds, where she starred alongside Anya Taylor-Joy, and Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg. Before House of the Dragon, Cooke played a significant role as Emma Decody in Bates Motel and a minor role on Apple TV+’s Slow Horses. She’s steadily risen to prominence with outstanding work over the past decade, and Alicent is her highest-profile character so far.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Alicent Hightower is the daughter of the King’s Hand, Otto Hightower, who brings her to court at a young age. She bonds with Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in her youth, but has a growing anger as a result of the patriarchal society she’s been raised in. After being married to King Viserys I Targaryen, Alicent becomes the queen consort and has several children whose claims to the throne come after Rhaenyra. As adults, Rhaenyra and Alicent’s feud grows to a catastrophic breaking point, particularly once the realm is separated by support to the Targaryen “black” or “green” party.

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen

Date of Birth: October 28, 1982

Actor: Prince Daemon Targaryen is played by Matt Smith, an English actor born in Northhampton. Matt Smith put himself on the map with the BBC series Party Animals before rising to international fame as the eleventh Doctor Who in Doctor Who. He’s since had a fantastic run of television and film roles, notably earning an Emmy nomination for his role as Prince Philip in The Crown. He’s also starred in high-profile films like Morbius, Terminator Genisys, and Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Daemon Targaryen is known as the hot-tempered “Rogue Prince,” with his ambitious, mercurial, and daring personality causing much friction with other House of the Dragon characters. As the younger brother of Viserys, Daemon was presumed to be the heir to the Iron Throne until his brother named Rhaenyra his successor. He’s since made a name for himself as a hardened warrior and one of the most powerful House of the Dragon characters heading into season 2, representing his now wife, Rhaenyra, in her claim to the Iron Throne.

Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower

Date of Birth: July 22, 1967

Actor: Otto Hightower is played by veteran actor Rhys Ifans, born in Haverfordwest, Wales, who broke out playing Spike in the 1999 rom-com Notting Hill behind Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. He’s since had a successful career as a character actor, starring in independent films and major franchises alike. He played the Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man, which he reprised in 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. In the Harry Potter franchise, he played Xenophilius Lovegood, and he’s also had roles in The King’s Man, Snowden, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and more.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Otto Hightower was the Hand of the King to Viserys, having continued his role after the death of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. As the father of Alicent Hightower, the Hand eventually marries his daughter to King Viserys after the death of Queen Aemma. Otto is remembered in Westeros for his extensive knowledge and tenure as Hand of the King, which included a vast network of spies, ambiguous motivations, and a feud with Daemon Targaryen. In season 2, he supports his daughter and grandson, Aegon II, as a significant force for the Green faction.

Related

House Hightower’s History & Where They Are During Game Of Thrones

House Hightower is one of the most prominent families in House of the Dragon. Here’s their history and why they’re absent in Game of Thrones.

Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen

Date of Birth: March 8, 1997

Actor: Ewan Mitchell is one of the youngest actors in the House of the Dragon cast, who grew up in Derby and broke out with his role as Osferth in The Last Kingdom. He’s had roles in TV shows like The Halcyon and World on Fire, but nothing as enormous as House of the Dragon, where he earned significant praise for his minor role in season 1. Season 2 will see Mitchell take a more prominent role. He’s also recently appeared in the popular film Saltburn alongside Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Also known as Aemond “One-Eye,” he’s the second son of Viserys and Alicent, whose ferocity and arrogance were only exacerbated after losing an eye. Aemond’s childhood has pushed him toward a path of vengeance and a desire for power. He’s a remarkable swordsman, rides the most powerful dragon in Westeros, and is determined to defeat Rhaenyra and the Black faction in the coming war. His actions in the House of the Dragon season 1 finale were a catalyst to starting the war, as he murdered Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys Velaryon.

Related

House Targaryen Explained: Origins, Dragons, Kings & Game Of Thrones History

There’s more to House Targaryen’s history than what’s depicted in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. Here’s what we know from the books.

Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen

Date of Birth: February 7, 1995

Actor: Tom Glynn-Carney is an English actor who had his breakout role in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, playing Peter Dawson alongside actors like Mark Rylance, Barry Keoghan, and Cillian Murphy. He’s since appeared in a slew of period drama and war films, including Tolkien, The King, and The Book of Clarence. He’s certainly cornered a niche where he’s played exceptional supporting characters.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Aegon II Targaryen is the oldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Alicent Hightower and the younger half-brother of Rhaenyra. Despite her being Viserys’s chosen heir and himself having little interest in any responsibility, Aegon II inherits the Iron Throne following his father’s death. By the House of the Dragon season 1 ending, Aegon II is King of the Seven Kingdoms and the primary figurehead of the Green faction in the Dance of the Dragons.

Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon

Date of Birth: March 22, 1965

Actor: Steve Toussaint is a veteran British actor who had his breakout performance in the ITV drama The Knock back in the 1990s. He’s since appeared in dozens of film and television roles, primarily minor character work. House of the Dragon is his most significant role, over thirty years into his acting career. However, he’s appeared in prestigious shows like Skins, Line of Duty, and Doctor Who.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Corlys Velaryon, a.k.a the Sea Snake, is the Lord of the Tides and an accomplished seafarer who came to fame for his record-breaking Nine Voyages, which brought House Velaryon enormous wealth and power. The House of the Dragon character is married to Rhaenys Targaryen, the eldest grandchild of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, whose claim to the throne was passed over on account of her being a woman. Corlys is a powerful ally to the Black faction in the Dance of the Dragons, controlling the country’s most powerful navy.

Related

10 Worst Things House Of The Dragon’s Main Characters Have Done (& Will They Do Worse In Season 2?)

House of the Dragon’s characters have done terrible things in season 1, and some will commit even bigger atrocities in season 2 as war breaks out.

Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen

Date of Birth: July 31, 1971

Actor: Eve Best is an English actress who had her breakout role in the Showtime series Nurse Jackie, where she was in the main cast for five seasons as Dr. Eleanor O’Hara. She’s since been on the main cast for shows like Stan Lee’s Lucky Man, Fate: The Winx Saga, Maryland, and also joined The Crown’s final season as Carole Middleton. Her film roles are fairly limited, though she did play Wallis Simpson in the Best Picture winner The King’s Speech. Her most celebrated work has been in stage performances of Shakespeare at the Royal National Theatre in London.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: A fearsome dragonrider who was passed over as heir during the Great Council, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is known as the “Queen Who Never Was.” Rhaenys warns Rhaenyra about the realm’s resistance to a woman on the Iron Throne after her own experience. Married to Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenys’ son and daughter go on to marry Viserys Targaryen’s heirs. Even after the passing of her children, she and Corlys support Rhaenyra and the Black faction in the Dance of the Dragons.

Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole

Date of Birth: April 6, 1994

Actor: Fabien Frankel is one of the younger members of the cast, born in West London, with House of the Dragon being his breakout role. Before House of the Dragon, Fabien Frankel made appearances in The Serpent, Last Christmas (starring Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke), and NYPD Blue. He’s already been announced to appear in an upcoming untitled HBO miniseries, where he’ll play a supporting role behind Mark Ruffalo.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Ser Criston Cole, a common-born knight of Dornish descent, is known for his exceptional skills with his sword, which caught the attention of Princess Rhaenyra during a tournament fight with Prince Daemon. Criston then became the personal shield to Rhaenyra Targaryen and a knight of the Kingsguard before their brief romance, where she refuses to run away and marry him. Following this, Cole becomes a firm supporter of the Green faction, living a life focused on vengeful, petty hatred for Rhaenyra.

Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon

Date of Birth: January 17, 2004

Actor: Harry Collett, 20, is the youngest member of House of the Dragon’s main cast, who had his breakout role in the 2020 film Dolittle, which starred Robert Downey Jr. Prior to that, he had a brief appearance in Dunkirk and appeared in Casualty in a recurring role. Jacaerys Velaryon is his most significant role to date.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Jacaerys Velaryon is the eldest dragonriding Velaryon son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, at least legally. Known to most of the world, Jacaerys Velaryon’s true father was actually Ser Harwin Strong, who perished in season 1. Though youthful, Jacaerys is every bit as determined to help his mother earn her seat on the Iron Throne, solidifying him as a future king.

Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen

Date of Birth: September 19, 1998

Actor: Phia Saban is another young House of the Dragon cast member, born in London, who had her breakout role in The Last Kingdom’s final season. She played the character Aelfwynn for ten episodes of the critically acclaimed historical drama. She’s only appeared in two episodes of House of the Dragon so far but will be part of the main cast going forward.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Helaena Targaryen is the daughter of King Viserys Targaryen and House Hightower’s Alicent. Her role in season 1 was fairly limited, though she is the wife and sister of King Aegon II and has given birth to his three heirs. Helaena is an eccentric character who often speaks in cryptic sentences, occasionally revealing prophetic information. As the Queen, Helaena is a beloved figure to the people of King’s Landing and Westeros.

Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen

Date of Birth: December 25, 1997

Actor: An English actress from Birmingham, Bethany Antonia had her breakout role in the BBC teen thriller Get Even. She also played a main role on Stay Close before joining the House of the Dragon cast at the end of season 1. In 2024, she’ll also appear in a TV movie adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Baela Targaryen is the older daughter of Lady Laena Velaryon and Prince Daemon Targaryen. Her role has been minor so far, but the House of the Dragon season 2 trailers see her taking part in upcoming battles as a dragonrider. Her dragon, Moondancer, is one of the most unique and vibrant on the show. She is betrothed to Prince Jacaerys Velaryon.

Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen

Date of Birth: 1997-1998

Actor: Phoebe Campbell is an English actor whose breakout role was in House of the Dragon’s first season, where she appeared for two episodes. She’ll have a more significant role going forward. Before the HBO series, she had minor TV roles on Home from Home and Midsomer Murders.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Character: Rhaena Targaryen is the second daughter of Laena and Daemon. Like her sister, Rhaena has had a minor role so far, but was involved in the fight with Aemond that led to him losing his eye.

House Of The Dragon Supporting Cast & Characters

Returning Supporting Cast

Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria: Mysaria came to Westeros after a difficult life and become the closest ally of Prince Daemon Targaryen, with her arc seeing her take on one of the most important roles in the realm. A mistress of whisperers and a largely mysterious figure, Mysaria has an unlikely journey that places her as a valuable asset to the Black faction. House of the Dragon cast member Sonoya Mizuno has also been seen in Devs, Ex-Machina, Maniac, La La Land, and Crazy Rich Asians.

Jefferson Hall as Tyland and Jason Lannister: The twin brothers and leaders of House Lannister in the House of the Dragon. Tyland is a strategic politician working his way into King’s Landing, while Jason is the Lord of Casterly Rock. Both Lannister twins have sided with the Green faction in the Dance of the Dragons. Actor Jefferson Hall has been seen in Halloween (2018), Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Vikings, and Devs. Jefferson actually previously appeared in Game of Thrones season 1 as Hugh of the Vale.

Matthew Needham as Larys Strong: The younger brother of Harwin “Breakbones” Strong and son of Lord Lyonel, both of whom he had killed in a fire in season 1. Now, Larys Strong supports the Greens with a mutually beneficial alliance with Alicent Hightower. Needham has also been seen in Casualty, Chernobyl, Sanditon, Doctor Who season 13, and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon.

Elliott Tittensor as Erryk Cargyll: Erryk Cargyll is a knight of the Kingsguard who abandons his twin brother to swear fealty to Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. He’s played by actor Elliot Tittensor, who previously starred as Carl Gallagher in the original British version of Shameless.

Luke Tittensor Arryk Cargyll: Arryk Cargyll is another Kingsguard knight who remains loyal to Aegon II during the Dance of the Dragons. He’s played by Luke Tittensor, who’s best known for his role on the British soap opera Emmerdale Farm.

New Supporting Cast Members

Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers: Alys Rivers is known as the Witch Queen of Harrenhal and becomes a figure of importance among the Green faction. Gayle Rankin is a Scottish actress best known for GLOW, Perry Mason, and The Greatest Showman.

Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower: Ser Gwayne Hightower is the brother of Alicent Hightower, who will be a war asset for the Greens in the Dance of the Dragons. Actor Freddie Fox is known for Slow Horses, The Great, The Crown, and various voice-acting roles.

Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull: Addam of Hull is a dragonseed (a bastard of Valyrian descent) who is the son of a Velaryon noble and the brother of Alyn of Hull. As foreshadowed in House of the Dragon season 1, dragonseeds will be given the opportunity to claim un-bonded dragons to fight for the Black faction. Clinton Liberty has previously had roles in Normal People, and Red Election.

Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull: Alyn of Hull is the brother of Addam and shares a similar origin and purpose in House of the Dragon season 2. In the books, they are believed to have been fathered by Laenor Velaryon, but this could be altered for the TV series. Abubakar Salim is best known for voice roles in video game franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Diablo, and World of Warcraft, and they also played television roles in Raised by Wolves and Jamestown and appeared in Ridley Scott’s 2023 film Napoleon.

Kieran Bew as Hugh: In Fire & Blood, Hugh was another dragonseed living on Dragonstone, and given the option to claim a dragon to support the Black faction. Actor Kieran Bew joins the series after a role on the TV series Warrior and various other TV shows, films, and video games since the early 2000s.

Tom Bennett as Ulf: Another dragonseed from Dragonstone, Ulf will also be given the opportunity to claim a dragon in House of the Dragon, becoming an ally to Rhaenyra’s faction. Tom Bennett has had various film and television roles since the 2000s, most notably in the Ricky Gervais series After Life.

Tom Taylor as Lord Cregan Stark: Lord Cregan Stark is the acting ruler of Winterfell at the start of the Dance of the Dragons. The season 1 finale saw Jacaerys Velaryon sent to delegate with him, which is how he’ll be introduced in season 2. Tom Taylor is a 23-year-old actor who’s previously appeared in The Last Kingdom, The Bay, and Us.

Simon Russell Beale as Simon Strong: Simon Strong is the great uncle of Lord Larys Strong, who rules at Harrenhal in his absence. He’ll be played by veteran actor Simon Russell Beale, who’s regarded as a legendary stage actor, having received three Olivier Awards.

Michael Elwyn as Lord Staunton: Lord Staunton is one of the members of Rhaenyra’s council and is the Lord of Rook’s Rest. In season 2, he’ll be played by Michael Elwyn, whose credits include Doctor Who and Foundation.

House Of The Dragon Season 1 Actors Who Left The Show

• Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen
• Milly Alcock as Young Rhaenyra Targaryen
• Emily Carey as Young Alicent Hightower
• Elliot Grihault as Lucerys Velaryon
• John Macmillan as Laenor Velaryon
• Nanna Blondell as Laena Velaryon
• Sian Brooke as Queen Aemma Arryn
• Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling
• Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury
• Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong
• Wil Johnson as Ser Vaemond Velaryon

House of the Dragon

Taking place about 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon tells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen.

Cast

Jefferson Hall , Paddy Considine , Fabien Frankel , Ryan Corr , Eve Best , Gavin Spokes , Graham McTavish , Steve Toussaint , Olivia Cooke , Sonoya Mizuno , Bill Paterson , Matthew Needham , Emma D’Arcy , Matt Smith , Rhys Ifans , David Horovitch

Release Date

August 21, 2022

Seasons

2

Network

HBO Max

Expand