House Of The Dragon gives fans a first look at the new Game Of Thrones prequel starring Matt Smith

Gods, kings, fire and blood.

That’s what viewers have been told to expect as the first look at the new Game Of Thrones prequel dropped online.

House Of The Dragon will launch on HBO Max next year, and is set 200 years before the fall of the Iron Throne when the Targaryens reigned.

The teaser footage was unveiled by the broadcasting giant and gave a glimpse of Doctor Who and The Crown star Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, younger brother to King Viserys and heir to the throne.

His voiceover says: “Dreams didn’t make us kings. Dragons did.”

We also get to see Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, the daughter of Otto Hightower – the hand of the king.

Viewers also get a glimpse of the action the franchise is known for, with a jousting tournament and a sword fight – which is likely the tip of the iceberg.

Elsewhere, Emma D’Arcy is seen as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the king’s first-born child who is of pure Valyrian blood and a dragon rider, and Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, or the Sea Snake – a seafaring explorer who built his house into a powerful and wealthy seat.

Not in the footage but still part of the show are Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto Hightower, and Paddy Considine who plays the king himself, Viserys.

Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, represented the dynasty in Game Of Thrones starring in all eight series, hell-bent on reclaiming the Iron Throne for herself.

The new show is based on the Fire And Blood books by George RR Martin, who will serve as executive producer and co-creator on the show.