There’s a clear blueprint for House of the Dragon season 2 thanks to the book, but there’s one mystery it may not be able to answer. House of the Dragon is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, a historical account of House Targaryen written from an in-universe perspective. Unlike Game of Thrones’ ending, the prequel has the full story and completed source material to work from across its remaining seasons.
That means, much like A Song of Ice and Fire readers knew about events such as the Red Wedding, there are plenty of “spoilers” book readers already know for House of the Dragon season 2. There will be some changes, of course – House of the Dragon season 1’s ending turned Aemond Targaryen killing Lucerys Velaryon from a deliberate act into an accident, after all. However, despite having read the book, there’s one season 2 question that I can’t find a clear and obvious answer for.
Why Was Emma D’Arcy In Spain For House Of The Dragon Season 2’s King’s Landing Filming
D’Arcy Visited The Location In May 2023
House of the Dragon season 2 set photos revealed Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen, was in Spain during the show’s production. More specifically, they were spotted in Cáceres [via @magi2296 on X], where filming for King’s Landing scenes had been taking place. D’Arcy was not seen in costume, but their presence at the location – where the likes of Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban (who play Alicent Hightower and Helaena Targaryen, respectively) had been shooting – was, and remains, curious.
Based on the source material and the timing of the filming, I feel there’s no obvious reason for Rhaenyra to have been in King’s Landing. Of course, it is possible that D’Arcy was simply visiting the set, or that they had been deliberately flown in as a red herring. But if it is because Rhaenyra appears in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, then what might that entail?
Could Rhaenyra Sneak Into King’s Landing In House Of The Dragon Season 2
It Could Be That Rhaenyra Is A Vision Or Hallucination Of Alicent Hightower
Taking it at face value, that Rhaenyra really is in King’s Landing, then it would have to mean she snuck into the city; since she’s at war with its ruler, then she’s not exactly going to be invited in for a friendly chat and a nice cup of tea (or wine). That just raises more questions though, namely: why would Rhaenyra need or want to sneak into King’s Landing?
Could it be to meet with Alicent, to try and settle differences and put an end to the civil war? That would certainly explain it, but it is very hard to reconcile with the look of pure fury on Rhaenyra’s face after Lucerys’ death.
Could it be to meet with Alicent, to try and settle differences and put an end to the civil war? That would certainly explain it, but it is very hard to reconcile w ith the look of pure fury on Rhaenyra’s face after Lucerys’ death. House of the Dragon’s season 2 trailer suggested Alicent has doubts about the war and how it’s being fought, as well as mysterious shots of her at a lake. So, if anything, it seems more plausible to me she’d be the one trying to reach her old friend than vice versa.
Shots from the trailers have also teased riots in King’s Landing will happen at some point, leading to speculation Rhaenyra will sneak into the city to help the smallfolk. It’s a nice thought, but it’s a little difficult to see how it would fit into the story without feeling too much like a distraction, especially when she’s busy fighting a war (and fighting is the operative word, since she seems to be taking on a more active role in the Dance of the Dragons than she has in the book). Still, it’s not impossible one of these scenarios plays out.
The other option would be that Rhaenyra appears in a vision or dream/hallucination sequence. This would most likely be part of Alicent’s story, and could make sense if she’s thinking a lot about her former friend and having second thoughts about everything that happened since King Viserys’ death. Alicent and Rhaenyra are the heart of the story, but won’t be together much, if at all, in season 2, so it could be an effective way to counter that. D’Arcy wouldn’t necessarily have been needed on location for those scenes, but it again feels somewhat plausible, if not a perfect fit.
Will House Of The Dragon Season 2 Begin The Fall Of King’s Landing?
Rhaenyra Eventually Takes The City – But Season 2 May Be Too Early
The final possibility for D’Arcy being in Spain is that House of the Dragon season 2 could show Rhaenyra taking control of King’s Landing. This is a moment that happens in the book, and it’s such a core part of the story that it has to happen eventually in the show. And yet, it’s also hard to believe this is what was happening, simply because season 2 feels too early for it.
[The Battle of the Gullet] seemingly won’t be happening until season 3, which makes it less likely the fall of King’s Landing will be in season 2.
In the book, Rhaenyra doesn’t take King’s Landing until after the Battle of the Gullet (one of the biggest, bloodiest sea battles in Westeros history). That itself seemingly won’t be happening until season 3, which makes it less likely the fall of King’s Landing will be in season 2 (and I think it’d be a mistake to swap the order around, since one helps lead to the other). Plus, given D’Arcy wasn’t in Spain for that long based on the photos and schedule, it’s hard to imagine scenes of this magnitude being filmed there in that timeframe.
There’s a lot to look forward to with Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon season 2, and potentially some significant book changes too. Her being in King’s Landing may be one of them, and it’ll be interesting to see if it was indeed just a red herring, a vision, a sneak visit, or something much bigger.