House of the Dragon Season 3 Full Cast and Character Guide: Every New and Returning Actor

We’re officially back in Westeros as House of the Dragon Season 3 returned to our screens this month, bringing back familiar characters as well as introducing several new faces. As the Dance of the Dragons grows deadlier, both sides of the Targaryen civil war are adding powerful allies and fierce warriors to their ranks.

If you’re still confused about who’s playing who, or simply finding yourself clueless about these newcomers, don’t worry! This complete guide breaks down every major actor and character appearing in Season 3, so saddle up and prepare for another thrilling dragon-filled adventure!

Series:	House of the Dragon
Showrunner:	Ryan Condal
Based on:	George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood
Rotten Tomatoes:	88% | 73% (As of June 24, 2026)

1 Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen

Emma D’Arcy returns as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, the embattled claimant to the Iron Throne and leader of the Blacks. Following the losses she suffered in Seasons 1 and 2, Rhaenyra enters the new season more determined than ever to secure her birthright. With the conflict escalating on all fronts, Season 3 will put the queen’s ambitions and alliances to the test.

2 Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen

Matt Smith reprises his role as Prince Daemon Targaryen, the fearless warrior and husband to Rhaenyra. After spending Season 2 at Harrenhal grappling with visions, he emerges with a renewed sense of purpose. As the Blacks set their sights on King’s Landing, Daemon could prove instrumental in helping Rhaenyra seize the capital and strengthen her claim to the Iron Throne.

3 Olivia Cooke as Queen Alicent Hightower

Olivia Cooke plays Queen Alicent Hightower, the mother of King Aegon II. Now fully entrenched in the consequences of the civil war she helped set in motion, Alicent finds herself isolated. After reaching an agreement with Rhaenyra that suggested a possible end to the fighting, things may not go according to plan after Aegon escaped the capital, suggesting more conflict ahead for both sides.

4 Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen

Tom Glynn-Carney portrays King Aegon II Targaryen, the ruler of the Greens whose claim to the Iron Throne has plunged Westeros into civil war. After surviving his injuries from the Battle at Rook’s Rest, the king enters Season 3 in a weakened and increasingly unstable position. He escapes King’s Landing with Larys, making a secret retreat that leaves the Greens in disarray.

5 Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen

Ewan Mitchell returns as Prince Aemond Targaryen, the ruthless dragonrider of the Greens. With his brother gone from King’s Landing, Aemond steps into a dominant leadership role. In Season 3, he is expected to recapture Harrenhal, while using the castle’s strategic position to assert the Greens’ control over the Riverlands.

6 Phia Saban as Queen Helaena Targaryen

Phia Saban reprises her role as Queen Helaena Targaryen, the dragon dreamer and sister-wife to King Aegon II. Still haunted by prophetic visions and grief after the death of her son, Helaena remains largely withdrawn from the political chaos. In Season 2, she told Aemond she knew the truth about Aegon’s injuries at Rook’s Rest and even hinted at his fate, including a vision of his death at the Gods Eye.

7 Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower

Rhys Ifans plays Ser Otto Hightower, the former Hand of the King dismissed from his position in Season 2. Despite being one of the architects of the Green faction, he has not been seen for quite some time. He only appeared in the final episode, revealing he was imprisoned somewhere. Otto’s fate remains uncertain in Season 3, especially with the Blacks set to seize King’s Landing.

8 Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole

Fabien Frankel portrays Ser Criston Cole, who rises from Lord Commander of the Kingsguard to Hand of the King. Criston remains deeply committed to Aegon II’s claim, and fans will see him become even more ruthless as he takes on an even greater role in leading the Greens’ war effort. He and his troops are expected to meet Aemond and Vhagar to seize Harrenhal in Season 3.

9 Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon

Steve Toussaint returns as Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake and one of the most powerful naval commanders in Westeros. He plays a crucial strategic role in Season 3, and much of it has to do with the Battle of the Gullet, where his fleet and experience at sea are tested in one of the most devastating naval clashes of the war.

10 Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria

Sonoya Mizuno reprises her role as Mysaria, Rhaenyra’s spymaster. Now fully embedded within the Black faction, she uses her network of informants across King’s Landing to gather information. Her portrayal in the series deviated significantly from the book, with the character continuing to evolve in unexpected ways, leaving fans to speculate about what she may do in Season 3.

11 Matthew Needham as Lord Larys Strong

Fans meet Matthew Needham again as Lord Larys Strong, whose schemes continue to influence the balance of power in King’s Landing. After orchestrating Aegon’s escape, he finds himself in a precarious position while also putting the king’s life at risk. However, he appears to have planned it all out, with the lore suggesting a Dragonstone scheme aimed at persuading several Black allies to turn against Rhaenyra.

12 Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon

Harry Collett’s portrayal of Prince Jacaerys Velaryon has been nothing short of remarkable. After two seasons spent proving his worth as a true heir and political leader, his storyline culminates in a tragedy during the Battle of the Gullet in Season 3, where he is killed in the midst of battle alongside his dragon, Vermax.

13 Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen

Bethany Antonia plays the Lady Baela Targaryen, one of the key members of the Black faction. Fiercely loyal, she continues to step into a more active role as the war against the Greens intensifies. In Season 3, she takes part in the Battle of the Gullet, proving her skill as a dragonrider while also being forced to confront the brutal cost of war.

