House of the Dragon season 3's first look reveals a regal Rhaenyra Targaryen and a summer 2026 release

HBO has released the first official images from House of the Dragon season 3, revealing key looks at Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen ahead of the show’s summer 2026 premiere. The images show Rhaenyra, the crowned captain of Team Black and rider of the dragon Syrax, as she thinks on the crown inherited from her father, King Viserys I.

Another picture portrays Daemon, Rhaenyra's husband and Viserys's younger brother, leading troops in the Riverlands with Dark Sister in his hand. The next eight-episode season of the Dance of the Dragons will continue the story, adding more conflicts, alliances, and changing power balances across Westeros.

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Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen’s roles expand in House of the Dragon season 3

Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen (Image via Getty)

House of the Dragon season 3 maintains its focus on Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne, with the first official image showing her holding the crown passed down from her father, King Viserys I Targaryen. She appears inside what resembles the Red Keep, suggesting the setting for events tied to her leadership in the coming season.

A second image features Daemon Targaryen leading an army in the Riverlands, carrying the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister as soldiers bearing the banners of Houses Tully, Darry, and Blackwood follow. These details align with developments at the end of season 2, when Lord Oscar Tully pledged support to Rhaenyra and Daemon. House Blackwood’s presence also indicates the introduction of Alysanne Blackwood, who is expected to appear in House of the Dragon season 3.

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, Daemon is not directly involved in several Riverlands battles anticipated for early season 3, including the Battle at Red Fork and the Fishfeed. The new image suggests that the adaptation may expand his involvement in this region.

Together, the first-look photos outline the two focal points of Team Black’s strategy: Rhaenyra’s political authority and Daemon’s battlefield role, both of which continue to shape the conflict in House of the Dragon season 3.

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What will House of the Dragon season 3 be about?

In season 3 of House of the Dragon, the story goes from getting ready to fight to fighting. At the end of season 2, Rhaenyra recruits fresh dragonriders, and Aemond Targaryen makes an agreement with the Triarchy, putting Westeros on the edge of war.

Ryan Condal, the showrunner, says that season 3 will show full-scale conflict. The first glimpse of Daemon Targaryen leading troops in the Riverlands demonstrates this. The area is likely to have a number of big early conflicts based on Fire & Blood.

Things are also moving forward in politics. The text accompanying Rhaenyra's picture on HBO hints at what happens after big losses, and King Aegon II's retreat from King's Landing leaves the Red Keep open. These changes help make House of the Dragon season 3 a crucial part of the Dance of the Dragons and set up the fourth season, which has already been announced and is expected to air in 2028.

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Cast, returning characters, and future seasons

The cast of House of the Dragon (Image via Getty)

The ensemble cast of House of the Dragon season 3 largely returns from previous seasons. Emma D’Arcy reprises her role as Rhaenyra Targaryen, while Matt Smith returns as Daemon Targaryen. Other key cast members include Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, and Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon.

In the past, the show has used flashbacks and visions to bring back characters who have died, such as King Viserys and Laena Velaryon in season 2. This technique is likely to continue in season 3, especially in relation to Daemon's experience at Harrenhal.

HBO said that more promotional materials are on the way, such as stills of Team Green, teasers, and a confirmed debut date. The production cycle is comparable to the time between seasons 1 and 2, with filming, post-production, and many visual effects continuing through 2025 and 2026 to make room for the season's bigger battles, dragons, and set pieces.

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In summer 2026, HBO will premiere House of the Dragon season 3, which will also stream on Max. Viewers can watch previous seasons on the platform as they wait for new episodes and additional promotional releases.

Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez