Introduction of Daeron Targaryen in "House of the Dragon" Season 3
House of the Dragon season 3 is set to introduce Daeron Targaryen, the youngest son of King Viserys Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Fans are speculating that he may have already made a subtle appearance in the season 3 premiere.
Speculated Appearance in Season 3 Episode 1
In the premiere episode of House of the Dragon season 3, viewers meet Lord Ormund Hightower (played by James Norton). During a brief scene in which Ormund receives a dispatch from King’s Landing, a young man with auburn hair is seen standing over his left shoulder. Although the character does not speak or get addressed by name, fans believe this individual is Daeron Targaryen. Check out the clip below:
First look at Daeron Targaryen with Ormund Hightower in 'House of the Dragon' Season 3
pic.twitter.com/8Ovk20LWKm - June 22, 2026
Evidence Supporting the Theory
While HBO has yet to officially confirm this casting, several points strongly support the theory that this character is indeed Daeron:
- Lord Ormund Hightower: Daeron was sent to live with Lord Ormund as his ward, as per the storyline.
- Tessarion’s Presence: Daeron’s small blue dragon, Tessarion, is shown among Ormund’s army in the episode, suggesting Daeron’s proximity.
- Actor Casting: The young squire is played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, who is set to appear as Link in the upcoming 2027 film The Legend of Zelda. Given his rising career trajectory, it’s improbable he would have a minor, unnamed role.
Counterpoints and Speculation
Despite the compelling evidence, it is worth noting that the unnamed squire does not exhibit the traditional Targaryen silver hair, which Daeron canonically possesses. However, this discrepancy can be explained if Daeron is wearing a wig or has dyed his hair to conceal his identity as a Targaryen dragon rider.
Season 3 Highlights
Season 3 of House of the Dragon launched with an intense start, featuring the Battle of the Gullet. This pivotal event resulted in a significant casualty in the civil war between Team Green and Team Black. Interestingly, the actor involved in this sequence reportedly had one specific request before his character’s demise.
The premiere also unveiled a surprise location, which holds significant implications for the broader Game of Thrones lore.
Where to Watch and Additional Resources
New episodes of House of the Dragon season 3 are streaming weekly on HBO Max in the US and on HBO Max and NOW in the UK. To ensure you don’t miss an episode, refer to our House of the Dragon season 3 release schedule. Additionally, read our review of the first four episodes for an in-depth analysis of the new season.
