HBO is giving fans an early taste of the upcoming season of House of the Dragon with a special presentation at the ATX TV Festival. The panel will include never-before-seen footage from season 3, along with behind-the-scenes insights into the season’s premiere episode. A major highlight is an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated Battle of the Gullet. Battle of the Gullet is the focal point of this season.
What is ATX TV Festival?
The ATX TV Festival is an annual event held in Austin, Texas, that celebrates the past, present, and future of television. It brings together fans and industry professionals for screenings, panel discussions, cast reunions, Q&As, and exclusive previews over four days. The 2026 edition runs from May 28 to 31.
First Look at season 3 on opening night
House of the Dragon will kick off the festival’s opening night on May 28, 2026. Showrunner Ryan Condal will lead a panel featuring key cast members from Team Black: Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon), Harry Collett (Jacaerys Velaryon), Bethany Antonia (Baela Targaryen), and Abubakar Salim (Alyn of Hull).
Why the Battle of the Gullet excites fans
This massive naval battle is one of the most brutal and large-scale sequences in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. It marks a significant escalation in the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war. Fans have been eagerly waiting to see how the show brings this bloody sea conflict to life on screen.
Season 3 is currently scheduled to premiere in June 2026. The ATX TV Festival appearance serves as the official launch of the marketing campaign. It gives audiences their first real glimpse of the war’s devastating impact following the events of season 2.