When I saw that HBO was broadcasting old reruns of Game of Thrones on HBO 2 early this week, I knew they were planning something. And, it turns out, I was right. HBO finally released an amazing new House of the Dragon trailer that should excite the fanbase and relieve any lingering doubts.
FINALLY, HBO has released a new House of the Dragon trailer. And it has only taken them a whole two months to give us some content that is longer than a minute long. I mean, seriously, the show is releasing in a month’s time, and it has taken you this long to put out an “official trailer”? What’s with Amazon and HBO waiting for the last possible minute to promote their shows?
Anyway, enough of my tiny rant, and back to the trailer at hand. It was awesome. Unlike the previously released material, it showcased everything! There were two new dragons, more Targaryens, more Velaryons, more noble houses we’ve never seen before on the small screen, new battle scenes, intriguing political dilemmas, and an insight into the story (though mostly everyone already knows the story).
I’ve got to be honest…I don’t think there was a single bad moment in the whole 2 minutes and 49 seconds worth of new footage. Everything looked spectacular.
(HBO/HBO Max-House of the Dragon-Official Trailer)
Clearly, HBO knew that they needed to get this new series right as they have upscaled every precedent and expectation that Game of Thrones laid out. The set design, character outfits, armor, weapons, scenery, etc. all looked extraordinary in the trailer. Particularly, King’s Landing.
I don’t know how HBO production designers were able to make King’s Landing look even more like a fantasy/medieval capital city, but they did. The two images of just the capital reminded me a lot of the Season 1 designs of King’s Landing. Just better.
And that is a good thing as I found the Season 1 imagination of King’s Landing the best portrayal in all the eight seasons of Game of Thrones. I’m super glad the showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik went for the early season’s imagination of a vibrant, beautiful King’s Landing versus the barren-wasteland version of the capital from Season 8.
Moreover, I can already tell that Rhaenyra Targaryen will be one of my favorite characters, and hopefully she will end up a fan-favorite too. In the Fire and Blood novel, her personality was unable to be thoroughly explored as the narration prevented it. Thankfully, the writers and showrunners have (from the looks of the trailer) written an ambitious, proud, but self-doubting girl that will grow up into a fearsome, yet respected ruler.
(HBO/HBO Max-House of the Dragon-Official Trailer)
Well, up until the war. Then everyone and everything goes nutty. But that is a long way off.
Also, Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen is looking like the real deal Rouge Prince. From the few images and story dynamics shown so far, I can’t wait to see his struggles with his brother, King Viserys, the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower, and the Three Daughters Magisters.
Oh, how could I forget Corlys Velaryon? He looked just as heroic and “larger-than-life” in this trailer as he was in the novel. Plus, his blood-stained, white House Velaryon armor looked incredible too. I have a lot of faith in Steve Toussiant’s ability to portray the legendary Sea Snake.
This trailer has assured all of my lingering doubts that I had with the series before today. I can now say with 99.99999% (can’t really be 100% certainty of anything, can you?) certainty that House of the Dragon will be a massive SUCCESS. I can’t wait for August 21st!
Images Sources: Featured Image: (HBO/HBO Max) (House of the Dragon | Official Trailer | HBO Max – YouTube)
In Text Image 1: (HBO/HBO Max) (House of the Dragon | Official Trailer | HBO Max – YouTube)
In Text Image 2: (HBO/HBO Max) (House of the Dragon | Official Trailer | HBO Max – YouTube)
