The “Game of Thrones” prequel series focuses on the noble houses of Westeros during a civil war.
Here’s how the cast compares to their character counterparts.
Many of the main stars of “House of the Dragon” return for the show’s second season.
The “Game of Thrones” prequel was an instant hit when it first premiered in 2022. Season one told a story over 19 years that builds up to a massive civil war in Westeros. Season two will finally show that war, as House Targaryen and House Hightower fight over who should rule Westeros.
Fans may be surprised that many of the cast members do not look like their characters. Though House Targaryen are famous for their blonde hair, Matt Smith and Paddy Considine, who played major Targaryens, are not blonde.
Here’s what the cast looks like in real life compared to their characters.
Queen Rhaenyra looks the most similar to Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones,” with signature long blonde hair often worn in braids.
In real life, they have shorter hair and often wear modern suits for the red carpet.
Matt Winkelmeyer / GA / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Image
In season one, we saw a younger version of Queen Rhaenyra.
Milly Alcock attends the “House Of The Dragon” premiere on August 15, 2022 in London.
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Prince Daemon Targaryen is Rhaenyra’s husband and uncle.
Matt Smith wears a variety of wigs to play the blond-haired Daemon.
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King Viserys Targaryen has silvery-blonde hair like other members of his family.
Paddy Considine opted for a casual leather jacket look for the LA red carpet for “House Of The Dragon” in 2022.
Matt Winkelmeyer / GA / The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Image
Alicent Hightower is Viserys’ second wife and Rhaenyra’s former best friend.
Olivia Cooke attends the “House Of The Dragon” premiere on August 15, 2022 in London.
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In season one, there was a younger version of Alicent.
Emily Carey poses on the red carpet at the “House Of The Dragon” premiere in London, on August 15, 2022.
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Criston Cole is a young and solemn knight with curly brown hair and light facial hair.
Fabien Frankel at the LA premiere for “House Of The Dragon” in 2022.
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Otto Hightower, Alicent’s father, is a practical-looking man with close-cropped hair and a beard.
Rhys Ifans’ hair is also not combed over like in the show.
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Princess Rhaenys is the cousin of King Viserys, and wears her hair in a tall, braided style.
Eve Best attends the “House Of The Dragon” premiere on August 15, 2022.
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Lord Corlys is a serious leader with white locs and a salt-and-pepper beard.
Steve Toussaint puts on his best smile and blue suit for the LA red carpet for “House Of The Dragon” in 2022.
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Prince Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon is the firstborn son of Rhaenyra.
Harry Collett reprises his role from season one.
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King Aegon II Targaryen is Alicent’s firstborn son.
Tom Glynn-Carney also has no scarring on his face.
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Prince Aemond Targaryen, Alicent’s third child, has the Targaryen signature blonde hair.
Ewan Mitchell recently dyed his hair blonde.
Karwai Tang / WireImage
Queen Helaena Targaryen, Alicent’s second child, also has blonde hair.
Phia Saban’s hair is shorter and darker than Helaena’s.
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Lady Baela Targaryen is Daemon’s first child with his first wife, Laena Valeryon.
In real life, her hair is black and has a different texture.
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Lady Rhaena Targaryen is Daemon’s other daughter.
Phoebe Campbell reprises her role from “House Of The Dragon” season one.
David M. Benett / Dave Benett / WireImage
Ser Harrold Westerling is the former lord commander of the Kingsguard.
Graham McTavish attends “The Witcher” Season 3 premiere on June 28, 2023 in London.
Eamonn M. McCormack / Getty Images
Mysaria has long dark hair that is often cloaked in public.
Sonoya Mizuno attends the premiere of “House Of The Dragon” on August 15, 2022 in London.
