Driven by her faith in Alicent, Rhaenyra positions herself to take King’s Landing while the Triarchy sails to take on Corlys in the Gullet.

The Dance of the Dragons Rages

Season Two ended on a staggering cliffhanger, with war finally ready to ravage the Seven Kingdoms as the Greens and the Blacks vied for ultimate supremacy. Episode One wastes no time picking up from that tantalising finale. War has arrived in Westeros, and only bloodshed will suffice.

Condal and director Loni Peristere lead audiences directly into the flames, but they do so with remarkable restraint. While war looms on every horizon, they refuse to rush the story forward. Instead, they patiently position every piece on the board, building tension with deliberate precision. The result is an episode brimming with suspense, anguish, shock and anticipation, all of which combine to create what may be the most memorable season opener the series has delivered thus far.

A Kingdom Splintering From Within

Balancing multiple narrative threads and shifting points of view, ‘Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood’ thrives on dramatic tension. Audiences will find themselves watching with bated breath as every faction edges closer to catastrophe.

The episode opens with Phoebe Campbell’s Lady Rhaena Targaryen finally claiming a dragon of her own in the fearsome Sheepstealer, and from there the tension only escalates. King Aegon II Targaryen’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) escape from King’s Landing alongside the slippery and manipulative Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) has left the Greens facing a dangerous power vacuum. One that the cunning and brutal Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) is all too eager to fill.

His sudden claim over the Iron Throne completely derails Queen Alicent Hightower’s (Olivia Cooke) hopes of negotiating peace with Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), and the fragile prospect of reconciliation quickly burns away.

Away from the chaos of King’s Landing, Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) wages war at the Red Fork, putting the Lannister host to the sword, while Ser Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) and Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) continue their relentless campaign through the Riverlands.

A growing sense of unease permeates every frame of ‘Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood’. As blood is spilled and battle lines harden, both the Greens and the Blacks begin to fracture under the weight of their ambitions. This instability keeps audiences constantly off-balance. Just when you think you understand where the story is heading, Condal and Peristere pull the rug out from underneath you.

New Players Enter The Game

‘Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood’ also serves as an impressive introduction to several key new players who immediately leave their mark on the conflict.

Chief among them is Lord Ormund Hightower, ruler of Oldtown and one of the most powerful men in Westeros. Portrayed with commanding presence by James Norton, Ormund arrives ready to unleash the full might of House Hightower against the Blacks. Wealthy, intelligent and dangerously ambitious, Norton plays him as a volatile strategist whose charisma is matched only by his callous ruthlessness and opulent narcissim.

Equally memorable is Tommy Flanagan’s introduction as Roderick Dustin, better known as Roddy the Ruin. The Lord of Barrowton and commander of the Winter Wolves arrives as a ferocious northern warrior determined to spend his remaining days fighting and dying in service to Queen Rhaenyra. Flanagan brings immense presence to the role, immediately establishing Roddy as a fan favourite.

Family, Fury And Uncomfortable Truths

Among the many escalating tensions of ‘Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood’, some of the most compelling arise from the fractured family dynamics at the heart of the story.

Ewan Mitchell’s vindictive and power-hungry Aemond Targaryen now sits firmly in control of King’s Landing, and his increasingly volatile behaviour leads to a heated confrontation with Alicent. What follows delivers one of the episode’s most shocking moments between the two of them, revealing a deeply unsettling side of Aemond that will leave audiences recoiling.

Counterbalancing this is Prince Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett), whose own rebellious streak places him at odds with Queen Rhaenyra. Their confrontation sparks a major revelation and sets in motion consequences that will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the season.

The Battle Of The Gullet Arrives In Spectacular Fashion

Everything in ‘Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood’ ultimately builds towards the long-awaited Battle of the Gullet, one of the most famous conflicts in Westerosi history.

