In the upcoming third season of HBO's 'House of the Dragon,' actor Emma D'Arcy finally gets to wield a sword as their character, Rhaenyra Targaryen. D'Arcy, who plays the displaced would-be queen in the fantasy epic, had previously expressed a desire for Rhaenyra to engage in more physical combat, according to interviews from 2024.
Season 3, which began production in early 2026, is expected to depict Rhaenyra taking a more active role in the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The show, based on George R.R. Martin's 'Fire & Blood,' has been renewed for a third season, with a release date yet to be announced as of June 2026.
D'Arcy's character has been primarily involved in political maneuvering and dragon-riding, but the actor hinted in a 2024 interview with 'The Hollywood Reporter' that they wanted to see Rhaenyra 'pick up a sword.' This wish appears to be fulfilled in the new season, as confirmed by set photos and production notes.
