HBO’s Dragon House completed its main cast with the addition of Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best and Sonoya Mizuno.
They join Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy in the direct series War of Thrones prequel to George RR Martin, Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik.
Based on Martin’s Fire and blood, the series, which takes place 300 years before the War of Thrones, tells the story of Casa Targaryen. I heard that the series has five main characters: King Viserys Targaryen (Considine), Alicent Hightower (Cooke), Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (D’Arcy), Prince Daemon Targaryen (Smith) and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Toussaint), known as the Serpent do Mar, which becomes Hand of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of Dragons.
The Lord of Casa Velaryon de Toussaint comes from a Valyrian lineage as old as Casa Targaryen. Like “The Sea Snake”, the most famous nautical adventurer in Westeros’ history, Lord Corlys transformed his home into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and claims to be the largest navy in the world. Danny Sapani was previously in negotiations for the role.
Ifans will play Otto Hightower. In the Hand of the King, Ser Otto loyally and faithfully serves his king and his kingdom. In the opinion of the Hand, the greatest threat to the kingdom is the king’s brother, Daemon, and his position as heir to the throne.
Best was cast as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon. Dragon knight and wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon, “The Queen Who Never Was” was passed over as heir to the throne in the Great Council because the kingdom favored her cousin, Viserys, simply because he was a man.
Mizuno plays Mysaria, who came to Westeros with nothing and was sold more times than she can remember. She could have withered … but instead she became the most trusted – and most unlikely – ally of Prince Daemon Targaryen, the heir to the throne.
Dragon House was co-created by Martin and Condal. The script of the pilot who won the order for the series was written by Condal. He acts as a co-showrunner alongside Took veteran Miguel Sapochnik, who will direct the pilot and additional episodes. Martin, Condal and Sapochnik are executive producers alongside writer Sara Lee Hess, Vince Gerardis and Ron Schmidt. Greg Yaitanes is the executive co-producer. Yaitanes, Clare Kilner and Geeta V. Patel complete the 10-episode series management team.
Ifans, known for his roles in Notting Hill, The Spider man and Harry Potter franchises, will be seen next in Matthew Vaughn’s last book Kingsman: The Big Game. Recently, he was seen in the historical comedy drama film Bad behavior, starring alongside Kiera Knightly and Keeley Hawes, released in March 2020. In 2019, Ifans completed a race on the main stage of At Bear Ridge at The Royal Court. Ifans is represented by Kate Buckley at 42, Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Gersh.
Toussaint is seen in the acclaimed Steve McQueen film Red, white and blue, part of Small Ax series and Channel Four’s It is sin, which will be released on HBO Max. On stage, Toussaint most recently played the lead role in Father returns home from wars at the Royal Court Theater, Toussaint is represented by CDA London.
On stage, Best was honored with the Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer in It is a pity that she is a prostitute, and the Olivier Award for Best Actress in the title role in Hedda Gabler. On Broadway, she received nominations for Tony for the revivals of A Moon for Misbegotten and The Homecoming. On television and film, Best is known for her roles in Nurse Jackie, the honorable woman and The king’s speech. Best is represented by the Independent Talent Group and ICM Partners.
Mizuno recently starred in FX’s Devs. It is currently in production in the feature film Im ok, in which she co-stars with Dakota Johnson. Before making the transition to acting, Mizuno graduated from the Royal Ballet School and danced at Arthur Pita’s show “The Greatest Show in the World” at the Royal Opera House. Mizuno is represented by United Agents, WME and Goodman Genow Schenkman.