As the highly anticipated premiere of the upcoming season of HBO’s House of the Dragon draws near, a surprising development has emerged amidst the ‘Raise Your Banners’ campaign. In a move that has caught fans off guard, New York City has revealed its allegiance to King Aegon II Targaryen.
The campaign, developed by HBO’s Digital Innovation group, invites fans to choose their side, Green or Black. And New York City, the backdrop of the series’ recent premiere, has shown its preference for Tom Glynn-Carney’s King Aegon II, amid the impending war for the Iron Throne in Season 2.
Fans Feel Betrayed by New York City’s Support for King Aegon II
Leading up to the premiere of House of the Dragon Season 2, HBO has launched a fresh campaign, inviting fans to declare their loyalty to either Rhaenyra’s Black or Alicent’s Green faction through AI-generated digital posters. It will be available from June 10 until the Season 2 finale.
And New York City has become the first noticeable contender by raising the green Westeros banner in support of King Aegon II Targaryen. A new X (Twitter) clip shows the banners adorning the Brooklyn Bridge, drawing attention and excitement from onlookers.
Many fans, however, have taken the depiction as a betrayal, as they shared their preference for Team Black while supporting Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra Targaryen. “New York has broken their oath,” one fan said, echoing the sentiments of many others who believe the city has chosen the wrong side.
However, many also seemed skeptical of the clip, as they speculated that it could be AI-generated, stating that it is unlikely as they have never seen the bridge used for advertising anything. However, Rhaenyra Targaryen supporters have still been candid about feeling betrayed by the decision.
George R.R. Martin Asserted House of the Dragon Season 2 Will Elicit Tears from Viewers
George R.R. Martin, the acclaimed author behind the influential books that inspired both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, had early access to the first two episodes of Season 2. And he has shared that the upcoming season would be a gut-wrenching journey for fans.
The author shared the insight into the upcoming season on his Not a Blog, saying,
The highlight of the trip [to the House of the Dragon set], though, had to be the sneak preview that Ryan gave me of the first two episodes of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, season two. (Rough cuts, of course)… I am hardly objective when talking about anything based on my own work… but I have to say, I thought both episodes were just great.
Martin highlighted the darkness of the upcoming season, suggesting they might evoke tears from viewers due to their powerful, emotional, and gut-wrenching nature. “Dark, mind you. Very dark. They may make you cry,” he said before noting, “I did not cry myself, but one of my friends did.”
Set nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon is based on Martin’s Fire & Blood book. The HBO series revolves around the riveting civil war between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), famously known as the Dance of the Dragons.
House of the Dragon is available to stream on Max and Season 2 is set to premiere on June 16, 2024.
