House of the Dragon Expands Black Aly's Role

Annie Shapero has been cast as Alysanne 'Black Aly' Blackwood in House of the Dragon Season 3, with the show dramatically expanding her role compared to George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood. Black Aly, a formidable warrior and future wife of Cregan Stark, will appear in five of the eight episodes, signaling her earlier and more prominent involvement in the Dance of the Dragons civil war. Her storyline is expected to involve fierce loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, major battle participation, and political intrigue, deepening House Stark's presence in the show. The adaptation is departing from the book by omitting her avenging her brother at the Battle of the Burning Mill, hinting at further narrative changes. Production is underway in the UK, with Season 3 set for release next year. Shapero's casting has generated excitement as the series introduces new characters amid escalating conflict.