In a world where dragons reign supreme and political intrigue runs as deep as the bloodlines, “House of the Dragon” has carved its own niche in the epic fantasy genre. This tantalizing prequel, set centuries before the events of the critically acclaimed “Game of Thrones,” first captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide when it premiered on August 21, 2022. The show, which chronicles the complex history of the Targaryen dynasty, quickly became a phenomenon, leaving fans clamoring for more.
A Bumpy Road to Season 2
Despite the instant success of the series, the journey to the much-anticipated second season has been anything but smooth. The entertainment industry was abuzz when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) announced strikes in May and July 2023. These unforeseen events cast a shadow of uncertainty over the production of “House of the Dragon” season 2, leading many to question whether the show’s filming schedule would be impacted.
Fans, ravenous for another dose of dragon-fueled drama and Targaryen turmoil, were left in limbo, eagerly scouring the internet for any updates on the fate of their beloved series.
A Ray of Hope and Triumph
However, it seems the gods of Westeros have smiled upon us, as recent developments have brought good tidings for fans of “House of the Dragon.” Despite the industry-wide turmoil, the production of the second season has successfully completed filming. This news, first reported by Variety on September 27, 2023, has breathed new life into the fandom.
A significant factor in the show’s ability to weather the storm has been its filming location in the United Kingdom. Unlike their American counterparts, the British cast members are affiliated with the Equity actors union, making them unaffected by the strikes in the United States. This strategic location proved to be a saving grace for the series, allowing production to continue uninterrupted.
George R.R. Martin, the mastermind behind the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series from which “House of the Dragon” is derived, also played a pivotal role in ensuring the show’s smooth progression. He confirmed that all scripts for the second season were completed before the writers’ strike commenced, putting to rest any concerns about potential delays in the writing process.
According to Digital Spy, the production team had initially planned to wrap filming in September 2023, and it appears they have successfully adhered to this schedule.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Steve Toussaint, the actor who brings the formidable Corlys Velaryon to life, took to Instagram on September 28 to announce the completion of his filming. He shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos, including a striking image of himself donning his character’s signature white wig.
Season 2 – Fire will Reign pic.twitter.com/7XO3jr5Ncf
— House of the Dragon News (@HOTDNewsHBO) October 16, 2023
And that’s a wrap on Steve!’ What a blast to work with such great people! Now it’s in the hands of editors, SFX folk, and whoever else. Hope you like it when you eventually get to see it! #hotd 2
A Summer of Dragons: Looking Ahead to 2024
While the exact release date for “House of the Dragon” season 2 remains shrouded in mystery, speculation is rife that the series will make its triumphant return to HBO in the summer of 2024. As the show transitions into post-production, the excitement among fans continues to mount. The realm is buzzing with anticipation, as viewers eagerly await any tidbits of information that might hint at when they can once again immerse themselves in the captivating saga of the Targaryens.
In the meantime, fans can rest easy knowing that the dragons have weathered the storm, and “House of the Dragon” season 2 is well on its way to gracing our screens once more.
