The highly anticipated second season of HBO Max’s “House of the Dragon” is currently being filmed in the U.K as the producers, writers, directors and actors look to continue the story of familial civil war. The show is an adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novel “Fire and Blood” and will unfold the escalating storyline established in season one.

Although season one had ten episodes, a spokesperson from HBO said season two will have eight episodes due to an artistic choice. Writers and producers will write season two while mapping out season three. This executive decision has sparked controversy among fans, as many felt they could not connect with the characters adequately because of season one’s short length.

Martin originally advocated for more episodes so the lore can be fully developed on screen and the errors of “Game of Thrones” do not carry over. It is reported that he is heavily involved in the series’ development, particularly with writing and brainstorming.

HBO has ongoingly announced new additions to the cast, such as highly anticipated characters Alys Rivers and Cregan Stark.

HBO said that Simon Russell Beale, Freddie Fox, Gayle Rankin and Abubakar Salim will be joining the returning cast members for season two. Beale will play Ser Simon Strong, the great uncle of Larys Strong and Castellan of Harrenhal. Fox will play Gwayne Hightower, the brother of Alicent and son of Otto. Rankin will play Alys Rivers, the illegitimate daughter of Lyonel Strong who is also called the witch of Harrenhal. Finally, Slaim will play Alyn of Hull, a rumored illegitimate son of Laenor Velaryon.

As fans wait for the casting of Cregan Stark, Jeyne Arryn and Daeron Targaryen to be announced, theories are circulating around the elimination of Addam Velaryon, the older brother of Alyn of Hull.

Velaryon is an important character in the “Fire and Blood” novel, which means that the character will likely appear. Much like his younger brother, it is rumored that he is an illegitimate son of Laenor Velaryon.

The show’s writers and producers will have the creative liberty to fill in plot holes and make changes as they see fit.

Ryan Condal, the executive producer, mentioned that the new season will contain five new dragons, stirring up excitement and anxiety. The introduction of new dragons to the tale means only one thing: war.

Although the Writer’s Guild of America is on strike as of May 2, the series’ production will continue.

WGA and The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain told WGA members to stop working on projects under the U.S union. In an interview with Variety, a production source said these actions won’t impact the production. HBO can continue filming “House of the Dragon” in the U.K because of completed scripts.

However, it’s unclear how HBO will approach scripts that may require rewrites.

It is predicted that “House of the Dragon” season two will grace the screens of HBO in summer 2024. Prepare to return to the land of blood, family and thrones, otherwise known as Westeros.