Based on George R. R. Martin's novel Fire and Blood, the fantasy-epic is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Focussing on the fortunes and politics of the Targaryen family, the series promises more familial machinations, deception, and blood-spilling battles in the events leading up to the Targaryen war of succession, known as the "Dance of the Dragons".

Here are the key players:

King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine)

A kind and decent man, King Viserys wishes to continue his grandfather’s legacy, having been chosen by the lords of Westeros to succeed the Old King, Jaehaerys Targaryen, at the Great Council of Harrenhal. But good men do not necessarily make for great kings in the vicious world of Game of Thrones.

Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)

The younger brother to King Viserys, Prince Daemon possesses the true blood of the dragon. An unrivalled warrior and dragonrider, he would surely prove a more successful king. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy)

First-born child of the King, Princess Rhaenyra is of pure Valyrian blood. She’s a dragonrider, and many would say that Rhaenyra was born with everything. Most crucially, however, she was not born a man.

Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans)

Ser Otto, the Hand of the King, serves both his king and his realm loyally and faithfully. In the eyes of the Hand, the king’s brother Daemon, heir to the throne, poses a dangerous threat. 

Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke)

Deemed the most attractive woman in the Seven Kingdoms, Alicent is the daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. She has both a courtly grace and a keen political acumen, having been raised in the Red Keep, close to the king and his innermost circle.

Lord Corlys Velaryon, “The Sea Snake” (Steve Toussaint)

Lord Corlys is the lord of House Velaryon, a Valerian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. The most prominent nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys has earned the reputation as “The Sea Snake”, with the largest navy in the world helping to build his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters.

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best)

“The Queen Who Never Was”, dragonrider Princess Rhaenys was passed over as heir to the throne at the Great Council because the realm favoured her male cousin Viserys as he was male, despite Rhaenys being the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon.

Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel)

Ser Criston is of Dornish descent and the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. With no claim to land or titles, all Sir Criston has to his name is his honour and his extraordinary skill with a sword.

Mysaria (Sonoya Mizun)

The most trusted, and most unlikely, ally of heir to the throne Prince Daemon Targaryen, Mysaria has risen from nothing, having been sold more times than she can remember in Westeros.

 

House of the Dragon will premiere on Sky Atlantic on Monday 22 August at 2am (BST).