James Norton spotted filming huge new role for very first time

James Norton has been pictured on the set of his latest acting project for the very first time, as he gets set to make his debut in hit series House of the Dragon.

James, famed for starring in the likes of Happy Valley and Grantchester, was spotted filming scenes for the third season of the Game of Thrones spin-off alongside Matt Smith, who plays Daemon Targaryen.

James will be portraying Ormund Hightower, the head of the powerful House Hightower, and could be seen surrending his sword to Daemon in the snaps. It is unclear if Ormund is surrending or allying himself with Daemon in the scenes.

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In the rare glimpse into filming, the stars could be seen acting in the Surrey countryside. James was snapped in full costume, which feature his house's colours of greens and silvers.

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

Filming commenced in March and it's currently predicted that the third series will land at some point in 2026. The season will consist of eight episodes, with the story of the Targaryen civil war continuing.

Fans of the show were left disappointed with the end of the second season, with many even issuing complaints over how it concluded.

House of the Dragon had been teasing big battle scenes between two Targaryen factions as Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) tried to force his sister Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) to fight as a dragonrider. Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) prepared for battle with the stark army marching south to support Rhaenyra's claim.

At the time, fans took to social media to complain about the ending, as it did not live up to expectations. One person said: "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 person fumed on X.

House of the Dragon was created by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal, and is a prequel to hit series Game of Thrones, which finished in 2019. It is the second series in George's A Song of Ice and Fire franchise.

House of the Dragon is based on parts of George's 2018 book Fire & Blood, and begins around 100 years after the Seven Kingdoms are united by the Targaryen conquest. This is nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones.

The show focuses on the events leading up to the decline of House Targaryen, a war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

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