HBO’s much-awaited prequel of the fantasy series Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, has finally hit the screens. Though still in the middle of its first season, House of the Dragon lives up to its hype of yet another war for the Iron Throne, especially keeping in mind the controversial finale of the original series. Per Collider, the series premiere pulled in close to 20 million viewers to the streaming service, each tuning in to witness the eerie dance of the dragon. The show — adapted from George R.R. Martin’s fictional work Fire & Blood — is staged two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones, telling a tale of a civil war for the Iron Throne among the dragon-riding bloodline, House Targaryen.

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Naturally, when it comes to issue of inheritance in House of the Dragon, the war for the Iron Throne pits several fierce contenders against each other. The series is also not looking to end anytime soon, as the show has been renewed for a second season. As many characters wage war for the infamous throne, we are introduced to some fresh faces. Although not that unfamiliar, here is a rundown of other roles you have seen in the cast of the House of the Dragon play.

Milly Alcock

     HBO

Rhaenyra Targaryen is the king’s first-born child and the rightful heir to the throne. She is a woman of grace, who has every quirk to rule the Seven Kingdoms, but indeed she is not born a man, consequently putting her claim to the throne at risk. Milly Alcock, portraying the younger version of Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon, is a relatively new face to Hollywood, though has several credits to her portfolio in the Australian television realm. Alcock is widely popular for leading the comedy-drama series Upright; she plays the character of misfit Meg, who forges an unlikely bond with another from her misfit kin, Lucky (Tim Minchin). Aside from this, she has appeared as a recurring character in several Aussie television series like Pine Gap (2018), Reckoning (2020), and Janet King (2017).

Paddy Considine

Paddy Considine plays the decorated character of Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the realm, and the First Men, King Viserys Targaryen. Just as Viserys has myriads of titles annexed to his name, Considine has led a similar life with many acting credits to his resume. He is an English actor, director, and screenwriter, who is well known for his work as Richard, a war-returned soldier seeking vengeance in Dead Man’s Shoes. Considine has also lent his acting talents to the English action/thriller flick Blitz as Porter Nash, against names like Jason Statham, Aidan Gillen, and Luke Evans. Other movies that star the actor in the lead are Journeyman (2017), In America (2002), Pride (2014), The World’s End (2013), and Submarine (2010).

Matt Smith

     HBO 

Daemon Targaryen is another dragon-rider in House of the Dragon. English actor Matt Smith has no shortage of impressive work in his less than two-decade-long acting career. Indeed, he earned his first Primetime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Prince Philips in Netflix’s The Crown. He is also known for his 11th incarnation of Doctor in the BBC series Doctor Who. Aside from this, the fans of Smith must have noticed him playing the character of Loxias Crown in the Spider-Man spin-off, Morbius.

Emily Carey

Emily Carey plays the character of Alicent Hightower, a young queen who is nothing but an heir-producing partner to King Viserys in House of the Dragon. Carey began her career as a child actress in DCEU’s Wonder Woman (2017) as a young Princess Diana. She was further seen portraying the young version of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider (2018). The actress’ fans might also recognize her as the titular character of Anastasia from Anastasia: Once Upon a Time. Of course, that’s not an end to her acting resume; she is also popularly known for portraying the character of Mika Cavanaugh in BBC’s teen thriller series Get Even.

Rhys Ifans

     Warner Bros.

Otto Hightower, per CBR, is best dubbed as the Littlefinger of House of the Dragon. Hightower in Westeros is entrusted with consequential counsel that can potentially shape the fate of the realm at every known stretch. Rhys Ifans’ Otto has discharged his duties as the Hand of the King to Targaryen lineage. Meanwhile, in another notable character in an equally famous franchise, Ifans has made a scientific contribution, precisely, the ability of limbs to regenerate in the Amazing Spider-Man universe. Indeed, he plays Dr. Connor in the Andrew Garfield-led The Amazing Spider-Man. The actor boasts a versatile acting portfolio in his three-decade-spanning career and was also seen in the Harry Potter franchise as Xenophilius Lovegood.

Eve Best

Eve Best in her own right plays the sympathizing character (so far) of the Queen Who Never Was in House of the Dragon. However, she is not to be mistaken as naïve or amateur in the impending battle of the throne that will soon unfold a bloodbath. Just like her character, Best has amassed quite an experience in the acting arena; she played Anna Clayton in Stan Lee’s Lucky Man (2016) and Dr. Eleanor in Showtime’s Nurse Jackie. Aside from these roles, the actor was also seen as Monica Chatwin in the BBC miniseries The Honourable Woman and playing Wallis Simpson in The King’s Speech (2010).

Steve Toussaint

Corlys Velaryon a.k.a Sea Snake is a strategist and yet another contender who eyes the throne for his greater good. Steve Toussaint, who plays the mighty character of Corlys, has lent his craft in bringing to life several characters. He is popularly known as Seso in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. His fans might also recognize him from other significant roles like Roland in Shooting Dogs (2005), Col. Ratcher in Flight of Fury, and Sergeant Powell in Asylum, among many other roles.