As fans eagerly await the return of “House of the Dragon” for its second season, questions about the young cast’s return have surfaced. The first season of this “Game of Thrones” prequel featured impressive performances by Emily Carey and Milly Alcock as young Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen, respectively. These portrayals laid the groundwork for the complex, multi-generational conflict at the heart of the series. However, despite the impact they made, it seems unlikely that these young characters will reappear in the upcoming season.
Emily Carey, who charmed audiences with her portrayal of Alicent, recently addressed the speculation in an exclusive interview with Radio Times. She hinted that fans should not expect her character’s return in Season 2. “I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say, but I will say don’t get your expectations up!” Carey remarked. This statement, unless a clever ruse, suggests that flashback scenes featuring the young versions of Alicent and Rhaenyra are not in the cards for the new season.
Both Carey and Alcock have moved on to new projects. Carey is starring in the Netflix series “Geek Girl,” a YA sensation far removed from the political intrigue and dragon-laden world of “House of the Dragon.” Meanwhile, Alcock has caught the attention of director James Gunn and will play the new Supergirl in an upcoming Superman film. Despite their new roles, their contributions to “House of the Dragon” remain significant.
Emily Carey in House of the Dragon Season 1 (Via House of the Dragon)
The production of “House of the Dragon” Season 2 has faced its own set of challenges. Despite the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, the series continued filming thanks to the actors’ affiliation with the UK’s Equity Union, which was not part of the Hollywood strikes. This unique situation may have complicated scheduling, making it difficult to bring back Carey and Alcock for new scenes.
Yet, there is still a glimmer of hope for fans wishing to see the young characters again. Some scenes, such as the preparations for Alicent and Viserys’ wedding, were removed from the final cut of Season 1. Incorporating these deleted scenes as flashbacks could honor the actors’ foundational work and enrich the storyline. While this remains speculative, it offers a potential way to acknowledge the characters’ early contributions.
As “House of the Dragon” Season 2 prepares to premiere on Max on June 16, viewers remain hopeful. The intricate storytelling and character development set in the first season have set high expectations. Whether or not Carey and Alcock reprise their roles, the series promises to continue delivering the compelling drama and rich world-building that fans have come to love.
While the return of young Alicent and Rhaenyra seems doubtful, “House of the Dragon” Season 2 is set to enthrall audiences with its continuation of the Targaryen saga. The absence of flashbacks featuring Carey and Alcock might be disappointing to some, but their impact on the series is undeniable. As the new season unfolds, fans can look forward to the evolving storylines and new challenges facing the characters in this epic fantasy world.
