WARNING! This post contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 6!House of the Dragon episode 6’s 10-year time jump means several major characters have been recast, with many young actors also joining the series as new figures. House of the Dragon episode 5 marked the last episode of Milly Alcock as young Rhaenyra Targaryen and Emily Carey as young Alicent Hightower, although the cast has teased the possibility of their returns in season 2. While the majority of the main cast members are remaining in their roles for House of the Dragon episode 6 and beyond, the younger characters only just introduced after the 10-year time jump will continue to see at least one more big actor change.
Rhaenyra and Alicent are now played by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, respectively, for the remainder of House of the Dragon. The other two older characters that have been recast are siblings Laenor and Laena Velaryon, who similarly jumped from teenage to adult depictions. Additionally, House of the Dragon episode 6 marks the speaking debuts of Viserys and Alicent’s children Aegon and Helaena Targaryen, as well as their new son Aemond. Also joining House of the Dragon in episode 6 are Rhaenyra and Laenor’s sons Jacaerys, Lucerys, and the newborn Joffrey Velaryon.
While the cast and characters do see a major shift in House of the Dragon episode 6, most of the main players are still portrayed by their original actors. Matt Smith still plays Daemon, Paddy Considine plays a quickly-aging King Viserys, Steve Toussaint is still Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best portrays Rhaenys Targaryen, Fabien Frankel is Criston Cole, and Rhys Ifans remains in his role as Otto Hightower. Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke will continue playing Rhaenyra and Alicent after House of the Dragon episode 6, but their children will be recast again before season 1 is over.
Emma D’Arcy As Rhaenyra Targaryen
Emma D’Arcy takes over from Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne and, now, the mother of three sons. Rhaenyra has spent the past decade in King’s Landing performing her duties to her family while engaging in an affair with Ser Harwin Strong, the true father of her sons Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon. D’Arcy is best known for their roles in Truth Seekers, Hanna, Wanderlust, and Misbehaviour.
Olivia Cooke As Alicent Hightower
Olivia Cooke replaces Emily Carey as Queen Alicent Hightower, the wife to King Viserys I Targaryen and mother to Aegon, Helaena, and Aemond. In the 10 years before House of the Dragon episode 6, Alicent has been raising her children in anticipation to rule, being active in the small council meetings, and finding ways to bring Rhaenyra down. Cooke has also starred in TV shows and movies like Bates Motel, Sound of Metal, Ready Player One, and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.
John Macmillan As Laenor Velaryon
Taking over from Theo Nate, the dragon-rider Laenor Velaryon is now played by John Macmillan. Following Rhaenyra and Laenor’s wedding 10 years ago, the heir to Driftmark has been living in King’s Landing with his family while indulging in wine, horses, and lovers. Macmillan also appeared in King Lear, The Nevers, The Dig, and Silk.
Nanna Blondell As Laena Velaryon
The character has now been played by three actors, with Nova Foueillis-Mosé playing her at 12 years old, Savannah Steyn portraying Laena as a teenager, and Nanna Blondell as adult Laena Velaryon in House of the Dragon episode 6. Over the past 10 years, Laena married Daemon Targaryen, moved to Pentos, and had two daughters Rhaena and Baela. However, her story comes to an end in House of the Dragon episode 6 when she commands the ancient Targaryen dragon Vhagar to burn her alive. Blondell has also been seen in projects like The Inner Circle, Hassel, and Black Widow.
Leo Hart As Jacaerys Velaryon
Rhaenyra and Laenor’s eldest son Jacaerys Velaryon is introduced in House of the Dragon episode 6. As Rhaenyra’s heir, Jace is being prepared to ascend the Iron Throne one day, though his biggest obstacle is the (correct) accusation that he’s Harwin Strong’s bastard. Hart previously appeared in the 2018 short film Hopscotch.
Harvey Sadler As Lucerys Velaryon
House of the Dragon episode 6 is also the debut of Rhaenyra and Laenor’s second son Lucerys, who seems to enjoy playing pranks on Aemond with his uncle Aegon. Sadler’s only other acting credit is as Sam in the 2020 TV show Trying.
Ty Tennant As Aegon Targaryen
The son of Doctor Who’s David Tennant, Ty Tennant takes over as teenage Prince Aegon Targaryen in House of the Dragon episode 6. Aegon was previously only seen as a toddler, with the character now being given far more personality as the firstborn son of King Viserys. Tennant also appeared in War of the Worlds, Doom Patrol, and Tolkien.
Leo Ashton As Aemond Targaryen
The second son of Alicent and Viserys makes his debut in House of the Dragon episode 6, with young Aemond seen continually frustrated that he doesn’t have his own dragon. Leo Ashton is known for appearing in Red Rose, The Bay, and the Deep Water TV series.
Evie Allen As Helaena Targaryen
Princess Helaena was only an infant before House of the Dragon episode 6, with the quiet young Targaryen now showing a curious interest in bugs. Helaena is now played by Evie Allen, whose other acting credit is in 2017’s Lost in London.
Shani Smethurst As Baela Targaryen
Baela is the older daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon who is bonded with the dragon Moondancer. Before House of the Dragon episode 6, Smethurst appeared in Twelfth Night.
Eva Ossei-Gerning As Rhaena Targaryen
Rhaena is Daemon and Laena’s younger daughter who wishes for her own dragon. Ossei-Gerning has also appeared in My Petsaurus and The Snow Spider.
New episodes of House of the Dragon release Sundays on HBO/HBO Max.
