What the 'House of the Dragon' Cast Look Like IRL

Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower

Emily Carey plays Alicent Hightower, second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen, daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, and former BFF of Rhaenyra.

Emily Carey IRL

Emily filmed House of the Dragon in April 2021, and this is her in 2024. The show ended up recasting the character of Alicent midway through the series, which brings us to…

Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower

Olivia plays grown-up Alicent, and it’s truly wild how much she looks like Emily—at least on House of the Dragon.

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Olivia Cooke IRL

Her vibes are impeccable, and by that I mean I’m about to run to the bathroom and give myself some ill-advised bangs thanks to this photo.

Milly Alcock as Rhaenyra Targaryen

Milly plays King Viserys’s eldest daughter and heir Rhaenyra Targaryen, who has some major competition when it comes to securing her place on the Iron Throne.

Milly Alcock IRL

The Targaryen vibes are still strong, TBH. Also, while Millie was 21 when HotD started production, she was also recast midway through the season as her character aged.

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Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen

Behold, adult Rhaenyra!

Emma D’Arcy IRL

Wow, been searching for my summer mood and here it is.

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen

Matt Smith plays Daemon Targaryen, the somewhat petulant and pretty violent younger brother of King Viserys who is less than thrilled when his niece is named heir to the Iron Throne.

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Matt Smith IRL

Do you think his tie is a nod to Daemon's hair?

Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen

Aegon is a dragon rider who sits on the Iron Throne and is eager to prove himself as a leader.

Tom Glynn-Carney IRL

I suddenly need this outfit for myself.

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Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen

Aemond is Aegon's younger brother who lost his eye when he claimed the largest dragon in the realm, Vhagar.

Ewan Mitchell IRL

While Aemond is hardcore AF, Ewan looks so much sweeter.

Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon

Jacaerys is a dragon rider and the eldest son and heir of Queen Rhaenyra (or, so we think).

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Harry Collett IRL

Harry pretty much has the same vibe as his on-screen counterpart.

Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen

Baela is the eldest daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon. She's also engaged to Jacaerys and rides the young dragon Moondancer.

Bethany Antonia IRL

The glow! The lip! Could not be more obsessed if I tried.

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Paddy Considine as King Viserys

Paddy plays King Viserys, who’s sitting firmly on the Iron Throne despite the fact that it keeps attacking him.

Paddy Considine IRL

Not sure what’s happening with this red carpet pose at the House of the Dragons premiere, but I’m here for it.

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