The battle sees Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), the legendary Sea Snake, locked in a brutal naval conflict with the ruthless Admiral Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). The result is a staggering piece of television spectacle that ranks among the most ambitious action sequences ever attempted within the Game of Thrones franchise.

Spanning nearly thirty minutes, the battle is a breathtaking display of chaos and carnage. Blood mixes with seawater, ships splinter apart, and bodies crash across burning decks as Corlys and Lohar wage war with relentless fury. Toussaint and Thorn are exceptional throughout, delivering commanding performances amid the destruction.

Add dragonfire, shocking twists and devastating losses into the mix, and the Battle of the Gullet becomes an unforgettable centrepiece that will leave audiences utterly exhilarated.

Verdict: Fire and Blood Reigns

‘Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood’ is a thunderous opening salvo for Season Three of House of the Dragon. Running just over 72 minutes, it feels less like a television episode and more like a major event. By the time the smoke clears and the fires begin to fade, the true cost of this war is finally revealed.

And in the battle for fire and blood, no one is spared.

House of the Dragon is now streaming on HBO MAX.

Image: HBO MAX.

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With the Blacks and Greens now locked in a brutal struggle for power, the battle for the Iron Throne is set to consume the Seven Kingdoms in a devastating conflict that promises fire, blood, and unimaginable consequences. Season Three is shaping up to be the most ambitious chapter yet, plunging audiences deeper into the political intrigue, shifting alliances, and all-out warfare that define George R.R. Martin’s richly imagined world.

The arrival of the new season also coincides with the launch of HBO Max in New Zealand, a milestone made even more exciting by the arrival of House of the Dragon star Steve Toussaint. Best known for his commanding performance as Lord Corlys Velaryon, the legendary Sea Snake and Lord of the Tides, Toussaint journeyed to Auckland to help celebrate the launch, bringing a touch of Westeros to Kiwi shores.

We were fortunate enough to sit down with Steve to discuss everything that awaits fans in Season Three, and the result was a fascinating conversation packed with insight, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for the craft of storytelling.

Check out our full interview below:

During our discussion, Steve reflected on the immense scale of the upcoming season, including the much-anticipated Battle of the Gullet, one of the most significant events in the lore of Westeros. From the physical preparation required to bring such a monumental conflict to life, to the extraordinary level of detail that goes into the series’ world-building, Steve offered a compelling look behind the curtain of one of television’s most ambitious productions.
The conversation also explored the enduring appeal of fantasy storytelling, the responsibility of portraying a character as beloved and formidable as Corlys Velaryon, and the values embodied by House Velaryon and its proud words: “The Old, the True, the Brave.”

Throughout it all, Steve proved himself every bit as engaging off-screen as he is on it, offering thoughtful reflections on the series, the character, and the creative process that has helped make House of the Dragon a global phenomenon.

The launch of HBO Max in New Zealand marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for local audiences, bringing with it an extraordinary catalogue of premium entertainment led by the return of one of television’s most talked-about series.

House of the Dragon Season Three premieres on HBO Max on Monday, 22 June, promising breathtaking spectacle, ruthless political manoeuvring, devastating conflict, and enough fire and blood to satisfy even the most devoted fans of Westeros.

Winter has already come to Aotearoa New Zealand, but the Dance of the Dragons is about to ignite in spectacular fashion.

Learn more about HBO MAX here.

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HBO Max has officially launched in New Zealand, opening the doors to one of the most celebrated libraries of film and television ever assembled. From the blood-soaked battlefields of Westeros to the halls of Hogwarts, and from award-winning prestige dramas to blockbuster cinematic spectacles, Kiwi audiences now have a new streaming destination to call home.

The launch comes at a particularly exciting time for fans, with HBO Max becoming the exclusive New Zealand home of some of the world’s most talked-about entertainment. Leading the charge is the highly anticipated third season of House of the Dragon, which premieres on Monday, June 22, day-and-date with its United States debut.

