Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon adds new stars

House of the Dragon, the long-awaited Game of Thrones prequel, has announced new cast members, including Jefferson Hall and Bill Paterson.

HBO's new spin-off is set a few hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones and is based on George RR Martin's novel Fire & Blood. It tells the backstory of House Targaryen and their downfall.

Jefferson Hall, known for playing Torstein in Vikings and Hugh of the Vale in the original Game of Thrones, will portray twins Lord Jason and Tyland Lannister.

HBO

Bill Paterson, known for his roles in Fleabag, Good Omens and Outlander, has been cast as Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Lord of Honeyholt and Master of Coin on King Viserys's council.

Hall and Paterson are two of seven newly announced cast members. Also confirmed are Ryan Corr (Hacksaw Ridge) as Ser Harwin 'Breakbones' Strong, David Horovitch (Holby City) as Grand Maester Mellos, Graham McTavish (Outlander) as Ser Harrold Westerling, Matthew Needham (Chernobyl) as Larys Strong, and Gavin Spokes (Brexit: The Uncivil War) as Lord Lyonel Strong.

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The new additions join core cast Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz), Emma D'Arcy (Truth Seekers), Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Rhys Ifans (Harry Potter), Steve Toussaint (It's a Sin), Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) and Sonoya Mizuno (Devs).

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Production was previously delayed because of a positive COVID-19 test on set. However, the filming schedule is reportedly back on track.

While most of the new series was filmed in Cornwall, additional filming is scheduled to take place in Càceres in Spain in October.

Most plot details are under wraps at the moment, though it has been reported that the series will delve into the origins of some of the other main Westeros houses and the building of King's Landing.

House of the Dragon is planned for release in 2022. Game of Thrones seasons 1-8 are available on DVD and Blu-ray. Spin-off House of the Dragon is now filming.