James Norton has been cast as Ormund Hightower for House of the Dragon season 3. The series, a prequel to Game of Thrones, and based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, is set nearly 200 years before the events of the mainline story and focuses on the reign of House Targaryen. The cast features talent from Milly Alcock, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, Emily Carey, Ewan Mitchell, Eve Best, Rhys Ifans, Paddy Considine. House of the Dragon season 3 was officially announced in June 2024, with filming expected to begin in early 2025.
According to Variety, James Norton’s casting marks the first addition to the House of the Dragon cast for season 3. Norton, known for his roles in Grantchester, Happy Valley, and fellow HBO show The Nevers, will portray Ormund Hightower, the Lord of the Hightower and the head of House Hightower during the Dance of the Dragons. The Hightowers, who are related to the Targaryens by Alicent and Viserys’ marriage, will likely play an increasingly important role as the show continues to explore the Targaryen conflicts.
What This Means For House Of The Dragon Season 3
Ormund Hightower Arrives On The Scene
Bringing in Norton as Ormund Hightower brings new developments to the Hightower family, a house introduced in House of the Dragon season 2. Ormund’s role will expand the storyline surrounding the struggle for power, particularly as the Targaryens face internal and external threats. Adding Norton to the cast reflects an ongoing commitment to casting talent that enhances House Hightower’s ambitions. Similar to Norton, House of the Dragon has continually introduced talent such as Paddy Considine (Viserys Targaryen) and Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), who have brought nuance to their respective roles.
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With season 3 expected to look further into the battles and betrayals that define the Targaryen Civil War, Norton’s character could become a key player in the Targaryens’ fight for control of the Iron Throne. However, specifics of Norton’s role remain under wraps and could be for a while as season 3 aims for a 2026 release. As the show continues to adapt Martin’s extensive lore, new characters like Ormund will play crucial roles in shaping House of the Dragon’s political narrative.
Our Take on James Norton’s Casting In House of the Dragon
Ormund Hightower Will Undoubtedly Play A Significant Role
Norton’s casting as Ormund Hightower is an exciting development for House of the Dragon. With his established talent in morally gray characters, he seems well-suited for a role in the politically charged world of Westeros. His past performances suggest he will bring intensity to the table, which is critical in a show where every decision has far-reaching consequences. This casting decision fits well within House of the Dragon’s pattern of enlisting practiced actors to portray characters involved in the intricate web of Westeros.
Source: Variety
House of the Dragon
8/10
- Release Date
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August 21, 2022
- Network
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HBO Max
- Directors
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Miguel Sapochnik, Clare Kilner, Alan Taylor, Greg Yaitanes, Geeta Vasant Patel, Andrij Parekh
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Emma D’Arcy
Alicent Hightower
