‘Aegon’s Conquest’ Series: All About the New ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel

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The Targaryen reign over HBO isn’t stopping any time soon. As fans anxiously await House of the Dragon season 2, a new report reveals that HBO is working on a new prequel focusing on Aegon’s Conquest.

The Aegon’s Conquest series will be a prequel to House of the Dragon, so none of the current characters will be involved. For those that have read George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, an Aegon’s Conquest show is a huge deal. Here’s a rundown of everything we know about the show.

Tom Glynn-Carney in ‘House of the Dragon.’ (HBO)

What Will the ‘Aegon’s Conquest’ Show Be About?

The Aegon’s Conquest series will chronicle the formation of Westeros. As explained in Fire & Blood, Aegon I Targaryen conquered the majority of Westeros in just two years. He was accompanied by his sister wives, Rhaenys and Visenya, and their dragons. Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya were able to join six of the Seven Kingdoms to form Westeros. Dorne was the only kingdom that Aegon was unable to conquer.

When Will the ‘Aegon’s Conquest’ Series Premiere?

The show is still in early development, so there’s no premiere date yet. House of the Dragon season 2 doesn’t even have a premiere date yet, but it’s expected to premiere in summer 2024.

Shows set in the Game of Thrones universe take an extensive amount of time before, during, and after production. If the series does get picked up, the Aegon’s Conquest show likely won’t premiere until late 2025 or even 2026.

Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen. (HBO)

Matthew Tomlin, who did uncredited work on Matt Reeves’ The Batman, will be co-writing the script, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A source called the project a “back to basics” approach to the Game of Thrones universe.

Who Are the Main Characters in the ‘Aegon’s Conquest’ Series?

Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya are at the center of Aegon’s Conquest. Aegon was the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and the first king to sit on the Iron Throne. It’s believed that Aegon married Rhaenys out of love and Visenya out of duty. 

Their dragons are crucial to Aegon’s conquering of Westeros. Aegon rode Balerion, while Rhaenys and Visenya rode Meraxes and Vhagar. House of the Dragon’s Aemond Targaryen notably claimed Vhagar as a boy.

‘Aegon’s Conquest’ Show Cast

HBO hasn’t announced any casting yet for the Aegon’s Conquest show. However, there’s been plenty of fan casting. Two of the most popular names in the mix amongst fans for Aegon are Henry Cavill and Charlie Hunnam.

Henry Cavill in ‘The Witcher.’ (Netflix)

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, Aegon is in his 20s when he conquers Westeros. The series could skew older, or they could find a younger actor to portray the king. The White Lotus and One Day star Leo Woodall would make a great Aegon, as well as Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner.

Anya Taylor-Joy is a popular choice for Rhaenys. (Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

As for Visenya and Rhaenys, actresses Katheryn Winnick and Samara Weaving are popular choices. Jodie Comer and Eleanor Tomlinson would also make terrific Visenyas. Anya Taylor-Joy and Eliza Scanlen should definitely be in the mix for the role of Rhaenys. Given the success of Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra, HBO could explore relatively unknown actors for these key roles.