House of the Dragon Season 3 Premiere Sparks Controversy and Battle Highlights

The third season of HBO’s House of the Dragon debuted on 21 June 2026, opening with the massive naval conflict known as the Battle of the Gullet. The episode featured several key deaths, most notably Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon and his dragon Vermax, as well as the apparent loss of the dragon Sunfyre.

A shock scene showed Aemond Targaryen kissing his mother Alicent, prompting a wave of fan criticism and remarks from the actors Ewan Mitchell and Olivia Cooke about the disturbing nature of the moment. The episode also highlighted Rhaena’s loss of control over her dragon Sheepstealer, which attacked allies and contributed to the battle’s chaos.

Critical response was largely positive, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 95 % critic approval rating. Actors discussed the episode’s dramatic moments in press interviews, including Steve Toussaint on the fate of Corlys Velaryon and Harry Collett on Jace’s death. A new on‑screen detail revealed Daeron Targaryen with dark hair, sparking speculation about his role in the storyline.

Overall, the premiere combined high‑stakes combat, controversial character dynamics, and strong production values, setting the tone for the remainder of the eight‑episode season.