by Thinus Ferreira
HBO has started filming the second season of the dragon fantasy drama series House of the Dragon, seen on M-Net (DStv 101), with the character of Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) who isn't dead.
HBO and Sky in a statement announced the official start of filming of the second season of the George R.R. Martin prequel series at Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom, with multiple cast members of the first season who are confirmed to be back.
For the upcoming family war, euphemistically entitled "Dance of the Dragons" viewers will once again see Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), Ewan Mitchell (Prince Aemond Targaryen), Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon II Targaryen), Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria), as well as Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower.
The inclusion of Sonoya Mizuno who plays Mysaria - also known as the White Worm - means the character is still alive, despite her house being set on fire at the end of the first season.
HBO and Sky also released a behind-the-scenes photo of the back of the Iron Throne.
The series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and details the civil and family war of the House of Targaryen - something which not only led to the end of Targaryen rule but also the end of dragons which kept growing smaller and virtually disappeared.
"House of the Dragon has returned," says Ryan Condal, co-creator, who is now the sole showrunner after Miguel Sapochnik stepped back after the conclusion of the first season.
"We are thrilled to be shooting again with members of our original family as well as new talents on both sides of the camera. All your favourite characters will soon be conspiring at the council tables, marching with their armies, and riding their dragons into battle. We can't wait to share what we have in store."
HBO hasn't provided any release date for the second season but it's expected to start sometime in early 2024 on M-Net on DStv, once again as an Express from the US title.
