Warning! Minor SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon.The House of the Dragon cast and characters make up a roster filled with complex figures, and a cast of talented actors that bring to life the height of the Targaryen dynasty. House of the Dragon season 1 begins 200 before Game of Thrones, serving as the first official spinoff series and prequel to the hit HBO fantasy drama. While House Stark primarily took the lead in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon focuses on the height of House Targaryen as they’re situated at the peak of their dragon power. However, as the succession of the Iron Throne is debated and family turmoil grows, the Targaryens begin sowing the seeds of the catastrophic civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
House of the Dragon season 1 sets the stage for the Dance of the Dragons, which will see Rhaenyra Targaryen battle for her rightful seat on the Iron Throne. During House of the Dragon season 1, King Viserys I Targaryen’s succession becomes more complex, putting to the test whether the realm would truly rather see bloodshed than a woman on the Iron Throne. When Viserys names the dragonrider Rhaenyra his chosen heir, House of the Dragon’s impending war grows nearer. All the while, House Targaryen is dividing amongst itself, most notably as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower’s feud deepens.
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’s claim they support during the civil war. However, some of House of the Dragon’s most major families outside of the Targaryens weren’t featured in 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. Here’s a breakdown of the House of the Dragon cast and characters for the Game of Thrones prequel series, and their relevance in the show itself.
Milly Alcock & Emma D’Arcy As Rhaenyra Targaryen
Known as the “Realm’s Delight” in her youth, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is the eldest child and daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and his first wife Aemma Arryn. Rhaenyra is named the heir to the Iron Throne over her uncle Daemon, having a close relationship with her father. 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. Young Rhaenyra is also soon married to her cousin Laenor Velaryon, with whom she has three children.
House of the Dragon’s Young Rhaenyra Targaryen is portrayed by Milly Alcock, who previously played Marissa Campbell in Pine Gap, Sam Serrato in Reckoning, and Meg in Upright. Adult Rhaenyra Targaryen is played by Emma D’Arcy, who is known for their roles in Truth Seekers as Astrid, Wanderlust as Naomi Richards, and Misbehavior as Hazel.
Emily Carey & Olivia Cooke As Alicent Hightower
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.
Young Alicent is played by Emily Carey, who is best known for appearing in Wonder Woman as Young Diana, Casualty as Grace Beauchamp, Houdini and Doyle as Mary Conan Doyle, and Get Even as Mika. House of the Dragon’s adult Alicent Hightower is portrayed by Olivia Cooke, whose best-known roles include Art3mis in Ready Player One, Lou in Sound of Metal, Rachel in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and Emma Decody in Bates Motel.
Paddy Considine As King Viserys Targaryen
Viserys Targaryen is the King of Westeros and one of the most important players in the House of the Dragon cast – a character who has a rare understanding of the inherent danger that comes with sitting on the Iron Throne. Viserys was elected heir to his grandfather King Jaehaerys I Targaryen in the Great Council of 101 AC, which included passing over his family members Rhaenys Targaryen and her son Laenor Velaryon. He has a close relationship with his eldest child Rhaenyra, who he names heir over his brother Daemon and younger sons with his second wife Alicent Hightower. Paddy Considine plays the role of King Viserys I Targaryen, with the actor’s other major projects including Dead Man’s Shoes, Cinderella Man, Peaky Blinders, Hot Fuzz, The Outsider, and The Bourne Ultimatum.
Matt Smith As Daemon Targaryen
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. Still seeking a crown of his own, Daemon and his dragon Caraxes will be a dangerous yet formidible power ahead of the Dance of the Dragons. Daemon is played by Matt Smith, whose most notable roles include Prince Philip in The Crown, the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who, Milo in Morbius, and Jack in Last Night in Soho.
Steve Toussaint As Corlys Velaryon
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 sits on Viserys’ council and forms a friendship with Daemon Targaryen, with the Rogue Prince and Princess Rhaenyra both marrying his children. Steve Toussaint plays Corlys Velaryon, with the actor being known for his parts in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Doctors, Inspector Lewis, and Pine Gap.
Eve Best As Rhaenys Targaryen
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. Eve Best is particularly notable for her stage career, which has earned her multiple Tony Award nominations. The House of the Dragon cast member has also been seen in The King’s Speech as Wallis Simpson, Nurse Jackie as Dr. Eleanor O’Hara, and Lucky Man as Anna Clayton.
Rhys Ifans As Otto Hightower
Otto Hightower is the Hand of the King to Viserys, having continued his role after the death of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. 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. Rhys Ifans is known for his long film and TV career, such as roles in Notting Hill, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Amazing Spider-Man, The King’s Man, Enduring Love, and Elementary.
Fabien Frankel As Ser Criston Cole
Ser Criston Cole, a common-born knight of Dornish descent, is known for his exceptional skills with his sword, which caught the attention of King Viserys during a joust with Prince Daemon. Criston then comes the personal shield to Rhaenyra Targaryen and a knight of the Kingsguard before the Dance of the Dragons. Before House of the Dragon, Fabien Frankel made appearances in The Serpent, Last Christmas (starring Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke), and NYPD Blue.
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 largely mysterious figure, Mysaria has an unlikely journey that places her in the direct vicinity of the Iron Throne. House of the Dragon cast member Sonoya Mizuno has also been seen in Devs, Ex-Machina, Maniac, La La Land, and Crazy Rich Asians.
House Of The Dragon Supporting Cast & Characters
Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling: The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard to King Viserys I Targaryen, continuing this role after King Jaehaerys’ death. McTavish is known for playing Dwalin in The Hobbit trilogy, Dougal Mackenzie in Outlander, Father Kinley in Lucifer, and the Saint of Killers in Preacher.
Savannah Steyn as Laena Velaryon: The daughter of the Sea Snake and Rhaenys Targaryen, and later the mother of Rhaena and Baela Targaryen. Before joining House of the Dragon’s cast, Steyn starred in Intergalactic as Ash Harper, Crawl as Lisa, and Wannabe as Chantal.
Theo Nate as Young Laenor Velaryon: The young version of Laenor Velaryon in House of the Dragon season 1’s early timeline. Laenor is the son of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen, who is soon betrothed to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Nate’s only other acting credit is in the 2021 TV series Time.
John Macmillan as Ser Laenor Velaryon: The adult version of the knight Ser Laenor Velaryon, the heir to Driftmark and husband to Rhaenyra Targaryen, with whom he has three children. Macmillan is known for his roles in Silk, Critical, Carnage, The Nevers, and King Lear.
Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin “Breakbones” Strong: The eldest son of King Viserys’ master of laws Lyonel Strong, and the sworn shield to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, whose true relationship is subject to rumors. Corr has been seen in Holding the Man, Bloom, Hacksaw Ridge, Packed to the Rafters, and The Secrets She Keeps.
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. 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.
Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen: The oldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Alicent Hightower and the younger half-brother of Rhaenyra, who remains heir to the Iron Throne over her brother. The House of the Dragon actor previously had roles in Dunkirk, The King, Tolkien, and The Last Post.
Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen: 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. Mitchell is known for playing Tom Bennett in World on Fire, Osferth in The Last Kingdom, and Ettore in High Life.
Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon: The eldest dragonriding Velaryon son of Princess Rhaenyra and Laenor. Collett notably played Ollie Hide in Casualty, Tommy Stubbins in Dolittle, and was credited as “Boy” in Dunkirk.
Wil Johnson as Ser Vaemond Velaryon: The younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon who is in command of the House Velaryon’s navy. Johnson starred in Waking the Dead as Spencer Jordan, Clocking Off as Steve Robinson, and Outlander as Joe Abernathy
Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen: The older daughter of Lady Laena Velaryon and Prince Daemon Targaryen. The House of the Dragon actress also appeared in Get Even as Margot and Stay Close as Kayleigh Shaw.
Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen: The second daughter of Laena and Daemon. Campbell’s other acting credits include Home from Home, Midsomer Murders, and Heart’s Ease.
David Horovitch as Grand Maester Mellos: The trusted Grand Maester who serves on the council of the tragic King Viserys I Targaryen. The House of the Dragon cast member is known for his roles in Rebecca, 102 Dalmations, The Nun, and Bognor.
Matthew Needham as Larys Strong: The younger brother of Harwin “Breakbones” Strong and son of Lord Lyonel. Needham has also been seen in Casualty, Chernobyl, Sanditon, and Doctor Who season 13.
Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong: The Master of Laws to King Viserys Targaryen, the Lord of Harrenhal, and the father of Harwin and Larys. Before House of the Dragon season 1, Spokes had roles in TV shows and movies like The Ipcress File, Brexit, and Casualty.
Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury: The Lord or Honeyholt and the Master of Coin to King Viserys I Targaryen. Paterson is known for his roles in The Witches, The Sandman, Fleabag, The Rebel, Law & Order: UK, and Outlander.
Phia Saban as Halaena Targaryen: The daughter of King Viserys Targaryen and House Hightower’s Alicent. Saban’s only role outside of House of the Dragon is as Aelfwynn in The Last Kingdom.
Sian Brooke as Aemma Arryn: The first wife (and cousin) of King Viserys I Targaryen, whose only child is Rhaenyra Targaryen- a key player in the House of the Dragon cast. Brooke is known for portraying Lori in Meadowlands, Ophelia in Hamlet (2015), Karen in Trying, and Deirdre Young in Good Omens.