Enter the DRAGONS

PADDY CONSIDINE and MATT SMITH on starring in the much-anticipated Game of Thrones spin-off

- SEAN MARLAND

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

MONDAY, 9PM, SKY ATLANTIC FANTASY DRAMA

Fantasy drama Game of Thrones was not just a hit, it was a global phenomenon with millions of viewers around the world tuning in to watch a host of warring families battle for the Iron Throne over the course of eight blood-soaked series.

Ever since the saga’s spectacular finale in 2019, fans have been desperate to see more of the fantasy world created by author George RR Martin. This week, the wait is finally over with the prequel House of the Dragon winging its way on to Sky Atlantic.

The 10-part series is set 170 years before the events of Game of Thrones and explores the family history of Queen Daenerys’ ancestors in a fire-scorched spin-off about House Targaryen’s dramatic fall from power.

The first episode begins with the Targaryens, who have a historic kinship with dragons, at the height of their power, although King Viserys (Paddy Considine, Peaky Blinders) knows that without a son to inherit his crown, the dynasty may crumble.

Viserys has a daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, yet since no woman has ever ascended to the Iron Throne before, it’s presumed that the king’s ambitious and volatile younger brother, Prince Daemon (Matt Smith, The Crown), will be his successor.

We caught up with Paddy, 48, and Matt, 39, to find out more…

Game of Thrones was such a global hit – talk about a hard act to follow!