James Norton spotted filming scenes for huge TV series for very first time

James Norton has been spotted on the set of his latest acting venture for the first time, as he prepares to make his debut in the popular series House of the Dragon.

Known for his roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester, James was seen shooting scenes for the third season of the Game of Thrones spin-off alongside Matt Smith, who portrays Daemon Targaryen.

James will be stepping into the shoes of Ormund Hightower, the leader of the influential House Hightower, and was captured surrendering his sword to Daemon in the photos. It remains uncertain whether Ormund is capitulating or forming an alliance with Daemon in these scenes.

In this rare peek into the filming process, the actors were seen performing in the Surrey countryside. James was photographed in full costume, adorned in his house's colours of green and silver.

The release date for the third season of House of the Dragon is yet to be announced. Following the premiere of the second series last year, it was confirmed that the show had been renewed, reports the Mirror.

Production began in March and it's currently anticipated that the third series will arrive sometime in 2026 on HBO. The season will comprise eight episodes, with the narrative of the Targaryen civil war progressing.

The conclusion of the second season left fans of the show dissatisfied, with many lodging complaints about how it ended.

House of the Dragon had been building up to epic battle sequences between rival Targaryen factions as Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) attempted to compel his sister Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) into combat as a dragonrider. Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) readied himself for warfare with the northern army advancing south to back Rhaenyra's claim.

Viewers flocked to social media to voice their disappointment with the conclusion, feeling it fell short of their hopes. One frustrated fan declared: "Rhaena's been tracking this damn dragon all season and I don't get to see her claim it? ! Ryan Condal when I catch you!".

"I'm tired of things being put into motion. BE IN MOTION," another viewer raged on X.

House of the Dragon was developed by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal, serving as a prequel to the acclaimed series Game of Thrones, which concluded in 2019. It represents the second instalment in George's A Song of Ice and Fire franchise.

House of the Dragon draws from portions of George's 2018 novel Fire and Blood, commencing roughly 100 years following the Seven Kingdoms' unification through the Targaryen conquest. This occurs nearly 200 years prior to the events of Game of Thrones.

The programme centres on the circumstances preceding House Targaryen's downfall, a conflict recognised as the Dance of the Dragons.

House of the Dragon is available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV