'House of the Dragon' teaser highlights power struggle in House Targaryen

"Men would sooner put realm to the torch, than see a woman ascend the iron throne," Rhaenys Targaryen says in the recently released teaser of the much-awaited Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragons. The new HBO series set 200 years before the events of the mega-hit show Game of Thrones will premiere on August 21, the network announced previously.

Dragon stars Paddy Considine (Peaky Blinders) as King Viserys Targaryen, Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One) as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy (Wanderlust) as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) as Prince Daemon Targaryen.

The minute-long teaser sees the lords of House Stark, Velaryon and Baratheon vow their allegiance to the then-named King of the Iron Throne, King Viserys of House Targaryen and his named heir, daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen - despite having son, Daemon Targaryen.

We then see several glimpses of an impending battle between the houses. At one point, the Lord of House Highwater tells Alicent Hightower, "We play an ugly game and you have the determination to win it." This dialogue very possibly hints the rebellion against the crown in the show.

And we finally see a dragon in all its glory! Watch the trailer here. 

About ‘House of the Dragon’

House of the Dragon is based on the book Fire and Blood by George R R Martin and tells the story of the Targaryen family - relatives of a key Game of Thrones character, Daenerys Targaryen. Martin is all praises for the upcoming prequel. Martin shared he has seen a rough cut of the Game of Thrones spin-off series and “loved it”, as he said that the “Targaryens are in very good hands”.

A global success that commanded legions of fans and was showered with awards, the Emmy-winning show made television series history with its mix of fantasy and medieval worlds over eight seasons that aired from 2011 to 2019, though the show's non-stop sex and gore also sparked controversy.

Earlier, Hollywood publications reported that HBO had scrapped plans for a Game of Thrones prequel starring Naomi Watts. A source familiar with the decision confirmed the reports were accurate. The 10-episodes of House of the Dragon have filmed mainly in England at Leavesden Studios in Watford, outside London.