To mark the occasion, Steve Toussaint, the actor behind the legendary Lord Corlys Velaryon, arrived in Auckland to help celebrate the launch, bringing a touch of Westeros to New Zealand ahead of the series’ return.

A Library Built on Prestige

For years, HBO has been synonymous with groundbreaking television, and HBO Max brings together decades of acclaimed storytelling under one roof.

Subscribers can dive into iconic HBO Originals including The Last of Us, Succession, The White Lotus, Euphoria, The Sopranos, The Wire, and True Detective, alongside acclaimed Max Originals such as The Pitt and And Just Like That….

Fantasy fans are particularly well served, with Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms all available within the expanding HBO universe.

Blockbuster Entertainment at Scale

Beyond television, HBO Max arrives with an impressive catalogue of Warner Bros. films and beloved franchises.
Subscribers can explore everything from Oscar-winning cinema to major blockbuster releases, while fan-favourite franchises including Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and DC’s expanding universe of heroes and villains provide countless hours of entertainment.

Classic comfort viewing is also firmly on the menu, with favourites such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Rick and Morty joining the service from day one.

A Massive 2026 Ahead

If the launch library wasn’t enough, HBO Max has already unveiled an ambitious slate for the remainder of 2026.

Upcoming releases include the DC Studios series Lanterns, the comedy spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Sharon Horgan’s Youth, and the fourth season of The Gilded Age.

But perhaps the most anticipated project of all is HBO’s new television adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which is set to debut this Christmas and promises to usher in a bold new chapter for the Wizarding World.

Streaming for Kiwi Audiences

Warner Bros. Discovery says New Zealand audiences have long embraced HBO and Warner Bros. content, making the launch a natural next step for the company.

Available across smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, HBO Max launches with both Standard and Premium subscription tiers, giving viewers access to ad-free entertainment, offline downloads, and high-quality streaming options.

• Standard Plan:  Launch price offer of $10.99 per month for the first six months, or $109.99 for the first year.
• Premium Plan: Launch price offer of $15.99 per month for the first six months, or $159.99 for the first year.

With dragons taking flight once again, Hogwarts preparing to reopen its gates, and a deep catalogue of acclaimed entertainment ready to explore, HBO Max has arrived in New Zealand with a clear message: the next great binge-watch starts now.

Image: HBO MAX

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Warner Bros. Discovery has officially unveiled the plans, pricing, and launch details for HBO Max ahead of its highly anticipated New Zealand debut on June 16, giving Kiwi audiences their first look at what promises to be one of the most significant streaming launches in recent years.

For New Zealand viewers, HBO Max’s arrival marks a major shift in the entertainment landscape. The platform will become the exclusive home for HBO Originals and Max Originals, bringing some of the most acclaimed and talked-about television programming in the world under one roof.

That means subscribers will have direct access to powerhouse series including The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Euphoria, The Pitt, and the upcoming third season of House of the Dragon, which premieres just days after launch on June 22.

And that’s only the beginning.

The service is also preparing for two of the most anticipated television events of the coming year. DC Studios’ Lanterns will debut in August, while the long-awaited new Harry Potter television adaptation will arrive this Christmas with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, kicking off HBO’s ambitious reimagining of J.K. Rowling’s beloved fantasy saga.

Beyond its television offerings, HBO Max will arrive packed with blockbuster cinema. Subscribers can expect acclaimed new releases such as One Battle After Another and Sinners, alongside extensive collections built around iconic franchises including Harry Potter and the DC Universe.

For viewers looking for comfort viewing, fan-favourite classics such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Rick and Morty will also be available at launch.

Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that HBO Max will launch with two ad-free subscription tiers.

The Standard Plan will be available as a special introductory offer for $10.99 per month for the first six months, or $109.99 for the first year. Following the promotional period, pricing will move to $15.99 per month or $159.99 annually. Subscribers can stream on two devices simultaneously, enjoy Full HD viewing, and download up to 30 titles for offline playback.

