House of the Dragon season 3 set for summer 2026 premiere

House of the Dragon Season 3 is officially in post-production and is scheduled to premiere on HBO and Max in Summer 2026, with the network targeting a June launch. While actor Matt Smith previously hinted at an August return, current expectations suggest an earlier summer debut, potentially arriving shortly after the premiere of the upcoming spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Release timeline and episodes

The third season will consist of eight episodes, matching the episode count of Season 2. Showrunner Ryan Condal has also confirmed that the series will conclude with Season 4, which is currently planned for release in 2028.

Returning and new cast members

A total of 22 main cast members are set to return, including Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.

Season 3 will also introduce several major characters from George R.R. Martin’s books:

• James Norton as Lord Ormund Hightower

• Tommy Flanagan as Lord Roderick Dustin, leader of the “Winter Wolves”

• Dan Fogler as Lord Torrhen Manderly

• Annie Shapero as Alysanne Blackwood

• Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Prince Daeron Targaryen, whose dragon Tessarion was teased in Season 2

Story and key events

Season 3 will pick up immediately after the naval blockade of King’s Landing and the mobilization of rival armies as the Targaryen civil war intensifies. One of the most anticipated moments is the Battle of the Gullet, confirmed as a massive early-season naval conflict and described as one of the most devastating events in Westerosi history.

New footage has also teased Aemond Targaryen sitting on the Iron Throne as Prince Regent while Aegon II remains in hiding with Larys Strong, signaling major power shifts within the realm. Director Loni Peristere has described the upcoming season as “maybe the most epic season of television ever made,” emphasizing its scale, authenticity, and cinematic ambition.

With escalating battles, shifting loyalties, and new players entering the war, Season 3 is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the saga.