Fans of the hit HBO series can rejoice as “House of the Dragon” Season 3 has officially begun filming in the UK. The production team has confirmed that the new season will consist of eight episodes, continuing the epic Targaryen saga that has captivated viewers worldwide. The announcement came via a special video featuring Emma D’Arcy, who stars as Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series.
The cast is expanding for the upcoming season with exciting new additions. Tommy Flanagan and Dan Fogler have officially joined the ensemble, bringing fresh faces to the world of Westeros. While details about their roles remain under wraps, their involvement signals the show’s commitment to building upon its already impressive roster of talent.
Though some rumors suggested filming may have started as early as March 17, 2025, the official announcement confirms production is now fully underway. This timeline suggests fans might expect the third season to arrive on screens sometime in late 2026, though HBO has not yet confirmed an official release date.
The upcoming season introduces several new cast members, including:
- Tommy Flanagan (“Sons of Anarchy,” “Gladiator”) as Ser Roderick Dustin, known as “Roddy the Ruin,” the Lord of Barrowton and head of House Dustin from the North.
- Dan Fogler (“Fantastic Beasts”) as Ser Torrhen Manderly, a knight of House Manderly.
- James Norton (“Happy Valley,” “Grantchester”) as Ormund Hightower, a key ally in the civil war for the Iron Throne.
Production Kicks Off for Season 3
The much-anticipated third season of House of the Dragon has officially begun filming in the UK. This new chapter in the Targaryen saga will feature eight episodes and is expected to ramp up the intensity as the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons continues to spiral into chaos.
With massive battles, shifting alliances, and a steadily growing body count, Season 3 promises to push the story into darker and bloodier territory. The production team is reportedly focusing on large-scale action sequences while continuing the character-driven storytelling that’s become a hallmark of the series.
New Faces in Westeros
Season 3 introduces some intriguing new cast members who will play key roles in the ongoing conflict:
- Tommy Flanagan joins as Ser Roderick Dustin, aka “Roddy the Ruin,” a hardened warlord from the North and Lord of Barrowton. Known for his unflinching loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra, Roddy brings the full weight of Northern steel to the battlefield.
- Dan Fogler takes on the role of Ser Torrhen Manderly, representing House Manderly of White Harbor. The Manderlys are one of the most powerful houses in the North, and Torrhen’s arrival strengthens Rhaenyra’s support in that region.
- James Norton portrays Lord Ormund Hightower, the head of House Hightower and a crucial figure in the Green faction. A military leader and a nobleman of considerable influence, Ormund commands armies and brings renewed focus to Alicent’s cause.
These characters are expected to shape the political and military strategies that unfold as Westeros fractures even further.
Familiar Faces Return
Much of the main cast from Seasons 1 and 2 will return, including:
- Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
- Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower
- Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen
- Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon
Their storylines are about to reach a boiling point, with betrayals, heartbreak, and major character deaths looming on the horizon. Tensions between the Black and Green councils are set to erupt in devastating ways as each faction fights for dominance.
Major Events and Battles Expected
Season 3 is expected to feature several key moments from George R.R. Martin’s lore, including:
- The Battle of the Gullet – a large naval conflict that could rival anything seen in the series so far in terms of scale and impact.
- The March of the Northmen – Roddy the Ruin’s campaign to bring Northern fire to the South is poised to be one of the season’s most iconic storylines.
- New Strongholds and Territories – The war spreads beyond King’s Landing and Dragonstone, introducing more of Westeros and its diverse factions.
The tone is expected to grow more brutal and personal, especially as dragons are weaponized in more devastating and unpredictable ways.
Where Season 3 Fits in the Larger Plan
While HBO has not yet officially confirmed how many seasons the show will run, insiders suggest that Season 3 is likely the penultimate chapter. The series is expected to wrap up with a fourth season, aligning with George R.R. Martin’s original pacing and outline.
The creative team is focused on delivering a climactic and emotionally satisfying arc for its characters, ensuring that each new episode raises the stakes and delivers the political intrigue, bloodshed, and drama fans crave.
Release Window and What’s Next
Although no official premiere date has been set, production timelines suggest a 2026 release. That gives the team ample time to deliver the quality and scope that House of the Dragon has become known for — from cinematic battle sequences to the layered, morally complex characters that define Westeros.
With new blood joining the fight and the war nearing its peak, Season 3 is shaping up to be the most explosive and emotionally charged chapter yet.
Key Takeaways
- “House of the Dragon” Season 3 has officially begun production in the UK with a confirmed eight-episode order.
- Tommy Flanagan and Dan Fogler have joined the cast, bringing new characters to the Targaryen saga.
- Production is expected to continue throughout 2025, with the season likely premiering in late 2026.
Overview of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3
HBO’s fantasy drama has officially begun production on its third season, building on the Targaryen civil war storyline that has captivated audiences. Two notable actors have joined the cast as filming commenced with Emma D’Arcy featuring in the announcement video.
Premise and Anticipation
“House of the Dragon” Season 3 continues the adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s “Fire and Blood,” focusing on the destructive Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Following the dramatic events of Season 2, tensions between the Black and Green factions are expected to escalate further as the battle for the Iron Throne intensifies.
Production started in early 2025, with filming taking place at Leavesden Studios until May before moving to other locations. Set leaks suggest some explosive sequences are planned, literally – as reports mention explosion effects being prepared for upcoming scenes.
HBO has yet to announce an official premiere date, though based on previous production timelines, fans might expect the season to debut in late 2026.
Returning Cast Members
Emma D’Arcy returns as Rhaenyra Targaryen, confirmed through their appearance in the season’s announcement video. While complete cast details remain limited, core performers from Season 2 are expected to reprise their roles.
