Every House of the Dragon Character Expected to Die in Season 3, Ranked by Likelihood

After House of the Dragon Season 2 spent time gearing up for the next big battle in Westeros, fans can expect some of the biggest storylines yet in Season 3, and this includes character deaths. From massive battle sequences to shocking executions, several fan-favorite figures may not survive the next chapter of the Dance of the Dragons.

However, HBO has already changed key parts of George R.R. Martin’s story, meaning some deaths could happen earlier, later, or not at all. With that in mind, here’s every House of the Dragon character most likely to die in Season 3, ranked by likelihood.

8 Gwayne Hightower’s Expanded Role Might Delay His Death

In Fire & Blood, Gwayne Hightower is not one of the Dance’s biggest players, and his death arrives quickly once the war intensifies, specifically during the Fall of King’s Landing.

However, the show gave him far more screen time and importance, and his dynamic with the Greens made him a more recognizable figure, which could convince HBO to keep him around longer. Actor Freddie Fox also seemingly spoiled his character’s fate in a recent interview, saying he has yet to film the final season.

Having said that, Gwayne could still meet his death in Season 3, as the show has notoriously reshaped book storylines to better fit its television narrative. This is why he’s at the bottom of the ranking; his demise next season remains a realistic possibility even if HBO ultimately decides to extend his storyline, and he somehow makes a cameo in the final season.

7 Daeron Targaryen’s Fate Is Murky Due to His Late Introduction

Daeron Targaryen is the wild card of Season 3. Although he was given a major role in the book, the show waited too long to properly introduce him. That delay makes it difficult to imagine HBO killing him off immediately after finally bringing him into the spotlight.

Season 3 will likely focus on establishing Daeron as a Green commander and showcasing his bond with Tessarion. Because of this, his eventual death feels more like a Season 4 event.

Still, we’re not ruling out that he could die in the next season, especially with the show condensing timelines. If the war pushes into overdrive in Season 3, Daeron could be thrust straight into major battles sooner than expected, cutting his arc short before it fully unfolds.

6 Helaena Targaryen’s Death Was Confirmed in Season 3’s Outline

Helaena Targaryen’s fate is one of the most tragic events during the civil war, and according to a now-deleted post from Martin, the character’s eventual suicide will happen next season.

In Ryan’s outline for season 3, Helaena still kills herself… for no particular reason. There is no fresh horror, no triggering event to overwhelm the fragile young queen.

This seemingly confirms that the gentle dreamer will bid us farewell very soon, although the manner of her death and the reason for harming herself could differ from what was depicted in the source material.

With the alterations made to her storyline, the show has room to reframe her final moments with new emotional context, or perhaps a more immediate catalyst that better fits her on-screen narrative.

5 Simon Strong Gets Killed By Aemond Targaryen for Alleged Treason

Simon Strong quickly became a fan-favorite character because of his loyalty toward Rhaenyra. In the books, the character meets a quiet yet sad death after Aemond Targaryen accuses him of treason and forces him into a duel.

The castellan of Harrenhal has a more expanded role in the show, which is why his potential death in Season 3 will devastate many fans. Acting as Prince Regent, Aemond will now consolidate power and recapture Harrenhal. After killing Simon, he would feed his remains to Vhagar and then order the execution of the remaining Strongs in the castle.

4 Ormund Hightower Meets His End at the Hands of the Winter Wolves

Ormund Hightower is a new addition to House of the Dragon Season 3‘s cast, but it seems like he won’t stay for too long, at least according to his fate in the novel. The general of the Hightower host perishes during the First Battle of Tumbleton after clashing with Roddy the Ruin, the leader of the Winter Wolves.

If the show follows this trajectory, his role is likely to be used to heighten the impact of the Northern forces arriving in the war. Ormund’s storyline feels as if it is designed to be short and heartbreaking. Fans are already hyped for the character, so introducing him and killing him off this season would only make his fall hit harder.

3 Criston Cole Perishes After Getting Struck By Three Arrows

The death we’ve all been waiting for will likely happen in Season 3, unless HBO decides to keep Criston Cole around a little longer and test our patience with his questionable actions. The Kingmaker has now evolved into a loathsome character, and we think it’s time for him to go now.

According to the lore, the self-righteous knight meets his end during the Butcher’s Ball. As he leads the weakened Green forces into an ambush near the Gods Eye, they are met by Riverlands and Northmen troops. He offers to surrender but is refused, forcing him to prepare to fight all three of his opponents when he is killed by arrows fired by Red Robb Rivers.

Whether the same manner of death happens in the series remains a mystery. What’s important is that Criston’s downfall feels inevitable now at this point.

2 Otto Hightower Is Beheaded After Rhaenyra Takes King’s Landing

Towards the end of Season 2, we’ve had a glimpse of Otto’s situation, and it didn’t look good for him. The once-powerful Hand of the King appears to be locked in prison, and we’ll most likely know more about how he ended up there once the series returns.

We do know, though, that he won’t make it out alive in Season 3, given his fate in the book. Apparently, after Rhaenyra captured King’s Landing, Otto was the first to be beheaded. In the show, however, he was dismissed by King Aegon II from his duty and announced that he would return to Oldtown.

Otto’s location remains a mystery, as he doesn’t appear to be in King’s Landing. Either way, his death is one of the most certain events that will happen soon, as it would be a huge book change to keep him alive towards the end of the show.

1 Jacaerys Velaryon Dies During the Battle of the Gullet

Jace is, without a doubt, the first character death we’ll get in Season 3. The prince’s tragedy is instrumental in pushing the story forward, and his demise will most likely happen within the first couple of episodes.

During the Battle of the Gullet, Jace’s dragon, Vermax, gets injured and crashes into a burning ship. The prince tried to leap from the dragon’s back, but he was struck by a Myrish crossbow bolt, ultimately sinking into the sea.

Not only was his death a huge loss for the Blacks, but it’s also a reminder that no side in the Civil War is truly safe, and even the most promising heirs can fall in an instant.

Characters Expected to Die In Season 3	Which Event They Will Die In (Based on the Book)
Gwayne Hightower	Fall of King’s Landing
Daeron Targaryen	Second Battle of Tumbleton
Helaena Targaryen	After the Battle Above the Gods Eye
Simon Strong	Aemond’s Retaking of Harrenhal
Ormund Hightower	First Battle of Tumbleton
Criston Cole	Butcher’s Ball
Otto Hightower	Fall of King’s Landing
Jacaerys Velaryon	Battle of the Gullet

Which death are you dreading to witness? Let us know in the comments!

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres on HBO on June 21, 2026.