Fans of House of the Dragon can now draw a sharper timeline for when the Targaryen civil war picks back up, as new reports confirm a June 2026 release and reveal fresh cast additions, filming progress, and set leaks. Below is everything known so far about season 3—complete with dates, quotes, and on‑the-ground intel.
Release Strategy & Spin‑Off Timing
The return of House of the Dragon is locked for June 2026. An updated breakdown published 3 days ago states that season 3 and the HBO spin‑off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will release only months apart.
While HBO has not yet formally confirmed a premiere date, insiders indicate that the season could debut just outside the 2026 Emmy eligibility window. According to HBO chief Casey Bloys, “I think it’ll be just outside of [the 2026 Emmy eligibility window],” meaning a June or later launch is likely. Meanwhile, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is pegged for a January 2026 launch.
This sequencing gives HBO something of a franchise blitz: a Westeros prequel early in the year, followed by the Targaryen war saga soon after. Some reports suggest the delay of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms into early 2026 may even have ripple effects on House of the Dragon’s timing.
Production & Filming Progress
Preproduction for season 3 reportedly began on October 31, 2024. According to multiple sources, filming kicked off in March 2025.
Olivia Cooke, who plays Queen Alicent Hightower, revealed on August 26, 2025, that shooting was scheduled to wrap in October 2025. She said:
“We started in April, so we are done in October. We’re over halfway, and it’s massive. It is actually ridiculous. It’s actually ridiculous, and it’s a lot of practical, huge stunt work. It’s mad.”
However, more recent leaks suggest filming may stretch slightly longer. According to Wiki of Thrones, Cooke indicated there is “like a month and a half” left of work, suggesting a wrap by November 2025.
Exterior filming was reportedly completed between June and September 2025 across locations in the UK and North Wales. Beyond that, production also shifted between Leavesden Studios and on‑location sites in Wales, Surrey, and other forested or quarry zones.
On August 24, 2025, BuddyTV confirmed that season 3 filming had officially wrapped, putting the series into post‑production. With the cameras down, editors, VFX teams, and compositors are now tasked with transforming raw footage into epic sequences.
New Cast & Character Reveals
Season 3 has already recruited high-profile additions to the cast. James Norton was cast as Ormund Hightower, a long-referenced figure in Fire & Blood. Leaked set reports also show filming of Ormund’s camp starting between mid‑July and August.
Other newcomers include Tommy Flanagan as Ser Roderick Dustin, Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly, Joplin Sibtain as Ser “Bold” John Roxton, Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent, and Barry Sloane as Ser Adrian Redfort.
A partial cast grid for season 3 is as follows:
- Emma D’Arcy → Rhaenyra Targaryen
- Tom Glynn‑Carney → Aegon II Targaryen
- Matt Smith → Daemon Targaryen
- Rhys Ifans → Otto Hightower
- Olivia Cooke → Alicent Hightower
- Fabien Frankel → Criston Cole
- Steve Toussaint → Corlys Velaryon
- Sonoya Mizuno → Mysaria
- Ewan Mitchell → Aemond Targaryen
- Phia Saban → Helaena Targaryen
- Harry Collett → Jacaerys Valaryon
- James Norton → Ormund Hightower
- Tommy Flanagan → Ser Roderick Dustin
- Dan Fogler → Ser Torrhen Manderly
- Joplin Sibtain → Ser “Bold” John Roxton
- Tom Cullen → Ser Luthor Largent
- Barry Sloane → Ser Adrian Redfort
Leak Insights & Plot Hints
On set leaks have already teased that Ormund Hightower’s camp was a focus of shooting mid‑July through August 2025. Some sources also mention glimpses of a “Green Man” set design. These leaks suggest that House Hightower will play a more direct role in the upcoming clash between the Greens and Blacks.
The showrunner has already hinted at key battles waiting down the road, including the Battle of the Gullet and the war intensification arc. Among script teasers, a “conceptual” episode by Sara Hess is said to depart from the show’s usual structure.
In an op‑ed published 2 days ago, the casting of James Norton inspired renewed optimism. The author wrote: “James Norton’s casting as Ormund Hightower … has me excited.”
What’s Next: Expectations & Risks
With filming now complete and post-production underway, the countdown to June 2026 begins. The 20‑month gap between season 2 (which concluded August 4, 2024) and this new season is stretching franchise patience. Some fear that this will be the longest wait ever between “Thrones” seasons.
Still, HBO is betting big: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to premiere in January 2026, followed by the return of the Targaryen war in summer. The network appears confident it can sustain multiple fantasy entries in a single year.
As for how many seasons remain, showrunner Ryan Condal has confirmed that the series will conclude with season 4. George R. R. Martin has backed a four‑season arc, envisioning four 10‑episode seasons to properly adapt the Dance of the Dragons.
In short, season 3 is shaping up to be a do-or-die chapter. With Ormund Hightower entering the fray, new alliances forming, and ever higher stakes, this installment must carry the weight of both spectacle and story. The wait may be long, but with so much brewing behind the scenes, it may be worth it.
Stay with BuddyTV for updates as new trailers, promotional stills, and insider interviews drop on the road to season 3.
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