Game Of Thrones: House Of The Dragon - 10 Reasons To Be Excited

5. Incredible Casting

Game of Thrones repeatedly won praise for its casting choices, using a rich array of accents and nationalities to bring the Seven Kingdoms and the kingdoms beyond to life. Many of the actors featured were relatively unknown before Game of Thrones aired and the hope is that House of the Dragon will bring more new talented faces to light. Hopes are high for the likes of Fabien Frankel, Harry Collet and Tom Glynn-Carney who have been cast in pivotal roles.

There are also some instantly recognizable names bringing star factor to the production. Matt Smith, one of the most beloved iterations of the Doctor in Doctor Who, will play enigmatic prince Daemon Targaryen, while critically acclaimed Olivia Cooke (The Sound of Metal) and Paddy Considine (Peaky Blinders) round out the cast as Lady Alicent Hightower and King Viserys I respectively. Last but not least, Emma D'Arcy faces the daunting task of following Emilia Clarke as leading Targaryen lady, Princess Rhaenyra.

Smith’s casting is particularly exciting as Prince Daemon; a world renowned warrior who rides the titanic red dragon Caraxes and wields the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. A mercurial man prone to the famed Targaryen fits of arrogance and rage, the prince is as charming as he is deadly. HBO’s summary of the character sums up the buzz around him perfectly; “whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…”