'Game of Thrones' prequel meets Targaryens at height of power

The upcoming prequel to HBO's "Game of Thrones" will explore the origins of the Targaryen dynasty starting at the time of the family's greatest power, the cast and creators told fans at the annual Comic-Con pop culture convention.

House of the Dragon, which debuts August 21, takes place 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, a medieval fantasy series that became a global phenomenon during an eight-season run that ended in 2019.

The new 10-episode series tells the story of a "generational war" among the Targaryens, executive producer Ryan Condal said.

"It begins at the absolute pinnacle of the dynasty, the height of their power, wealth and influence. They have the most dragons they will ever have," Condal said. "It's just before the bloom starts to come off the rose."

Paddy Considine plays King Viserys Targaryen, who the actor described as "a man of good temperament, and a kind man, trying to keep the peace time going within the kingdom".

Doctor Who star Matt Smith plays Prince Daemon Targaryen, the king's younger brother. The pair have "quite a complicated relationship," Smith said. Emma D'Arcy portrays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, her father's chosen successor.

Also in the family tree is Princess Rhaenys Velaryon (Eve Best), who was passed over for the throne.

"She should have been the queen," Best said of the character. "It's kind of annoying that she isn't. It's also kind of annoying that people keep reminding her that she isn't."

The new series is based on author George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood. Martin, who had criticised parts of Game of Thrones, said he had seen nine of the House of the Dragon episodes and found them "pretty amazing".

"These books, these characters, are like my kids," he said. "When you give your kids to people for adoption, you wonder how they will they be treated, will you recognise them?"

So far, "I'm really very happy," he said.