HBO shares exciting House of the Dragon season 2 update

House of the Dragon season 2 is inching closer to making its way to the screen as HBO with production officially kicking off on the new season!

From the moment HBO confirmed House of the Dragon season 2 was a go, fans have been anxiously awaiting information on the highly anticipated second season of the network’s breakout Game of Thrones prequel series.

After the renewal, most of the updates that had come through were a bit on the discouraging front with reports coming out that we could be in for a longer wait than expected for season 2. While this might still be the case, HBO has shared an exciting update on the status of season 2 which is sure to get fans talking!

Nearly six months after the season 1 finale aired, HBO has confirmed production has officially begun on the second season of House of the Dragon! In a press release from the network, HBO teased production has commenced at Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom, meaning we’re one step closer to the season coming together.

"“House of the Dragon has returned. We are thrilled to be shooting again with members of our original family as well as new talents on both sides of the camera,” Ryan Condal, Co-Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producersaid in a statemnet. “All your favorite characters will soon be conspiring at the council tables, marching with their armies, and riding their dragons into battle. We can’t wait to share what we have in store.”"

House of the Dragon season 2 cast

While HBO is expected to announce additional casting news as production continues, the network has currently confirmed the initial season 2 cast of House of the Dragon which will bring back many fan-favorite performers from the show’s first season.

Among those confirmed for season 2 are Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans. Additional returning cast includes Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, and Matthew Needham.

One actor whose name is noticeably missing from the official cast list HBO released is actor Graham McTavish, who played Ser Harrold Westerling. As pointed out by TVLine, McTavish is not included in the cast list which has many wondering whether the character will not return for season 2 — a rumor HBO has not yet addressed.