Matt Smith will likely continue as Daemon Targaryen, alongside Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower. The younger generation of Targaryens portrayed by Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Phia Saban are also anticipated to return.
Two significant new cast members have joined for Season 3, though their specific roles remain under wraps. These additions suggest the introduction of new characters or perhaps recasting of existing roles as the story progresses.
New Additions to the Cast
The third season of “House of the Dragon” welcomes exciting fresh faces to its already impressive ensemble. These new cast members will bring depth to the expanding world of Westeros.
Tommy Flanagan Joins the Ensemble
Tommy Flanagan, best known for his role in “Sons of Anarchy,” has officially joined the cast of “House of the Dragon” Season 3. He will portray Ser Roderick Dustin, a character likely to play a significant role in the unfolding civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Flanagan brings his distinctive presence and acting prowess to the HBO series as filming begins in the UK. His character adds to the Northern houses’ representation in the series, potentially showing how the conflict between the Blacks and the Greens extends throughout the realm.
The Scottish actor’s addition suggests viewers will see more of the various noble houses choosing sides in the Targaryen succession crisis.
Emerging Characters in Season 3
Dan Fogler, familiar to many from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, has been cast as Ser Torrhen Manderly. This addition indicates the show will explore more Northern politics as the realm-wide conflict intensifies.
The eight-episode third season appears to be expanding its scope beyond the core Targaryen family. While returning cast members like Harry Collett, Phia Saban, Matthew Needham, and Rhys Ifans will continue their stories, these new characters suggest fresh alliances and betrayals.
Production is currently underway in the United Kingdom. The casting choices hint at plot developments that may follow the source material, “Fire & Blood,” while possibly introducing new elements to the narrative that weren’t explicitly detailed in George R.R. Martin’s book.
Production Insights
House of the Dragon Season 3 officially began production on March 31, 2025, in the United Kingdom. The production team has already set ambitious plans for bringing George R.R. Martin’s Targaryen saga to life with fresh creative directions.
Filming Locations and Set Design
Production for the third season is primarily taking place across various locations in the United Kingdom. The crew has returned to familiar filming spots including studios in London and scenic locations in Cornwall that have become synonymous with Westeros.
Set designers have reportedly expanded the Dragonstone castle interior sets to accommodate more dragon scenes. The production team has invested in enhanced practical effects for the dragon battles, which will be complemented by CGI in post-production.
Ryan Condal, who continues as showrunner, emphasized the importance of authentic medieval settings. “We want viewers to feel the weight of history in every stone,” he noted in a recent interview.
Creative Direction and Themes
Season 3’s creative direction builds on the growing conflict between the Blacks and the Greens. Executive producers have indicated they’re exploring deeper political intrigue while maintaining the show’s signature dramatic tension.
The production team aims to deliver a darker tone this season, with costume designs reflecting the escalating war. Directors have planned more elaborate battle sequences requiring extensive coordination between practical effects and CGI teams.
HBO executives expressed confidence in Condal’s vision for the season. The narrative reportedly expands beyond King’s Landing and Dragonstone to showcase other regions of Westeros not previously featured in the series.
Each episode’s production schedule has been extended to accommodate more complex dragon interaction scenes and larger-scale battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about the upcoming third season of “House of the Dragon” as filming gets underway. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries based on current information.
When is the release date for ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3?
“House of the Dragon” season 3 is expected to release sometime in 2026. The exact premiere date hasn’t been officially announced by HBO yet.
Filming began in spring 2025 and is scheduled to continue through fall 2025. This production timeline supports the projected 2026 release.
Post-production for the show typically takes several months due to the extensive visual effects and editing required.
Who are the new cast members in the upcoming season of ‘House of the Dragon’?
HBO has not yet announced any new cast additions for season 3. The main cast from season 2 is expected to return.
Casting calls and leaks may reveal new actors joining the series as filming progresses. Fantasy epics like this often introduce new characters as the story expands.
Any casting announcements will likely be made through official HBO channels in the coming months.
What are the anticipated plot lines for ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3?
Season 3 will likely continue the Dance of the Dragons civil war between the Blacks and the Greens. This conflict forms the backbone of George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” source material.
Key battles and political maneuvering will feature prominently as the Targaryen succession crisis deepens. Dragon-on-dragon combat scenes are expected to be a highlight.
Character arcs established in seasons 1 and 2 will reach new heights of tension and drama.
Has the official trailer for ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 been released?
No official trailer for season 3 has been released yet. Filming has only recently begun, making a trailer release unlikely until late 2025 or early 2026.
HBO typically releases teasers and trailers a few months before the premiere date. Early promotional material might include behind-the-scenes footage or production stills.
Fans should monitor HBO’s official social media channels for first-look images and teaser announcements.
How many episodes will there be in the third season of ‘House of the Dragon’?
The episode count for season 3 hasn’t been officially confirmed. Previous seasons had 8-10 episodes each.
HBO may follow a similar pattern for the third season. The final episode count will depend on storytelling needs and production considerations.
Each episode will likely maintain the approximately one-hour runtime established in previous seasons.
Where can the production locations for ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 be found?
Primary filming for season 3 is taking place in the United Kingdom, continuing the production pattern from previous seasons. Specific locations haven’t been fully disclosed.
Spain and Portugal may serve as filming locations for certain scenes, as they did in earlier seasons. These Mediterranean settings provide the perfect backdrop for southern Westeros locations.
Set leaks have already emerged showing production beginning, though exact locations remain mostly under wraps for now.
