The "Game of Thrones" prequel series focuses on the noble houses of Westeros during a civil war.
Here's how the cast compares to their character counterparts.
Many of the main stars of "House of the Dragon" return for the show's second season.
The "Game of Thrones" prequel was an instant hit when it first premiered in 2022. Season one told a story over 19 years that builds up to a massive civil war in Westeros. Season two will finally show that war, as House Targaryen and House Hightower fight over who should rule Westeros.
Fans may be surprised that many of the cast members do not look like their characters. Though House Targaryen are famous for their blonde hair, Matt Smith and Paddy Considine, who played major Targaryens, are not blonde.
Here's what the cast looks like in real life compared to their characters.
Queen Rhaenyra looks the most similar to Daenerys Targaryen in "Game of Thrones," with signature long blonde hair often worn in braids.Queen Rhaenyra was supposed to rule on the Iron Throne until her half-brother usurped her.
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Emma D'Arcy, who portrays older Rhaenyra, wears a wig for their character.In real life, they have shorter hair and often wear modern suits for the red carpet.
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In season one, we saw a younger version of Queen Rhaenyra.King Viserys named Rhaenyra as his heir in the premiere episode.
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Milly Alcock, who plays young Rhaenyra, is a brunette.Milly Alcock attends the "House Of The Dragon" premiere on August 15, 2022 in London.
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Prince Daemon Targaryen is Rhaenyra's husband and uncle.Daemon stands by her side as she fights for her throne.
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Under the blonde wig and sturdy armor, Matt Smith actually has short, dark brown hair.Matt Smith wears a variety of wigs to play the blond-haired Daemon.
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King Viserys Targaryen has silvery-blonde hair like other members of his family.King Viserys died of old age in "House Of The Dragon" season one.
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Paddy Considine has short, dark, salt-and-pepper hair, but he rocks the same facial hair as his character.Paddy Considine opted for a casual leather jacket look for the LA red carpet for "House Of The Dragon" in 2022.
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Alicent Hightower is Viserys' second wife and Rhaenyra's former best friend.Alicent props up her son as king after Viserys' death.
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In real life, Olivia Cooke has a darker shade of brown hair than her character, and rocks bangs.Olivia Cooke attends the "House Of The Dragon" premiere on August 15, 2022 in London.
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In season one, there was a younger version of Alicent.Alicent and Rhaenyra are close friends as children.
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Emily Carey, who plays young Alicent, also has slightly darker hair than Alicent's.Emily Carey poses on the red carpet at the "House Of The Dragon" premiere in London, on August 15, 2022.
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Criston Cole is a young and solemn knight with curly brown hair and light facial hair.Criston Cole was once an ally of Rhaenyra but now supports the Hightowers.
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Of all the cast members, Fabien Frankel resembles his character the most.Fabien Frankel at the LA premiere for "House Of The Dragon" in 2022.
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Otto Hightower, Alicent's father, is a practical-looking man with close-cropped hair and a beard.Otto was originally Viserys' close advisor, and now supports Alicent.
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In real life, Rhys Ifans has a less thick beard and lighter hair color.Rhys Ifans’ hair is also not combed over like in the show.
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Princess Rhaenys is the cousin of King Viserys, and wears her hair in a tall, braided style.Princess Rhaenys was passed over to become queen when her cousin Viserys was selected to rule.
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Eve Best does have blond hair in real life, but it is shorter than her character's and less silver.Eve Best attends the "House Of The Dragon" premiere on August 15, 2022.
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Lord Corlys is a serious leader with white locs and a salt-and-pepper beard.Lord Corlys has one of the largest navies in the world.
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Steve Toussaint wears a wig for the show because he is bald in real life.Steve Toussaint puts on his best smile and blue suit for the LA red carpet for "House Of The Dragon" in 2022.
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Prince Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon is the firstborn son of Rhaenyra.Prince Jacaerys' father is Rhaenyra's first husband, Laenor Velaryon.
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Harry Collett, who plays Jacaerys, has curly hair just like his character.Harry Collett reprises his role from season one.
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King Aegon II Targaryen is Alicent's firstborn son.He is propped up to replace Rhaenyra as ruler of Westeros.
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Tom Glynn-Carney, who plays Aegon, has darker hair than Aegon in real life.Tom Glynn-Carney also has no scarring on his face.
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Prince Aemond Targaryen, Alicent's third child, has the Targaryen signature blonde hair.Aemond's eye was cut as a child in season one.
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Ewan Mitchell has shorter hair than Aemond.Ewan Mitchell recently dyed his hair blonde.
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Queen Helaena Targaryen, Alicent's second child, also has blonde hair.Helaena is Aegon’s sister and wife.
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Phia Saban also wears a wig to portray Helaena Targaryen.Phia Saban’s hair is shorter and darker than Helaena’s.
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Lady Baela Targaryen is Daemon's first child with his first wife, Laena Valeryon.Lady Baela has her own dragon.
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Bethany Antonia wears a blonde wig to play Lady BaelaIn real life, her hair is black and has a different texture.
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Lady Rhaena Targaryen is Daemon's other daughter.Lady Rhaena is yet to claim her dragon.
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Phoebe Campbell also wears a blonde wig to play Lady RhaenaPhoebe Campbell reprises her role from "House Of The Dragon" season one.
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Ser Harrold Westerling is the former lord commander of the Kingsguard.He is very loyal to Viserys and Rhaenyra.
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Graham McTavish looks exactly like his character, without the armor.Graham McTavish attends "The Witcher" Season 3 premiere on June 28, 2023 in London.
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Mysaria has long dark hair that is often cloaked in public.Mysaria was a confidant of Prince Daemon in season one.
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Sonoya Mizuno also looks very similar to her character in real life.Sonoya Mizuno attends the premiere of "House Of The Dragon" on August 15, 2022 in London.
