“House of the Dragon” was but a handful of big TV productions that continued to shoot in spite of the writers’ and SAG-AFTRA strikes earlier this year. As the HBO show is produced in the U.K., it therefore abides by Equity contracts rather than SAG-AFTRA. That being said, there were reports that Matt Smith and other members of the show’s cast refused to work but were advised by Equity to just follow orders.
The first season ended with the Targaryen family conflict turning into war. We saw allegiances forged, terms rejected, and one of Rhaenyra’s children killed in a battle of dragons. Season 2 will see the Dance of Dragons — the civil war that divided the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms — in full effect. The conflict comprises two factions, the Blacks and the Greens. The former supports Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne, while the latter stands behind Visery’s younger son Aegon II.
After the first season set up all the political intrigue concerning who controls the Iron Throne, season 2 should descend fully into fire and blood. There are enough Targaryens and dragons on both sides to deliver a medieval nuclear war — which is never good news for those caught in the crossfire.
Sadly for fans, season 2 will only have eight episodes, so don’t expect the civil war to end this season. The plan is for the show to last between three and four seasons to tell the entire story.
“House of the Dragon” season 2 premieres in summer 2024.