'Game Of Thrones' Prequel 'House Of The Dragon' Casts King Viserys Targaryen

Paddy Considine, known for his roles in shows like “The Third Day” and “The Outsider,” has been tapped to play the lead role in the “House of the Dragon,” a prequel to the blockbuster HBO series “Game of Thrones.”

Considine will take on the role of King Viserys Targaryen in the upcoming show, Entertainment Weekly reported. Viserys was chosen by the lords of Westeros to lead the kingdom and succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council at Harrenhal. The character is described as a “warm, kind, and decent man” who wants to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy.

Considine has two BAFTA Film Awards to his name, including the trophy for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer award for the movie “Tyrannosaur.”

The first season of the highly anticipated series will have 10 episodes and will be based on George R.R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood.” The book is set 300 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and tells the story of House Targaryen.

“House of the Dragon” is co-created by Martin and Ryan Condal. The pilot episode has been penned by Condal. Miguel Sapochnik, who directed several episodes of “Game ofThrones,” will helm the “House of the Dragon” pilot, along with several other episodes.

All three will be producing the show alongside Sara Lee Hess and Vince Gerardis. Hess will also be helping Condal in writing the script.

With “House of the Dragon,” HBO is hoping to replicate the success of “Game of Thrones.” The show created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss is considered to be one of the greatest TV series of all time.

The prequel was picked up by the network last year, and Martin shared his excitement for the upcoming project on his blog at the time.

“‘House of the Dragon' has been in development for several years. It was actually the first concept I pitched to HBO when we started talking about a successor show, way back in the summer of 2016. I expect to be involved in all of this to some extent,” Martin wrote on his blog.

“House of the Dragon” is set to premiere in 2022.