Stars Set To Join Prequel Series

Game of Thrones Prequel 'House of the Dragon' Casts Matt Smith and Rhys Ifans

Stars Set to Join Prequel Series

Fabien Frankel and Graham McTavish Also Join Cast

HBO's highly anticipated prequel to "Game of Thrones," "House of the Dragon," has added several high-profile actors to its cast, including Matt Smith ("Doctor Who"), Rhys Ifans ("The King's Man"), Fabien Frankel ("The Serpent"), and Graham McTavish ("The Hobbit").

Smith will play Prince Daemon Targaryen, a skilled warrior and dragonrider who is heir to the Iron Throne. Ifans will portray Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King and a loyal servant to the Targaryen family. Frankel will appear as Ser Criston Cole, a skilled swordsman who joins the Kingsguard. McTavish will take on the role of Ser Harrold Westerling, a seasoned knight and trusted advisor to King Viserys I Targaryen.

The casting news comes as production on "House of the Dragon" ramps up ahead of its planned 2022 premiere. The series is based on George R.R. Martin's novel "Fire & Blood" and will chronicle the rise and fall of House Targaryen, the ruling family of Westeros centuries before the events of "Game of Thrones."