US TV network HBO has released the first look at the cast of House of the Dragon, the new Game of Thrones prequel series starring Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Emma D'Arcy, and Paddy Considine.

Co-created by author George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal, the new drama is set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones and is already scheduled to run for a ten-episode first season.

The new images show Smith and D’Arcy as Prince Daemon Targaryen and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Steve Toussaint will play Lord Corlys Velaryon, and Olivia Cooke and Ifans as Alicent and Otto Hightower.

This series also stars Paddy Considine, Fabien Frankel, Eve Best and Sonoya Mizuno and is expected to be released on an unconfirmed date in 2022.

The Long Night/Bloodmoon, which was set to star Naomi Watts, was axed after the pilot was made in Belfast, but there are continued rumours that further GoT spin-offs are being planned.

Among them are Tales of Dunk and Egg and a potential Game of Thrones animated series.

HBO has signed what is reported to be a multi-million-dollar deal with George R. R. Martin, who is still working on the final A Song of Ice and Fire books.