House of the Dragon Cast: Full List of Actors and Characters

“House of the Dragon,” the highly anticipated prequel to the globally popular series “Game of Thrones,” has garnered massive attention since its announcement. Set around 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” this new series, based on George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, delves deep into the history of House Targaryen, their dragons, and their epic battles for the Iron Throne.

The show’s cast is filled with a talented ensemble of actors, each portraying characters that play pivotal roles in the complex Targaryen saga. From fierce warriors to wise rulers, “House of the Dragon” introduces a range of characters whose destinies are intertwined with the rise and fall of the Targaryen dynasty. In this article, we’ll explore the full list of actors and their respective characters in the series, providing an in-depth look at these dynamic roles.

1. Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen

Paddy Considine takes on the role of King Viserys I Targaryen, one of the central characters in “House of the Dragon.” Viserys I is a monarch faced with the challenges of maintaining the stability of his reign while navigating the dangerous political landscape of Westeros. Known for his compassionate yet determined nature, Viserys is forced into difficult decisions that will ultimately shape the future of his family and his kingdom.

Considine’s portrayal of the King presents a man who is deeply committed to his family and the realm, yet burdened by the constant pressure of leadership. He is tasked with ensuring a smooth succession of the Iron Throne, but tensions within his own house and among rival factions make his reign tumultuous.

2. Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen

Matt Smith, known for his roles in Doctor Who and The Crown, plays Prince Daemon Targaryen, the younger brother of King Viserys I. Daemon is a bold, brash, and ambitious character whose thirst for power is rivaled only by his deep loyalty to his house. He is one of the most complex characters in the series, torn between his desire for power and his love for his family.

Daemon’s fierce combat skills, unmatched on the back of his dragon Caraxes, make him a fearsome force in the Targaryen conflict. His relationship with his brother Viserys is marked by jealousy, rivalry, and mutual respect, making their dynamic crucial to the show’s narrative.

3. Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Emma D’Arcy plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter of King Viserys I and the first Targaryen woman to be named heir to the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra is ambitious, intelligent, and fiercely determined to claim her birthright despite the patriarchal constraints of the time. Throughout the series, she grapples with the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated society, fighting for her place on the throne.

Rhaenyra’s character arc is central to the conflict in “House of the Dragon.” Her struggle for power, coupled with her tumultuous relationships with her family members, makes her one of the show’s most intriguing characters.

4. Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower

Olivia Cooke portrays Alicent Hightower, the daughter of the powerful Otto Hightower, Hand of the King. Alicent becomes a key player in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. She starts off as a close friend to Rhaenyra but eventually becomes her rival, as the two women fight for control of the Iron Throne.

Alicent is portrayed as a politically astute character, willing to make difficult decisions in order to protect her family and ensure her children’s future. Her relationship with Rhaenyra is central to the show’s emotional depth, as their friendship slowly transforms into bitter rivalry.

5. Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower

Rhys Ifans plays Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King and father to Alicent Hightower. Otto is a highly ambitious and politically shrewd character who is fiercely protective of his family. Throughout the series, Otto serves as an advisor to King Viserys I, but his ambitions extend far beyond mere counsel. He has grand plans for his daughter Alicent, believing that her marriage to the king is the key to securing their family’s power.

Otto’s manipulation and political maneuvering make him a key figure in the series, as he plays both sides of the Targaryen conflict in his quest for power.

6. Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon (The Sea Snake)

Steve Toussaint brings to life Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, a legendary sailor and the head of House Velaryon. House Velaryon is one of the wealthiest and most influential houses in Westeros, with strong ties to House Targaryen. Lord Corlys is a brilliant strategist and a fearsome figure on the seas, having built his wealth and reputation through naval prowess.

As an ally of House Targaryen, Lord Corlys plays a crucial role in the political and military conflicts of the series. His naval fleet is one of the most powerful in Westeros, and his loyalty to House Targaryen is tested throughout the events of the Dance of the Dragons.

7. Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

Eve Best portrays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, a key figure in the early part of “House of the Dragon.” Rhaenys is a Targaryen by blood, but she is passed over for the throne in favor of her cousin Viserys I, despite being a more direct heir. Known as the “Queen Who Never Was,” Rhaenys harbors resentment over the fact that her claim to the throne was disregarded due to her gender.

Rhaenys is a wise and strong-willed woman, and her relationships with other key figures, including her husband Corlys Velaryon and her cousin Viserys, are central to the show’s political drama.

8. Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole

Fabien Frankel portrays Ser Criston Cole, a knight of House Cole who rises to prominence in “House of the Dragon.” Criston is an honorable and skilled warrior who becomes entangled in the political and personal struggles of the Targaryen court. His relationship with Rhaenyra Targaryen is a key storyline in the series, and his loyalty to her is tested throughout the show.

Ser Criston’s character is one of the more tragic figures in “House of the Dragon,” as he is forced to navigate his sense of duty and personal emotions in a time of great conflict.

9. Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria

Sonoya Mizuno plays Mysaria, a mysterious and complex character who has a significant role in the events of the series. Originally from Lys, Mysaria becomes one of the most influential figures in the Targaryen conflict. She begins as a dancer in the pleasure houses but gradually rises to power through her intelligence and cunning.

Mysaria’s role in the series is one of the most intriguing, as she plays both sides of the political game, using her influence to manipulate key characters. Her relationship with Daemon Targaryen is particularly notable, as it adds layers of complexity to both characters.

10. Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling

Graham McTavish portrays Ser Harrold Westerling, a knight of House Westerling who serves as a sworn protector to King Viserys I. Ser Harrold is known for his loyalty, honor, and wisdom, and he is a central figure in the early episodes of the series. His role as a protector of the king places him at the heart of the political intrigue in the Targaryen court.

11. Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury

Bill Paterson plays Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Lord of House Beesbury and a member of the small council under King Viserys I. Lord Beesbury is a more traditional and conservative character, often serving as a voice of reason in the chaotic world of Westerosi politics. His position on the small council allows him to play a role in some of the most crucial decisions of the series.

12. Matthew Needham as Larys Strong

Matthew Needham portrays Larys Strong, a member of House Strong and a significant figure in the political landscape of “House of the Dragon.” Larys is known for his intelligence, cunning, and ambition. He plays a key role in the drama between the various factions vying for control of the Iron Throne.

13. Harry Collett as Joffrey Velaryon

Harry Collett plays Joffrey Velaryon, the son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and her husband Ser Laenor Velaryon. Joffrey’s role in the story becomes crucial as tensions between the Targaryens escalate. His character brings an additional layer of complexity to the series, as the Velaryons and Targaryens are forced to confront their shared history and future.

Conclusion

The cast of “House of the Dragon” brings together an impressive array of talent, each actor infusing their character with depth, complexity, and nuance. From the ambitious Daemon Targaryen to the shrewd Alicent Hightower, these characters and their intertwining relationships drive the drama and intrigue of the show. As “House of the Dragon” unfolds, viewers can expect a gripping exploration of power, loyalty, betrayal, and ambition in the world of Westeros.

The show’s deep political intrigue, strong performances, and complex characters make it a worthy successor to “Game of Thrones,” and the stellar cast is integral to the success of this exciting new chapter in the world of Westeros