For those seeking a premium experience, the Premium Plan launches at $15.99 per month for the first six months or $159.99 for the first year. Once the promotional period ends, pricing increases to $20.99 per month or $209.99 annually. Premium subscribers can stream on up to four devices at once, access select content in 4K UHD with Dolby Atmos sound, and download up to 100 titles for offline viewing.

Both plans offer completely ad-free viewing.

The platform will support streaming across smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, while also offering robust accessibility options and comprehensive parental controls for families.

With prestige television, blockbuster movies, beloved sitcoms, fantasy epics, and DC superheroes all arriving under one banner, HBO Max is positioning itself as a serious contender in New Zealand’s increasingly competitive streaming market.

The countdown is now on. HBO Max launches across New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Tokelau on June 16.

Image: HBO Max

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The Green Lantern Oath conjures images of the Universe’s most powerful warrior corps, a group of interplanetary peace keepers made up of species from across the entire spectrum of the universe ready to face down evil, and now HBO Max’s Lanterns is tready to shake things up in an intense tale of psychological complexity as two heroes must conqueror their greatest fears.

Check out the all-new teaser trailer for Lanterns below:

Here’s the official synopsis:

Lanterns follows new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Lantern legend Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.

Stepping into the fight against evil are Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan, a legendary Green Lantern, and fresh faced recruit John Stewart who are thrust into a brooding psychological mystery thriller that finds a sinister extraterrestrial presence on Earth, and this is definitely not the series fans had anticipated when they saw that Lanterns was arriving on HBO Max.

With it’s boots on the ground rawness, Lanterns smashes together superhero intensity, with a brooding psychological character study, and right from the heart both Jordan and Stewart make for a volatile presence, but they’ll need each others’ support if there to stop whats coming.

Joining Chandler and Pierre in the series are Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, Nathan Fillion, J. Alphonse Nicholson and Jasmine Cephas Jones, while the first two episodes are directed by James Hawes, with Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel and Alik Sakharov also tapped to direct.

Both Chandler and Pierre look great together on-screen and there’s an almost Butch and Sundance swagger that the pair deliver to the screen. Mixed in further is this exploration of both of their character’s’ military backgrounds, Jordan, a former Air Force test pilot, and Stewart, a former Force Recon Marine, and you can sense that this series will look to explore the presence and plight of veterans in today’s America.

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With its gripping character driven narrative story, Lanterns is set to be an intriguing watch when it arrives on HBO Max on August 17.

Image: HBO Max

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So marks the dawn of a brand new chapter of the Dance of Dragons in Season Three of House of the Dragon, and an all-new fiery trailer has arrived in anticipation of this next chapter of the narrative debuting on June 22, and all Westeros is about to burn.

Watch the brand new trailer for Season Three of House of the Dragon below:

Set to arrive on the newly launched HBO MAX, which hits screens on Monday 16 June, Season Three of House of the Dragon will follow in quick succession with it’s premiere Episode debuting on Monday 22 June, and will deliver an eight episode third season, with new episodes airing weekly, before Season Three is tapped off by a tumultuous and explosive season finale on August 10.

Following the massive cliffhanger of ‘The Queen Who Ever Was’, where the armies of the both the Greens and the Blacks were amassing for a devastating fight, Season Three of House of the Dragon takes us into the calamitous fight between these two great hosts, as both Westeros burns, and the ambitions, egos, deceptions and destinies of these characters clash with one another as each vies for power in the Game of Thrones.

This new trailer offers up an intriguing new taste of what is to come, showcasing both dramatic scheming and brutal combat and offering us a look at characters such as the ‘Rogue Prince’ Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), and Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), alongside new character including the authoritative and commanding Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton).

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Impressive in both scope, scale and sheer intensity, Season Three of House of The Dragon is shaping up to be an utterly impressive watch that will take audiences by storm when it arrives on the newly launched HBO Max on June 22, and this season, the fires will rage!

Image: HBO MAX

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