This post contains spoilers for HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon.
When HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon was announced, fans wondered whether it would be able to live up to the legacy of the game changing fantasy show or if it would be damned to live forever in its eight season long shadow. The first season of House of Dragon assuaged those worries as it introduced a far more intimate chamber drama centered around the fractious and history-making relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy/Milly Alcock) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke/Emily Carey). Expanding on the oft-dry historical texts that made up the source material Fire and Blood, House of the Dragon crafted intriguing, complex characters, adding context and chaos to the feud that changed Westeros forever. After the devastating events of the Season 1 finale, we've been eagerly awaiting the trailer for Season 2 which finally hit today at Brazil's CCXP. While it was filled with the expected dragons, fire, and scenes of the coming war, it had a surprise at its core that spoke to the strength of the first season and the women who will define the future of Westeros.
After the death of the young Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) at the hands of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and his dragon Vhagar, the series ended with the promise of a bloody and brutal battle as Rhaenyra's quest for an unstable peace was crushed by the loss of her son. The trailer showcases the lead in and the cost of this war as conflict explodes, replete with fire, dragons, and a sprawling cast of characters.
While we see the newly crowned Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) as well as glimpses of Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and Prince Killer Aemond, the trailer understands that the heart of the show are the women of Westeros. For those who have been wondering when we'd get more of the titular dragon action, we get exciting teases throughout that Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) will find, bond, and ride Moondragon this season. And of course we also get to see where Rhaenyra and Alicent stand on the war, which brings us to the most interesting choice of the trailer and potentially the season.
Despite the brutal war that is coming — and that book fans already know the outcome of — rather than immediately upend the complexity of the relationships that Season 1 established, they instead lean into that. This trailer wants to offer the chance of reconciliation, or at least open up a conversation about the reluctance of Rhaenyra and Alicent to destroy their family lines and the kingdom they call home. We get a telling warning from Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) — who was once the rightful heir to the throne but was overlooked due to the simple fact that she was a woman —when she says there "is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin, and none so bloody as a war between dragons." As she offers this council to Rhaenyra we see the young woman's reluctance and sadness, just as we see Alicent's apparent weariness when she warns that "the war will be fought, many will die, and the victor will eventually ascend to the throne." There is no joy in her voice, no hunger for power. Instead, she too is worn down by the battle for power.
While it seems unlikely that the pair will find any kind of peace, after the changes that the series made to the characters — in particular giving Alicent focus, purpose, and humanity — the trailer feels filled with promise that the complexities in their relationship are far from over. The actresses themselves confirmed that the sapphic layers to their friendship were intentional and that since childhood Alicent and Rhaenyra have been connected by something deeper than their positions in the court. And although they are now going to be battling for the throne and future of their families, it's clear that they aren't simple enemies and likely never will be. So while we wait for more from House of the Dragon Season 2, we can't help but wonder how the sophomore entry into the series will once again expand and explore the women of Westeros and their role in shaping the history of the Seven Kingdoms. If the trailer is anything to go by then it's clear that although their sons will be the ones sitting on the Iron Throne, Alicent and Rhaenyra are the puppet masters who will decide the fates of the kingdoms and the war.
House of the Dragon Season 2 will hit HBO in Summer 2024.
