When something you love ends, there's an inevitable feeling of emptiness that comes with it. This could be the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, or graduating from high school. The same can be said (albeit on a much lesser scale) with a beloved television show or film series. Such was the case for me on May 19, 2019 when the final episode of Game of Thrones aired on HBO. It is hands down my favorite television show of all-time and the conclusion of the program almost felt like losing a friend. However, HBO's subsequent announcement of their intent to produce Game of Thrones prequel shows made it seem like that friend was on extended vacation, rather than shuffling off this mortal coil.
Although HBO ultimately decided to scrap The Long Night starring Naomi Watts, HBO Max greenlit a straight-to-series order for House of the Dragon. The program is set three hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin's book Fire and Blood, the show will chronicle the conquering of Westeros by Aegon I Targaryen and his sisters/wives Visenya and Rhaenys. With House of the Dragon set to debut just two short years from now, it's likely that pre-production is just around the corner and now it appears an official casting call has gone out for the leads.
The information comes courtesy of Knight Edge Media. It's important to note that the following is just rumor. HBO Max hasn't stated anything official at this time. Got your salt shaker on hand? Good. The following is a full casting description of the aforementioned characters:
Aegon Targaryen: 20s, Caucasian male. Married his two sisters Visenya and Rhaenys. Withdrawn, quiet, pious. Harsh with those who defy him. Riding the dragon Balerion. LEAD.
Visenya Targaryen: 20s, Caucasian female. Older sister and wife of King Aegon Targaryen. A voluptuous, stern, serious, and unforgiving woman. Riding the dragon Vhagar. LEAD.
Rhaenys Targaryen: 20s Caucasian female. Younger sister of King Aegon Targaryen. Kindhearted, graceful, playful, curious, impulsive, and given to flights of fancy, with a mischievous aspect to her personality. Riding the dragon Meraxes. LEAD.
Anyone who has ever read Fire and Blood knows that these are pretty accurate descriptions of the characters in question. I'm inclined to believe that this casting call is legitimate, although I obviously can't say for sure.
So what do you guys think? Do you think this casting call is the real deal? Who would you cast in the roles? Would you cast unknowns or some well established actors? Sound off in the comments below!