The Dance of the Dragons is far from over.
HBO has released the first official trailer for House of the Dragon Season 3, confirming the series will return in June 2026. The upcoming installment will serve as the penultimate chapter in the network’s planned four-season run of the hit fantasy drama.
Set nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, the prequel series draws from Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin and chronicles the rise — and fracture — of House Targaryen.
A Divided Throne
Season 3 picks up amid the brutal civil war sparked by the death of Lucerys Velaryon. The trailer opens with Aemond Targaryen seated on the Iron Throne following the incapacitation of his brother, King Aegon II. Queen Alicent Hightower has fled King’s Landing, secretly moving toward surrender — a decision that further reshapes the power struggle.
But Rhaenyra Targaryen isn’t retreating.
The footage teases that Rhaenyra has uncovered new dragons to bolster her forces, raising the stakes in an already volatile war. With both sides hardening their positions, the battle lines are clear: this is no longer a question of succession — it’s annihilation.
The Battle of the Gullet Looms
One of the most anticipated events from Fire & Blood appears poised to take center stage: the Battle of the Gullet. The large-scale naval and dragon clash, initially expected in Season 2 before that season’s episode count was reduced, now seems set to explode in Season 3.
The trailer hints at a devastating confrontation involving Jacaerys Velaryon and House Velaryon’s fleet — signaling that the cost of the Dance will only intensify.
Returning and New Cast Members
Returning cast members include:
- Steve Toussaint
- Abubakar Salim
- Emma D’Arcy
- Olivia Cooke
- Rhys Ifans
- Fabien Frankel
- Ewan Mitchell
- Tom Glynn-Carney
- Sonoya Mizuno
- Harry Collett
New additions for Season 3 include:
- James Norton as Ormund Hightower
- Tommy Flanagan as Lord Roderick Dustin
- Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly
- Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent
- Barry Sloane as Ser Adrian Redfort
The series was co-created by Martin and Ryan Condal, who also serves as showrunner. Executive producers include Sara Hess, Melissa Bernstein, Kevin de la Noy, Vince Gerardis, David Hancock and Philippa Goslett. Season 3 directors include Clare Kilner, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Andrij Parekh and Loni Peristere.
The Beginning of the End
With only two seasons left, House of the Dragon is clearly building toward its most devastating chapters yet. Dragons are multiplying. Alliances are crumbling. And the Iron Throne is no longer just a symbol of power — it’s a trigger for war.
Season 3 premieres June 2026 on HBO.