The Dragon’s Scale continues to grow as anticipation soars for the third season of HBO’s “House of the Dragon.” Matt Smith, known for his portrayal of Daemon Targaryen, has teased an upcoming season of epic proportions, while showrunner Ryan Condal is publicly addressing concerns raised by author George R.R. Martin regarding creative liberties taken in the adaptation of “Fire & Blood.” The dynamic between promise and adaptation shapes the narrative surrounding the show’s progress.
Smith Teases a Grand Season
Matt Smith’s recent comments have ignited excitement among fans. During promotional appearances in August 2025 on the TODAY Show and in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Smith shared insights into the filming progress of Season 3. He revealed that production is well underway, entering “month six of eight,” with approximately “35 days of shooting” remaining.
Smith didn’t hold back in promising a spectacle. According to Entertainment Tonight, he teased that the upcoming season would be “a lot bigger and more epic” than its predecessors, hinting at significant battle sequences and a generous helping of “blood and a lot of guts.” Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent Hightower, has echoed these sentiments, describing the production as “massive” with “huge stunt work,” further amplifying expectations for a visually stunning and action-packed season.
Production Timeline and Anticipated Release
Filming for Season 3 commenced in “earlyish 2025,” as noted by various sources, and is expected to wrap up later this year. Despite the advanced stage of production, fans will need to remain patient, as the new season is not anticipated to premiere before 2026. The extensive post-production work required for a series of this scale contributes to the extended timeline.
Condal Responds to Martin’s Creative Criticism
While excitement builds around the scale of Season 3, showrunner Ryan Condal has addressed concerns raised by George R.R. Martin, the author of “Fire & Blood,” the source material for “House of the Dragon.” Martin had voiced his criticisms in now-deleted blog posts from August 2024, expressing disappointment over creative deviations in Season 2, particularly the omission of Prince Maelor. Martin warned of potentially negative consequences if further changes were made in subsequent seasons.
Condal addressed Martin’s concerns in interviews with Entertainment Weekly and Variety around March and April 2025. He defended his creative decisions, emphasizing the challenges of adapting an “incomplete history” like “Fire & Blood” for a mass television audience. Condal stated that while he made “every effort to include George in the adaptation process” over the years, Martin became “unwilling to acknowledge the practical issues at hand in a reasonable way” as production progressed. He highlighted that every creative choice undergoes extensive consideration over “many months, if not years.”
Navigating Adaptation Challenges
Adapting a complex and detailed work like “Fire & Blood” presents numerous challenges. Condal’s comments shed light on the balancing act required to translate Martin’s vision into a compelling television narrative. He acknowledged the necessity of making changes to streamline the plot and cater to a broader audience, while also striving to remain true to the spirit of the source material. This delicate balance is at the heart of the creative process, requiring careful consideration and collaboration.
Impact on the House of the Dragon Universe
The confluence of Matt Smith’s enthusiastic updates and Ryan Condal’s explanation of creative choices significantly impacts the perception and anticipation of “House of the Dragon” Season 3. Smith’s promises of a grander scale and intense action sequences have fueled excitement among fans, while Condal’s transparency aims to contextualize the changes made in the adaptation process. This dialogue highlights the complex relationship between source material and adaptation, offering insights into the decisions that shape the final product.
The production itself is a massive undertaking. According to Olivia Cooke, the sheer scale of the filming, especially the “huge stunt work,” points to a season that will push the boundaries of what has been seen so far in the series. The combination of on-location shoots in places like Wales and extensive studio work across the UK underscores the investment and commitment to delivering a visually stunning and immersive experience.
The Road Ahead
The anticipation for “House of the Dragon” Season 3 is palpable, fueled by promises of increased scale and intensity, alongside an ongoing dialogue about the adaptation process. As fans eagerly await the premiere in 2026, the insights from Matt Smith and Ryan Condal provide a glimpse into the creative forces shaping the next chapter of this epic saga. The balance between honoring the source material and crafting a compelling television narrative remains a key focus, ensuring that the Dragon’s scale continues to soar.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:0:1001x2)/life-with-walter-boys-s2-2-1881091981504a40950fbe10ebd645b7.jpg?w=75&resize=75,75&ssl=1 "Alex or Cole? Walter Boys Season 2 Ending's Heartbreaking Decision Revealed.")
