It doesn't get much more hotly anticipated than the first Game Of Thrones spin-off, but House Of The Dragon gave us a brand new story in a familiar world and was largely seen to have lived up to expectations. The first series, which launched in 2022, was critically acclaimed and won awards - and also gave HBO its largest single-day viewership for a series debut in the service's history. But if there was criticism, it was that it was a little slow, too much set-up and not enough action, with decades being covered throughout the season as characters grew up and sides were taken.
Has the pace ramped up for series two? The second season kicks off where the first left off, with battle lines drawn, blood spilt and two former best friends fighting for the crown - and Sky News has spoken to the cast about what to expect. Be warned - spoilers for series one ahead. Team Green v Team Black Emilia Clarke feared she would be fired from Game Of Thrones after brain injury Chelsea Flower Show: King Charles and Queen Camilla nicknamed 'King of the Compost' and 'Queen of the Bees' Ian Gelder: Game Of Thrones actor dies aged 74 after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer "I feel like I was like trying to throw my body over the crack between the Targaryen family," says Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent Hightower - a powerful member of the Greens and whose son Aegon was hastily crowned after she claims his father named him as his heir while on his deathbed.
This effectively usurped Rhaenyra (played.