Winter isn’t exactly coming anytime soon, but Game Of Thrones was certainly back on Monday evening as the UK premiere of House Of The Dragon season two launched in London.
The show, a prequel to the enormously successful HBO adaptation of George RR Martin’s fantasy novels, follows the feud between Alicent and Rhaenyra as they vie for who will eventually rule from the Iron Throne.
But the swords were thankfully sheathed as the show’s cast descended on the Odeon Luxe in a teeming Leicester Square.
Leading the way were show stars Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy and Ewan Mitchell, with all three dominating the green carpet as proceedings got underway.
Matt – who plays the rebellious Daemon Targaryen – looked appropriately dapper in a generously cut navy trouser-suit as he greeted onlookers at the special event.
Matt, 41, – who plays the rebellious Daemon Targaryen – looked appropriately dapper in a generously cut navy trouser-suit as he greeted onlookers at the special event
The actor, 41, was joined by glamorous co-star Olivia, who traded the regal gowns worn by Alicent Hightower in favour of an elegant off-the-shoulder evening dress.
With a bold statement neck chain serving as a prominent focal point, the actress, 30, ensured she claimed her own share of the spotlight ahead of Monday’s launch.
She was matched by screen rival Emma, who revealed a distinctive House Of The Dragon inspired teeth grill as she joined her co-stars.
The 32-year old star, Rhaenyra Targaryen in the hit show, had already commanded plenty of attention courtesy of her striking two-tone trouser suit.
Elsewhere rising star Ewan, 27, turned heads in a striking crimson velvet coat – a far cry from the battle armour worn by the ambitious Aemond Targaryen.
He went shirtless beneath the jacket and completed the look with a pair of quirky trousers along with pair of eye catching pointed shoes.
Meanwhile Emma, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen, ensured all eyes were on here as she wore a set of themed grills to the bash.
The TV star gave a wide smile and displayed a the golden mouth accessories reminiscent of the fantasy series, two of which resembled the show’s dragon logo.
The former Doctor Who actor looked suave as he brushed his long locks from his handsome face
Matt accessorised with gold jewellery as well as pair of aviator shades
Olivia, 32, traded the regal gowns worn by Alicent Hightower in favour of an elegant off-the-shoulder evening dress
With a bold statement neck chain serving as a prominent focal point, the actress, 30, ensured she claimed her own share of the spotlight ahead of Monday’s launch
The brunette beauty swept her luscious locks into a bun as strands framed her dainty features
Olivia’s gown was tailored to perfection and hugged every inch of her sensational figure
Elsewhere rising star Ewan, 27, turned heads in a striking crimson velvet coat – a far cry from the battle armour worn by the ambitious Aemond Targaryen
He went shirtless beneath the jacket which was cinched at his waist and teased a glimpse of his toned physique
He completed the look with a pair of quirky trousers along with pair of eye catching pointed shoes
Meanwhile Emma, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen, ensured all eyes were on here as she wore a set of themed grills to the bash
The TV star gave a wide smile and displayed a the golden mouth accessories reminiscent of the fantasy series, two of which resembled the show’s dragon logo
Emma showcased her quirky sense of style in a half-black-half-white suit which she wore with a pair event of striking red shoes
She slicked back her hair with gel and shielded her eyes from the June sun with a pair of circular shades
Also on the red carpet was model Daisy Lowe , 35, who was the epitome of elegance in a an all-white suit as she posed up a storm
In a minimal but very high-class ensemble, she sported a blouse underneath the shoulder-padded blazer and tailored high-waist flared trousers
Daisy opted for a comfortable choice with versatile white platform trainers
Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri sent pulses tracing in a sheer co-ord with a very saucy split
She continued to continued to show off her new red hair which was styled in a wet look
She was joined by dapper boyfriend Andrew Le Page who rocked an olive green suit
Eve Best, 52, who plays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, looked gorgeous in a sparkly Grecian gown
The actress let her blonde locks gall to her shoulders in loose waves and accesorised with diamond jewellery
Matt was delighted to be reunited with Eve and wrapped his arms around her
He couldn’t wipe the smile of his face as he posed with his co-stars
Earlier in the evening Matt (R) later larked around with co-star Fabien Frankel (L)
Fabiel (L) who plays Ser Criston Cole in the show cut a stylish figure in a retro brown suit
The actors all posed together after walking the red carpet
Emma showcased her quirky sense of style in a half-black-half-white suit which she wore with a pair event of striking red shoes.
She slicked back her hair with gel and shielded her eyes from the June sun with a pair of circular shades.
Also on the red carpet was model Daisy Lowe, 35, who was the epitome of elegance in a an all-white suit as she posed up a storm.
In a minimal but very high-class ensemble, she sported a blouse underneath the shoulder-padded blazer and tailored high-waist flared trousers.
The stunner, who is the daughter of fashion designer Pearl Lowe and Bush’ lead singer Gavin Rossdale, opted for a comfortable choice with versatile white platform trainers.
She added a sophisticated gold set of jewellery including a dainty chain, small hoop earrings and a bracelet which matched her chromed manicure.
Season one of House Of The Dragon premiered on August 21, 2022 and it’s opening episode earned a whopping 10million viewers which led to the season 2 renewal within just week of the premiere episode.
The latest season debuts Sunday, June 16 at 9 PM ET on HBO, with critics giving the season an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The first wave of reviews started coming in on Thursday, with just two “rotten” reviews of the 22 that were posted.
Those who have praised the show have done so for its gripping storytelling and monumental action that fans will see this season.
The first season set the stage for the drama to come, centering on two young women – Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and her best friend Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey).
Rhaenyra was the daughter of King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and Alicent the daughter of his Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).
The first season primarily dealt with the succession of the Iron Throne as King Viserys fell ill, with a big time jump that saw Emma D’Arcy joining as the adult Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke as the adult Alicent.
The season ended in quite the shocking manner – with the brutal death of one of Rhaenyra’s sons – which set the stage for the Civil War between the Targaryen’s and the Hightower’s that would follow between what has been dubbed Alicent’s ‘Team Green’ and Rhaenyra’s ‘Team Black.’
Empire‘s Dan Jolin praised showrunner Ryan Condal (who showran Season 1 with Miguel Sapochnik, who bowed out at the end of Season 1) for streamlining the show.
‘Season 2… is more chronologically focused, less fidgety with its actors, and has its eye on the world (and the social strata) beyond the highborn Targaryen court,’ he said.
While the first season practically exclusively focused on House Targaryen, Season 2 introduces characters in Winterfell – home to House Stark – and other ‘smallfolk’ who live under the rule of the House of the Dragon.
The Telegraph‘s Ed Power calls Season 2 a, ‘soaring, roaring blockbuster to rival anything in the cinema.’
