Winter isn’t exactly coming anytime soon, but Game Of Thrones was certainly back on Monday evening as the UK premiere of House Of The Dragon season two launched in London.
The show, a prequel to the enormously successful HBO adaptation of George RR Martin’s fantasy novels, follows the feud between Alicent and Rhaenyra as they vie for who will eventually rule from the Iron Throne.
But the swords were thankfully sheathed as the show’s cast descended on the Odeon Luxe in a teeming Leicester Square.
Leading the way were show stars Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy and Ewan Mitchell, with all three dominating the green carpet as proceedings got underway.
Matt – who plays the rebellious Daemon Targaryen – looked appropriately dapper in a generously cut navy trouser-suit as he greeted onlookers at the special event.
The actor, 41, was joined by glamorous co-star Olivia, who traded the regal gowns worn by Alicent Hightower in favour of an elegant off-the-shoulder evening dress.
With a bold statement neck chain serving as a prominent focal point, the actress, 30, ensured she claimed her own share of the spotlight ahead of Monday’s launch.
The brunette beauty accentuated her dainty features with glam make-up courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury with MUA Alex Babsky using the brand’s Magic Cream and Beautiful Skin Foundation.
She was matched by screen rival Emma, who revealed a distinctive House Of The Dragon inspired teeth grill as they joined their co-stars.
The 32-year old star, Rhaenyra Targaryen in the hit show, had already commanded plenty of attention courtesy of their striking two-tone trouser suit.
Elsewhere rising star Ewan, 27, turned heads in a striking crimson velvet coat – a far cry from the battle armour worn by the ambitious Aemond Targaryen.
He went shirtless beneath the jacket and completed the look with a pair of quirky trousers along with pair of eye catching pointed shoes.
Also on the red carpet was model Daisy Lowe, 35, who was the epitome of elegance in a an all-white suit as she posed up a storm.
In a minimal but very high-class ensemble, she sported a blouse underneath the shoulder-padded blazer and tailored high-waist flared trousers.
The stunner, who is the daughter of fashion designer Pearl Lowe and Bush’ lead singer Gavin Rossdale, opted for a comfortable choice with versatile white platform trainers.
She added a sophisticated gold set of jewellery including a dainty chain, small hoop earrings and a bracelet which matched her chromed manicure.
Season one of House Of The Dragon premiered on August 21, 2022 and it’s opening episode earned a whopping 10million viewers which led to the season 2 renewal within just week of the premiere episode.
The latest season debuts Monday, June 17 at on Sky and Now TV, with critics giving already giving it an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The first wave of reviews started coming in on Thursday, with just two “rotten” reviews of the 22 that were posted.
Those who have praised the show have done so for its gripping storytelling and monumental action that fans will see this season.
The first season set the stage for the drama to come, centering on two young women – Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and her best friend Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey).
Rhaenyra was the daughter of King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and Alicent the daughter of his Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).
The first season primarily dealt with the succession of the Iron Throne as King Viserys fell ill, with a big time jump that saw Emma D’Arcy joining as the adult Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke as the adult Alicent.
Empire’s Dan Jolin praised showrunner Ryan Condal (who showran Season 1 with Miguel Sapochnik, who bowed out at the end of Season 1) for streamlining the show.
‘Season 2… is more chronologically focused, less fidgety with its actors, and has its eye on the world (and the social strata) beyond the highborn Targaryen court,’ he said.
While the first season practically exclusively focused on House Targaryen, Season 2 introduces characters in Winterfell – home to House Stark – and other ‘smallfolk’ who live under the rule of the House of the Dragon.
The Telegraph’s Ed Power calls Season 2 a, ‘soaring, roaring blockbuster to rival anything in the cinema.’