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House of the Dragon’s Olivia Cooke teases "flipped power dynamic" in season 3
"It's an interesting alchemy."
HBO
- Louise Griffin
Published: Thursday, 18 June 2026 at 8:00 am
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As House of the Dragon returns for a scorching season 3, star Olivia Cooke has teased that the power dynamics of the two sides of House Targaryen are about to be flipped on their head.
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While the end of season 2 left the two factions on the brink of battle, this new instalment tips them into all-out civil war as the Dance of Dragons finally heats up.
Teasing what's to come for Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra and her own character, Alicent Hightower, star Cooke teased that their dynamic "feels more fractured this season".
She adds: "It feels really strained there. The power dynamic has completely flipped, and we do see a lot more of them together, but it's a new world for both of them. It's an interesting alchemy."
The pair have faced tragedy, betrayal, loss and destruction while fighting for opposite causes. But Cooke points out that neither have forgotten their childhood friendship.
"When they're together, it's like a flashback to their childhood," she added. "They're sort of frozen in amber, but also so much has happened, there's so much pain there, and betrayal."
She went on to say that any love still remaining between the pair is "buried very deep."
Alicent faces an impossible task in season 3, desperately seeking peace in a bid to stop more bloodshed. Her situation is certainly volatile, too, with her son Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) having fled King's Landing, while the other, the monstrous Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), has grown ever more power-hungry.
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon season 3. HBO
Meanwhile, after everything she's been through, Rhaenyra still has her sights squarely set on the Iron Throne - and now, she has warrior Daemon (Matt Smith) back at her side.
But, first, it's time for the Battle of the Gullet, the conflict involving Corlys Velaryon’s fleet and the Triarchy, which is expected to open season 3 by raining fire across the sky and sea.
House of the Dragon season 3 will arrive on HBO Max on 22 June in the UK. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
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Authors
Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
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