14 Phoebe Campbell as Lady Rhaena Targaryen

Phoebe Campbell returns as Lady Rhaena Targaryen, Daemon’s daughter and one of the few Targaryens who spent much of the series without a dragon of her own. After discovering the wild dragon Sheepstealer in the Season 2 finale, Rhaena finally claims and rides the beast in Season 3. However, this accomplishment came with a price after she recklessly brought it to the Gullet.

15 Jefferson Hall as Lord Jason Lannister / Ser Tyland Lannister

Jefferson Hall appears again in the dual roles of Lord Jason Lannister and Ser Tyland Lannister, the twin brothers aligned with the Green faction. Jason commands the strength of House Lannister in the field, while Tyland joins the Triarchy armada in the Gullet.

16 Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower

Alicent’s brother and a loyal commander of the Greens, Ser Gwayne Hightower is played by Freddie Fox in a role extensively expanded for television. Despite being aligned with the Greens, Gwayne became a fan favorite in Season 2 thanks to his level-headed nature and willingness to question reckless decisions made by those around him.

17 Archie Barnes as Lord Oscar Tully

Archie Barnes reprises his role as Lord Oscar Tully, the young Lord of Riverrun who made a memorable impression in Season 2 despite his limited screen time. Although inexperienced, Oscar demonstrated confidence and political savvy when dealing with Daemon, earning the respect of many viewers.

18 Gayle Rankin as Alys Rivers

Gayle Rankin portrays the mysterious Alys Rivers, whom fans met in Season 2. Through her influence over Daemon, she played a key role in shaping some of the season’s most surreal moments. In Season 3, she is expected to have significant encounters with Aemond once he brings Harrenhal under his command, as hinted in the official House of the Dragon trailer.

19 Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull

Abubakar Salim steps back into the role of Alyn of Hull, the skilled sailor and illegitimate son of Corlys. He participates in the Battle of the Gullet, helping Corlys navigate the Black faction’s naval operations. Although they initially have a strained relationship, the civil war has brought them together in Season 3.

20 Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull

Clinton Liberty stars again as Addam of Hull, one of the new dragonriders from Team Black. After successfully bonding with Seasmoke in Season 2, Addam becomes a key asset for Rhaenyra’s faction. In the book, he fought atop Seasmoke during the Battle of the Gullet; in the show, however, he and the other dragonseeds were stationed near Harrenhal to keep watch for Aemond and Vhagar.

21 Tom Bennett as Ulf White

Tom Bennett returns as Ulf White, the boastful dragonseed whose life changes dramatically after he successfully claims the dragon Silverwing. Once a drunken commoner with questionable ambitions, Ulf suddenly finds himself wielding immense power as one of Rhaenyra’s newest dragonriders. In Season 3, his loyalty is expected to come under scrutiny.

22 Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer

Another dragonseed turned dragonrider, Kieran Bew reprises his role as Hugh Hammer, who claimed the powerful dragon Vermithor. His immense strength and bond with Vermithor will make him a decisive asset in the Black faction’s war effort in Season 3, though his loyalty and ambitions will remain a potential source of tension.

23 Kurt Egyiawan as Grand Maester Orwyle

Kurt Egyiawan plays Grand Maester Orwyle, one of the few remaining voices of caution within the fractured court of King’s Landing. As the Greens struggle to maintain order and legitimacy, Orwyle continues to serve as a steady advisor, navigating the fallout of Aegon II’s rule.

24 James Norton as Lord Ormund Hightower

James Norton joins House of the Dragon Season 3 as Lord Ormund Hightower, the head of House Hightower and a key military figure for the Greens. He leads the Hightower forces in the Reach and is expected to strengthen the Green faction’s position as they fight to secure the Iron Throne.

25 Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Daeron Targaryen

Daeron Targaryen is officially joining Season 3, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth reportedly playing the role. The son of Viserys and Alicent, the young prince is expected to join the Dance of the Dragons and fight alongside his dragon, Tessarion. During his absence, he is known to be serving as a squire to Lord Ormund.

26 Tommy Flanagan as Lord Roderick Dustin

Tommy Flanagan is one of the newcomers in Season 3, portraying Lord Roderick Dustin, the formidable and battle-hardened lord of the North. He answers Rhaenyra’s call to arms, leading the fierce Winter Wolves to battle on behalf of the Blacks.

27 Dan Fogler as Lord Torrhen Manderly

Dan Fogler plays Lord Torrhen Manderly in Season 3, the powerful and shrewd ruler of White Harbor. After Jace visited the North, Torrhen’s father, Lord Desmond Manderly, sent him south to aid Rhaenyra.

28 Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent

Tom Cullen stars as Ser Luthor Largent, a formidable knight set to play a crucial role in the Fall of King’s Landing. Alongside his gold cloaks, he turns against the Greens and pledges loyalty to Prince Daemon, their former commander.

29 Joplin Sibtain as Ser Jon Roxton

Joplin Sibtain appears as Ser Jon Roxton, who fights for Aegon in the civil war, wielding the Valyrian steel sword Orphan-Maker. In the lore, he took part in major battles including the Battle of the Honeywine, the Storming of the Dragonpit, and the Second Battle of Tumbleton.

30 Barry Sloane as Ser Adrian Redfort

Barry Sloane becomes Ser Adrian Redfort in Season 3, a knight from House Redfort and a member of Rhaenyra’s Queensguard. He is inducted into the position after she seizes King’s Landing.

31 Annie Shapero as Lady Alysanne Blackwood

Annie Shapero joins the fray as Alysanne “Black Aly” Blackwood, a fierce archer noblewoman from the Riverlands who aligns with the Blacks.

Who’s your favorite character from the series? Let us know in the comments!

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.