'Game Of Thrones' Prequel Release Date, Plot Revealed: What You Need To Know

Over two years after “Game of Thrones” ended, the fantasy world filled with dragons and magic is making its return to the small screen with the prequel series “House of the Dragon” next month.

First announced by HBO back in 2019, the prequel series based on George R.R. Martin's 2018 bestselling novel “Fire and Blood” will focus on the Targaryen family. The first season will have 10 episodes, TVLine reported.

“House of the Dragon” is set 200 years before the events of the original series and revolves around the dynasty of the Targaryens, who ruled Westeros for generations.

The series will showcase the “beginning of the fall” for House Targaryen and the events leading up to the family’s civil war, known as the “Dance of Dragons,” according to Collider.

In an interview with TVLine, HBO president and chief content officer Casey Bloys said that “Fire and Blood” gave the new series “an edge” over other “Game of Thrones” continuation ideas, including the one proposed by English screenwriter Jane Goldman that was killed in 2019.

“The Jane Goldman one was a bit of a bigger swing because there was a lot more invention,” Bloys explained. “'House of the Dragon,' George has text and history for that era, so there is a bit more of a road map. You understood the history and what the story would be, so it’s easier to [visualize as a series].”

When asked to compare the “tone” of “House of the Dragon” to that of the original series, Bloys said the upcoming prequel series feels “wholly its own.”

“It is focused on one family, which I think is interesting. It’s a bit more focused on the Targaryens, a high drama family for sure. It feels very much its own, but also within the 'Game of Thrones' world,” the 44-year-old executive explained.

Fans hoping that “House of the Dragon” will be as good as, or even better, than the original series don’t have to worry as “Game of Thrones” author Martin and “Colony” showrunner Ryan Condal will lead its creative team.

Miguel Sapochnik, who directed six episodes of “Game of Thrones,” and Condal will serve as co-showrunners. Also part of the creative team is Ramin Djawadi, who composed the score for the original series.

The cast of “House of the Dragon” includes Paddy Considine (King Viserys Targaryen), Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen), Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower), Emma D’Arcy (Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen), Olivia Cook (Alicent Hightower), Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen) and Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria).

Production on “House of the Dragon” began in April 2021. It will premiere on HBO on Aug. 21.

While fans await its release, check out the “House of the Dragon” Season 1 teaser trailer here.