James Norton Will Be Exciting As Ormund Hightower in House of the Dragon Season 3

I’m even more excited for House of the Dragon season 3 after this recent release. House of the Dragon season 3 is well underway, with filming wrapping soon and HBO planning for the show to be released in June 2026. That means the coming months will see excitement beginning to build for all-out war in Westeros.

Much of House of the Dragon’s cast will remain the same, with the notable subtraction of Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen. However, the series is adding numerous new cast members in supporting roles, playing the lords of noble houses, military commanders, and even new Targaryens and Hightower family members.

James Norton Will Play Ormund Hightower In House Of The Dragon Season 3

Among the most exciting new cast members for House of the Dragon season 3 is James Norton, an English actor known for his work in Grantchester, King & Conqueror, and numerous other British period drama shows. He’s an outstanding performer, and he’ll be bringing his talents to Westeros as Ormund Hightower.

Ormund Hightower is the nephew of Ser Otto Hightower and cousin of Alicent Hightower, who rules as the Lord of the Hightower and head of his family in the Dance of the Dragons. He’s been absent throughout the series so far, but we saw his forces mobilizing in House of the Dragon season 2’s ending montage.

HOTD Star James Norton Plays A Key Character In Netflix’s House Of Guinness

While I wasn’t extensively familiar with James Norton’s acting before, I found him to be absolutely thrilling in Netflix’s latest historical drama, House of Guinness. In a show packed with fascinating historical figures, Norton played Sean Rafferty, an entirely made-up character who stole the show in multiple episodes.

James Norton has charisma and stage presence that few other actors possess, and I’m absolutely thrilled to see him in House of the Dragon now. He’s playing a character whom I was never particularly interested in, and now I’ll be eagerly anticipating his scenes when the new season begins.

Ormund Hightower Could Be A Surprise Fan Favorite Due To The Casting

James Norton standing over chained men from House of Guinness

House of the Dragon has proven that a great actor can make a rather simple character from the books exciting. Paddy Considine is obviously the most notable example, with his version of Viserys Targaryen in the show’s first season even leading George R.R. Martin to admit that HBO’s version was better than his own.

The HBO prequel show has also bolstered characters like Ser Gwayne Hightower, Jacaerys Velaryon, and Tyland Lannister, all through the skill of the actors and the additional attention the TV show provides them. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ormund Hightower became a fan favorite with minimal screen time in House of the Dragon season 3.