“House of the Dragon,” an American fantasy drama TV series created by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal for HBO, is a prequel to the famous “Game of Thrones” series. This show is the second in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” franchise. The first season was led by showrunners Condal and Miguel Sapochnik. Based on Martin’s 2018 book “Fire & Blood,” the series starts about 100 years after the Seven Kingdoms were united by the Targaryen conquest, nearly 200 years before “Game of Thrones,” and 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born. It focuses on the events leading up to the fall of House Targaryen, specifically the war of succession known as the “Dance of the Dragons.”
Filming for House of the Dragon Season 2
The second season of “House of the Dragon” began filming on April 11, 2023, at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Watford, England. The production moved to Cáceres, Spain on May 18, 2023. Filming continued despite the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, as the British cast worked under the rules of their local union, Equity. The filming wrapped up by September 29, 2023. The second season premiered on June 16, 2024, on HBO.
Exploring the Filming Locations
North Wales
Parts of the show were filmed in North Wales, which was used to represent The Vale, the Riverlands, and Dragonstone. Two old Welsh quarries were chosen to create the exteriors of Dragonstone and Harrenhal castles. With support from the Welsh Government agency Creative Wales, the production team utilized the stunning ancient landscapes of the region to bring the fantasy world to life.
Farnham, Surrey
Bourne Wood, situated outside the picturesque market town of Farnham, Surrey, was another important filming location. Bourne Wood has a long history in the British film business, having been utilized since the making of “Gladiator” about 25 years ago. Forestry England manages this wooded region, which has served as the setting for numerous epic combat scenes, notably the combat of Austerlitz in Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon.” The location, with its cluster of pine trees and sandy heathland, formed the ideal setting for the realm of royals, warriors, and dragons in “House of the Dragon.”
Cáceres and Trujillo, Spain
The second season revisits the Spanish locations used in season one, specifically Cáceres and Trujillo. These locations stand in for King’s Landing, taking over from Dubrovnik, which was prominently used in the original “Game of Thrones” series. The historic and scenic beauty of these Spanish cities adds a rich, authentic feel to the setting of the series.
“House of the Dragon” Season 2 transports viewers to breathtaking locations, from the rugged landscapes of North Wales to the historic charm of Spanish cities. These carefully chosen filming sites bring the rich and complex world of Westeros to life, making the second season a must-watch for fans of the fantasy drama series. With its premiere on June 16, 2024, viewers are set to be captivated by the epic tale of House Targaryen once again.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – House of the Dragon Season 2
Q: Where was “House of the Dragon Season 2” filmed?
A: “House of the Dragon Season 2” was filmed in various stunning locations. The primary filming took place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Watford, England. Additional filming locations include North Wales, which served as the backdrop for The Vale, the Riverlands, and Dragonstone. Scenes were also shot in Bourne Wood, Surrey, for epic battle sequences, and in the historic Spanish cities of Cáceres and Trujillo, which doubled as King’s Landing.
Q: What specific places in North Wales were used for filming “House of the Dragon Season 2”?
A: In North Wales, the production utilized old Welsh quarries to create the exteriors of Dragonstone and Harrenhal castles. These ancient quarries provided the rugged and dramatic landscapes needed to depict these iconic locations from the series.
Q: When did the filming of “House of the Dragon Season 2” take place?
A: Filming for “House of the Dragon Season 2” began on April 11, 2023, at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Watford, England. The production moved to Cáceres, Spain on May 18, 2023, and continued filming despite the SAG-AFTRA strike. The filming wrapped up on September 29, 2023.
Q: When and where was the epic battle scene filmed for “House of the Dragon Season 2”?
A: The epic battle scenes for “House of the Dragon Season 2” were filmed in Bourne Wood, located near Farnham, Surrey. Known for its history in hosting large-scale battle scenes, Bourne Wood provided the perfect setting for these intense and dramatic sequences.
Q: When is the release date for “House of the Dragon Season 2”?
A: “House of the Dragon Season 2” premiered on June 16, 2024, on HBO.
