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House of the Dragon could bring back young Rhaenyra and Alicent for season 2

13 September 2022, 15:49

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By Katie Louise Smith

Milly Alcock and Emily Carey will be replaced by Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke after House of the Dragon episode 5.

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House of the Dragon's Emily Carey has teased whether or not the younger versions of Rhaenyra and Alicent will return in the now-confirmed second season of the series.

The first four episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series span Princess Rhaenyra's teenage years. Over the course of those 4 episodes, around 5 years pass by, with Rhaenyra now around 18 years old.

After episode 5, fans will see the timeline jump forward a whopping 10 years, and the roles of Rhaenyra and Alicent will be recast. Milly Alcock and Emily Carey will be replaced by Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who will portray the Princess and the Queen in their grown up era.

However, due to the overwhelming popularity and critical acclaim that both Milly and Emily have received thanks to their portrayals of the younger versions of the women, there has reportedly been conversations to bring them back in season 2.

House of the Dragon could bring back young Rhaenyra and Alicent for season 2. Picture: HBO

Will Milly Alcock and Emily Carey be in House of the Dragon season 2?

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Emily Carey told the publication that her and Milly's return in season 2 has been discussed, but at the moment, it's just too early to confirm whether they'll be back.

"It’s been spoken about, conversations have happened, but, in all honesty, I know absolutely nothing and I have no idea,” Emily said. "Of course, I would love to come back. It depends on how it’s received and where they want to take the show next. I’m just going with the flow!"

Touching on how important it was to allow viewers to see the younger portrayal of the two women in the show, Emily also said: "I think it was really important for Miguel and Ryan to show the origin story of how these women came to be the women that [fans of author George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood] know."

"You need to see a significant amount of how Milly and I interact to actually find that journey. You see also see their relationships with the people around them and the world, and it all contributes to this journey of seeing how they become the women that people love — or hate — depending on your personal opinion."

Will Milly Alcock and Emily Carey be in House of the Dragon season 2? Picture: HBO

While the show is set to jump ahead in the timeline and dive headfirst into the drama and chaos of the Targaryen war of succession, it seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to bring Milly and Emily back in theory.

There's plenty of space for flashbacks within the 10 years that the show is about to skip. But of course, that all depends on whether or not the writers decide it's something they want to add.

If not, it might be the last we've seen of Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as young Rhaenyra and Alicent. Crying already, tbh.