The Exciting Reveals from House of the Dragon Panel at SDCC 2022

Game of Thrones fans have been eagerly awaiting the highly-anticipated prequel series, House of the Dragon. Recently, San Diego Comic-Con 2022 provided the perfect platform for the official House of the Dragon panel. The panel featured cast members, showrunners, and even George R.R. Martin himself, revealing exciting details about the upcoming series. Let’s dive into the major revelations and highlights from the panel.

The Epic Full Trailer Unveiled
The House of the Dragon panel at SDCC 2022 kicked off with the release of an epic full trailer. The footage showcased a world filled with Targaryens and dragons, evoking a familiar early-season Game of Thrones feel. Matt Smith’s character, Daemon, was seen in armor, adding to the excitement surrounding the series. The trailer set the stage for the Targaryen dynasty’s rise to power and the impending conflicts that would shape Westeros.

House of the Dragon’s Place in Game of Thrones Canon
During the panel, the cast and showrunners discussed how House of the Dragon fits into the Game of Thrones canon. Matt Smith and Paddy Considine highlighted the brotherly dynamic between their characters, King Viserys and his immediate heir, Daemon. Eve Best, who portrays Rhaenys Velaryon, described her character’s frustration as “The Queen Who Never Was” and the insatiable desire for power that drives her. Steve Toussaint teased his character, Corlys Velaryon, known as “The Sea Snake,” and his legendary voyages that bring him fame.

George R.R. Martin’s Involvement and Approval
George R.R. Martin, the mastermind behind the Game of Thrones universe, expressed his excitement and anxiety about seeing his creations come to life in House of the Dragon. He acknowledged that he didn’t visit the set but revealed that he had seen nine out of the ten episodes and was pleased with the outcome. Martin also met the cast for the first time at the SDCC panel, further emphasizing his involvement and support for the series.

Dragon Designs and the Height of Targaryen Power
Fans of Game of Thrones are well aware of the significance of dragons in the Targaryen dynasty. Showrunner Ryan Condal shared that House of the Dragon begins at the peak of Targaryen power, with a staggering 17 dragons. One dragon, named Coraxees, was highlighted as the largest and most formidable of them all. The intricate dragon designs and the visual representation of their might promise to captivate audiences in the upcoming series.

Behind-the-Scenes Fun and Challenges
The cast members shared some amusing anecdotes and challenges they faced while filming House of the Dragon. Matt Smith humorously expressed his dislike for the intricate wig work required for his character, Daemon. He suggested that the cast should be allowed to dye their hair instead. Olivia Cooke revealed the less glamorous side of medieval costumes, with dresses and undergarments becoming dirty and covered in filth during the filming process.

The Qualities of a Good Iron Throne Ruler
The panelists explored the qualities of a good ruler in the context of the Iron Throne. George R.R. Martin emphasized the importance of viewing ruling as a duty rather than a privilege. He cited examples of kings who focused on the well-being of their subjects, such as building roads and ensuring the strength of their empire. Showrunner Ryan Condal echoed this sentiment, hinting at the dichotomy between a king’s intentions and the legacy they leave behind.

Addressing Sexism and Gender Dynamics
The issue of sexism in both Game of Thrones and real-life ruling hierarchies was brought up during the panel. George R.R. Martin defended Westeros as a reflection of historical realities, drawing parallels to the children of Henry VIII. Emma D’Arcy, who plays a Targaryen character, highlighted the appeal of House of the Dragon in exploring how female rulers navigate a primarily male-dominated society. The discussion sparked a passionate response from the crowd, reflecting the ongoing relevance of these issues.

Fun Moments on Set and Memorable Props
The cast members reminisced about the enjoyable moments they experienced on set while filming House of the Dragon. An actor’s penchant for indulging in chocolate at the end of each day brought laughter to the panel. When asked if they took any props from the set, Paddy Considine expressed disappointment that HBO didn’t let him keep his knife. He teased that he did manage to steal something, but no one had noticed its absence yet.

The Writing Process and Continuity
Ryan Condal and George R.R. Martin discussed the challenges of maintaining continuity and managing a vast array of characters and histories in House of the Dragon. Condal acknowledged the difficulties, while Martin emphasized his trust in the intelligence of the audience. He has always believed in the complexity and depth of grey characters, which has been a hallmark of the Game of Thrones universe.

George R.R. Martin’s Cameo and Ongoing Work
The audience eagerly inquired about George R.R. Martin’s potential cameo in House of the Dragon. Martin revealed that due to his busy schedule and commitment to completing a certain book, he hasn’t been able to make an appearance. He playfully shared anecdotes about his past cameos in Game of Thrones, including one involving severed heads. Martin’s focus remains on finishing his writing, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the beloved fantasy world he created.

Fan Questions and Memorable Moments
During the Q&A portion of the panel, fans had the opportunity to engage with the cast and showrunners. One fan referenced a popular meme and rallied Matt Smith with a humorous question about his Morbius character. George R.R. Martin fielded questions about his involvement and the challenges of writing such a vast universe. The panel concluded on a lighthearted note, with a question about whether HBO banned coffee cups from the House of the Dragon set, to which Matt Smith amusingly responded with a simple “No.”

Conclusion

The House of the Dragon panel at SDCC 2022 provided an exciting glimpse into the highly-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel series. With an epic full trailer, insightful discussions, and anecdotes from the cast and showrunners, the panel left fans eagerly anticipating the premiere of House of the Dragon. As the release date approaches, audiences can look forward to exploring the rich history of the Targaryen dynasty, the rise and fall of dragons, and the complex dynamics of power in Westeros.