House of the Dragon Season 3 is currently filming in the UK, bringing back 22 familiar actors while introducing seven new faces. The season will also see four major characters depart, including Eve Best’s Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. The eight-episode season, set to premiere in 2026, continues the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Returning Cast Members for Season 3
The core cast from previous seasons will reprise their roles, led by Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen. Other returning stars include:
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
- Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower
- Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II Targaryen
- Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
- Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen
- Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon
- Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole
Supporting characters like Matthew Needham (Larys Strong), Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria), and Gayle Rankin (Alys Rivers) will also return. The full list confirms 22 actors are back for the penultimate season.
New Additions to the Cast
Seven actors are joining the world of Westeros in key roles:
- James Norton as Ormund Hightower – Otto Hightower’s nephew and a major player for Team Green.
- Tommy Flanagan as Ser Roderick Dustin – A fierce Northman leading the Winter Wolves.
- Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly – A knight supporting Rhaenyra’s cause.
- Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent – The new Lord Commander of the City Watch.
- Annie Shapero as Alysanne Blackwood – A warrior siding with Rhaenyra.
- Barry Sloane as Ser Adrian Redfort – A knight in Rhaenyra’s Queensguard.
- Joplin Sibtain as Ser Jon Roxton – A fighter wielding the Valyrian steel sword Orphan-Maker.
These new characters will deepen the political and military conflicts in the ongoing war.
Who Is Not Returning for Season 3?
Four actors will not be back for the new season:
- Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen) – Her character was killed off in Season 2.
- Simon Russell Beale (Ser Simon Strong) – No longer listed in the cast.
- Ella Torchia (Kat) – Her role has concluded.
- Tom Taylor (Lord Cregan Stark) – Exits the series despite book fans expecting more.
Their departures signal major shifts in the story, particularly with Rhaenys’ death impacting both sides of the war.
What to Expect in Season 3?
The Dance of the Dragons will escalate, with more dragon battles, betrayals, and political maneuvering. The season will focus on Rhaenyra’s growing ruthlessness and Aegon II’s struggle to reclaim power. New alliances will form, and the human cost of war will be a central theme.
“The dragons dance and men are like dust under their feet, and all our fine thoughts, all our endeavors… are as nothing.” – Criston Cole
With production continuing into Fall 2025, fans can expect House of the Dragon Season 3 to arrive on HBO in 2026.
Also Read: House of the Dragon Season 2 Tops 2024 Piracy Charts, Echoing Game of Thrones Legacy
Credits: Hindustan Times, Just Jared, IGN
