House of the Dragon Season 2: A Summer Release?

The Revelation

House of the Dragon, the highly anticipated Game of Thrones spinoff, may be making its return sooner than expected. The star of the show, Matt Smith, has dropped a subtle hint about the release month of the second season, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen stands next to dragon Caraxes in House of the Dragon season 1-1

In an interview with BBC on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Matt Smith hinted that the upcoming season of House of the Dragon could be arriving in August 2024. When asked about the release date, Smith's response was a tantalizing "August, I think. I think summer. This summer, yeah. I’ve not seen any of it yet but we finished last year." This cryptic statement has sparked speculation and anticipation among fans who are eager to dive back into the world of Westeros.

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen looking angry with background glowing thanks to a fire in House of the Dragon-1

Production and Speculation

The production timeline of House of the Dragon season 2 has been a topic of keen interest. Despite the confirmation of the second season over a year ago, HBO has been tight-lipped about its release date. However, the completion of filming in September 2023 marked the beginning of post-production, signaling progress towards the highly anticipated return of the series.

Aemond Targaryen on Vhagar, looking shocked after killing Lucerys in House of the Dragon season 1's finale-1

It's noteworthy that House of the Dragon's production remained unaffected by the industry strikes that occurred in 2023. The show's scripts were finalized before the WGA strike, giving it a significant advantage in production. Additionally, the cast, largely composed of U.K. actors, continued filming during the SAG-AFTRA strikes, circumventing the delays that affected other major productions. This strategic positioning has placed House of the Dragon in a favorable position for a timely release.

Vhagar attacking Lucerys and Arrax in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 10-1

The potential summer release of the second season aligns with HBO's efforts to maintain momentum in the wake of industry disruptions. With the first season premiering in August 2022, an August 2024 release would mark an almost exact two-year gap, a pattern that resonates with the show's previous schedule. However, while Matt Smith's hint is tantalizing, HBO is yet to confirm the precise release date, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Daemon and Rhaenyra standing over the painted table on Dragonstone in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 10-1

Looking Ahead

As fans eagerly await the return of House of the Dragon, the anticipation continues to build around the potential summer release of the second season. The intricate details of production, the impact of industry strikes, and the strategic advantage held by the series have set the stage for an exciting return to the world of Westeros. While the release window hinted at by Matt Smith aligns with the show's previous schedule, the confirmation from HBO is eagerly awaited, keeping the excitement and speculation alive among fans.