Rock star will be performing at Etihad Arena on Yas Island
entertainment1 day ago
The second season of the House of the Dragon returns next week after a strike-related delay, promising more of the blood, fire and power struggles that fans of the Game of Thrones universe have come to expect.
The eight-episode second series kicks off next Sunday, plunging fans back into the mythical continent of Westeros, set almost two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones.
It was pushed back by several months due to the long strike by Hollywood writers and actors last summer over pay and conditions.
House of the Dragon picks up with Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) vying for the throne of her late father, King Viserys, against her half-brother Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney).
"This is a deeply immersive world, and I think, while it can be thrilling and filled with spectacle at times, it's hopefully the connections of the characters that keep people coming back for more," showrunner Ryan Condal told AFP.
The first series was a huge hit, attracting nearly 10 million viewers in the US alone when its first episode aired in 2022, a record for an original series on HBO.
Condal says it is "darker and more solemn" than Game of Thrones, whose dark humour and sex and violence made it a cultural phenomenon.
He sees it as a metaphor for rivalry between nuclear powers.
"You have these two superpowers, the Blacks and the Greens. They each have nuclear weapons -- dragons -- on their side," he said.
The difference, he added, is that "dragons are sentient. They're living beasts with their own thoughts and feelings. And, just because a human is riding on a dragon doesn't mean that the dragon is always going to do exactly what they want and desire."
The show remains focused around the central family, the Targaryens, but Condal said a number of new characters from less privileged backgrounds were being introduced this season.
"A lot of the humour that came out of the original series comes through culture clash of people that aren't from the upper crust intersecting with the upper crust," said Condal.
Fans can also expect more shocking moments from Daemon, played by Matt Smith, loyal to his queen but also obsessed with the throne.
"Daemon always remains the most mercurial and unpredictable character, but hopefully there are a number of them in the show," said Condal.
He said a third season was already in the works, but remained at the writing stage.
ALSO READ:
Rock star will be performing at Etihad Arena on Yas Island
entertainment1 day ago
The Female Talent Agency is just in time to empower voices of the region
entertainment1 day ago
Clucks will host a wing-eating contest on July 1 where participants over the age of 16 can compete for the grand prize of free wings for one year
entertainment1 day ago
Dhaba Lane is offering two refreshing ice golas for just Dh25
entertainment1 day ago
The summer camp by Blossom Nursery offers children a summer filled with fun, creativity, and learning, running from July 1 to August 23
entertainment1 day ago
Residents and visitors can dive into world-class shopping with massive discounts, explore incredible offers at iconic hotels and attractions, and more
entertainment1 day ago
Ronin, located at FIVE LUXE, from 7pm to 2am daily, draws inspiration from the free-spirited, rebellious warrior and the mesmerising art of irezumi
entertainment1 day ago
Actress calls the Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas movie ‘incredible’
entertainment1 day ago