House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood and is the prequel to Game of Thrones. It closely follows the Targaryen’s rise and fall on the Iron Throne, and chronicles two titular characters of the book, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Emma D’Arcy took on the role of Rhaenyra Targaryen, King Viserys I Targaryen first born daughter, while Olivia Cooke portrays Queen Alicent, the second wife to the king and Princess Rhaenyra’s companion turned contender for the Iron Throne.
Most of Season 1 of House of the Dragon follows the two women and their backstory when they were younger, and their younger selves were portrayed by Milly Alcock (Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen) and Emily Carey (Alicent Hightower). It isn’t until much later in the show that Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke take over their roles. Of course, fans don’t have to wait too long to watch them, as midway through the season the episodes fast track to 10 years later, where you can watch the adult versions of Rhaenyra and Alicent.
House of the Dragon portrays the pain, betrayal, and sadness surrounding the circumstances of the two women, as they try to place their reign over the Iron Throne. Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, as well as their younger counterparts, perfectly capture the true essence of their characters as they try to uphold the legacy of House Targaryen.
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