House of the Dragon Season 3 Production Nears October Wrap, Release Expected 2026

House of the Dragon season 3 is currently in production and is expected to wrap filming by October 2025, with the highly anticipated naval Battle of the Gullet moved to open the season—a first for the Game of Thrones franchise to start a season with a major battle. However, fans face a lengthy wait as post-production timelines suggest the season may not premiere until mid-2026, resulting in nearly a two-year gap since season 2's release. The season will likely maintain an eight-episode format, continuing the streamlined approach from season 2, which saw some planned episodes cut for budgetary reasons. Additionally, the series' final season, season 4, has not yet been written, potentially pushing the franchise's conclusion to 2028. To bridge the long wait, HBO plans to release another Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, in early 2026, expanding the franchise's presence despite delays. Overall, while production updates bring hope, the extended gaps between seasons and evolving production schedules have tempered fan expectations for a quicker return.