‘House Of The Dragon’ Update: Everything We Know About ‘Game Of Thrones’ Prequel Series

Several projects were put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but it appears plans are once again shaping up and in motion when it comes to the upcoming “Game of Thrones” prequel series “House of the Dragon.”

The show, which is currently the only planned series in production to piggyback off of the success of the juggernaut series that ended its run on HBO in 2019, is set to tell the story of events that occurred long before what fans saw unfold in Westeros on “Game of Thrones.” While the show won’t be on screens for a while, here’s everything we do know about the series so far.

It’s Based On ‘Fire And Blood’

The series, which is set 300 years before the original show’s timeline, is based on the first of a two-novel series George R.R. Martin published in 2018. It details more of the history of House Targaryen, who fans of the original book series and show know held the throne in King’s Landing for years before Robert’s Rebellion—which killed off nearly all members of the family except for Daenerys and Viserys. Some snippets of that history were mentioned in the original material, but this serves as a deeper dive for that story.

‘Game Of Thrones’ Alums Are Involved

While fans would likely revolt if “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were behind the show after their very contentious final season, they are not involved here—but Martin has confirmed that not only is he involved, but one of the most famed “GOT” directors is as well—Miguel Sapochnik. Sapochnik directed six episodes of “GOT,” including “Hardhome,” “Battle of the Bastards,” “The Long Night” and “The Bells,” and he won an Emmy for “Bastards.” This time, he will serve as showrunner alongside Ryan Condal.

It Was Ordered Straight To Series

Unlike the since dropped untitled prequel series (rumored to be called “The Long Night”) starring Naomi Watts, this series was not in development before HBO ordered it. The order for 10 episodes came at the same time the other series was canceled and was the first concept Martin had pitched as a successor series.

Casting Is Set To Begin

The biggest news for the show, which likely won’t debut until, at earliest, 2021, but could even be pushed until 2022, is that casting is underway for the show, though it has not yet been confirmed which characters they are looking for. Entertainment Weekly speculates that some key characters from the Targaryen Civil war will be a part of the new show—including King Viserys I, Princess Rhaenyra, Queen Alicent Hightower and Aegon II Targaryen.