It's already been called better than Game of Thrones, and now the show's spin-off, House of the Dragon, is about to get even better as Happy Valley’s James Norton is joining the cast. The third instalment of Sky's epic fantasy saga, which is currently being filmed, will see James play “crucial” character Ormund Hightower - and it's already being tipped to be superior to those that have come before it.
The Game of Thrones prequel is set 300 years earlier and is based on the hit books by author George R.R. Martin. The series looks at the internal succession war brewing within House Targaryen at the height of its power - and it's brilliantly addictive viewing. A behind-the-scenes clip (which you can watch below) of James in full armour has now hit the internet, and sees him filming with co-star Matt Smith of The Crown. Excited, anyone?
While we wait with bated breath for House of the Dragon's third series, here’s everything you need to know about the plot, cast, and how to watch it.
What is House of the Dragon about?
As we mentioned, House of the Dragon is a prequel to Game of Thrones. It takes us back 300 year prior to the events of Game of Thrones’ and focuses on the story of House Targaryen of Dragonstone, otherwise known as the House of the Dragon. The series, which first aired in 2022, is based on author George R.R. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood, and viewers have described it as a show that “redefines fantasy storytelling.”
The HBO series is set in the world of Westeros, during the height of House Targaryen’s power, and the Dance of the Dragons is the central conflict – a blood-filled civil war sparked by a succession crisis within the Targaryen family. With its lavish production and awe-inspiring dragon effects, it also features the kind of steamy scenes that Game of Thrones is known for.
What will happen in House of the Dragon series 3?
It’s set to be an explosive series for the hit franchise, as we see the Targaryen civil war reaching a violent climax. Series 3 will open in the midst of this brutal battle, also known as the Dance of the Dragons.
James Norton’s character Ormund is the nephew of Otto Hightower (played by Rhys Ifans) and will be seen leading a march on King’s Landing against Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) as the war continues to gather momentum.
Alongside Norton, Australian-British actor Annie Shapero has just been cast as Alysanne Blackwood, or Black Aly, a fierce female warrior who fights in the Dance of the Dragons and marries a key figure in the story of the House of Stark. Prior to her announcement, there was widespread internet speculation about who would play this fan favourite character.
Who’s in the cast of House of the Dragon series 3?
There have been some exciting additions to the cast alongside James Norton, who plays Ormund Hightower, and Annie Shapero, who stars as Alysanne Blackwood. Joining them are Tommy Flanagan (MobLand) as Lord Roderick Dustin and Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderl. Meanwhile, the returning cast includes:
- Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen
- Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
- Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower
- Steve Touissant as Corlys Velaryon
- Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole
- Matthew Needham as Larys Strong
- Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen
- Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen
- Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria
- Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
- Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen
- Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen
- Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen
- Jefferson Hall as Ser Tyland Lannister
Is House of the Dragon any good?
Following the smash hit that was Game of Thrones, it was clear that House of the Dragon had a lot to live up to. Yet some fans have even preferred the prequel to the original, applauding its storytelling and political intrigue – with high praise for Paddy Considine starring as King Viserys. When series 2 aired in 2024, it quickly picked up the pace after a slow burn start, and critics called it “unmissable and thrilling TV”, praising the depth of its characters and its spectacular visuals.
And more House of the Dragon is not the only thing Game of Thrones fans can look forward to. Another spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – set a century before Game of Thrones – is on the cards. This version will reveal a whole other era in Westeros history, and is tipped to be released in 2026.
How can I watch House of the Dragon series 3?
You’ll have to hang on for a little longer for House of the Dragon series 2, as filming is currently underway and the series won't arrive on our screens until 2026. When it does air, you can watch it on Sky Atlantic and NOW. In the meantime, you catch up on all the drama from series 1 and 2 here.
What other shows can I watch James Norton in?
Like the rest of the nation, we loved James Norton playing psychopath Tommy Lee Royce in crime drama Happy Valley, and his more recent leading role in ITV’s terrifying advert for parenthood, Playing Nice. If you enjoy a good period drama, then you’ll be thrilled to learn that Norton is also due to star in historical drama King and Conqueror, playing Harold, Earl of Wessex. He’s been confirmed for the forthcoming Wavewalker: Breaking Free, a harrowing family drama based on Suzanne Heywood’s memoir, too.
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