Halfway through the first season of House of the Dragon, and after five episodes, it’s clear that this prequel series lives up to its promise. Milly Alcock and Emma Carey’s characters, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower were last seen in Episode 5. Actresses Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke will take over for the duo beginning with Season 2, Episode 6. However, fresh photos suggest that they won’t be the only newcomers to the show. There will be another time leap in the series, which is consistent with the overall premise of the show. The plot calls for the protagonists to mature, and several pivotal new characters to join the Dance of the Dragons. Aegon II, the first male successor to King Viserys Targaryen, is one such influential figure (Paddy Considine).
Ty Tennant, son of Doctor Who legacy actor Georgia Tennant (née Moffett, daughter of Peter Davison) and adopted child of the Tenth Doctor himself and Tennant’s spouse David Tennant, will play this role, as evidenced by recently published images. The hero of Doom Patrol, who has previously played Aegon as an infant and a young kid, will now play the adolescent version of the character. Aegon, played by Tennant, will play a pivotal part in the show since he poses a direct threat to Rhaenyra’s intentions to replace their father as monarch of the Seven Kingdoms.
In addition to Ty’s Aegon, the time leap has allowed for the entrance of other players. John MacMillan has joined the cast to play Laenor Velaryon, heir to High Tide, Driftmark, and the Velaryon house. More importantly, he is in a sham marriage to D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra. Leo Ashton will portray Prince Aemond Targaryen, while Evie Allen will play Aegon’s sister, Princess Heleana. Laena Velaryon, who was formerly represented by Nanna Blondell, is now Prince Daemon’s (Matt Smith) wife. Shani Smethurst and Eva Ossei-Gerning will play the couple’s daughters, Baela and Rhaena Targaryen. Episode 6’s trailer reveals that Rhaenyra is already the mother of three sons thanks to the births of Jacaerys and Lucerys, and the impending arrival of baby Joffrey Velaryon. Younger versions of Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon will be portrayed by Leo Hart and Harvey Sadler.
House of the Dragon will return with a new episode on September 25.