House Of The Dragon FIRST LOOK: Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy film on Cornwall beach

House Of The Dragon FIRST LOOK: Matt Smith sports a blonde wig as he joins Emilia Clarke lookalike Emma D’Arcy on the beach for Game of Thrones prequel… confirming Cornwall IS a filming location

  • Matt, 38, transformed into the character of Prince Daemon Targaryen while filming in Cornwall on Tuesday 
  • The actor and co-star Emma D’Arcy, 28, who will play Rhaenyra Targaryen, were seen on Holywell Bay beach 
  • Speculation had been mounting over recent days that the Game of Thrones prequel was filming in the county
  • New series House of the Dragon will take place around 300 years before the GoT series, which ended in 2019

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Matt Smith dressed as Prince Daemon Targaryen on Tuesday when work got underway on the hotly-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel House Of The Dragon, set 3000 years before the events of the hit HBO show. 

The actor, 38, transformed into his character by sporting a long ice-blonde wig while shooting scenes on a windy Holywell Bay Beach in Cornwall, confirming the south-west coast will be a key filming location. 

Emma D’Arcy, 28, who will play Daemon’s wife and niece Rhaenyra Targaryen in the upcoming series, joined the former Dr. Who star, and they bore a striking resemblance to future family member Daenerys, played by Emilia Clarke, in a long crimson gown which split at the front and boasted a brighter scarlet material.

FIRST LOOK: Matt Smith has been seen filming for the hotly-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel for the first time as he joined co-star Emma D'Arcy on the beach in Cornwall

FIRST LOOK: Matt Smith has been seen filming for the hotly-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel for the first time as he joined co-star Emma D'Arcy on the beach in Cornwall

FIRST LOOK: Matt Smith has been seen filming for the hotly-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel for the first time as he joined co-star Emma D’Arcy on the beach in Cornwall 

Matt added to Prince Daemon’s look with a long black jacket and knee-high boots for the shoot and appeared to be deep in conversation with Emma as they stood on the empty beach, their red and black ensembles represented the colours of House Targaryen.

His hair was partially pulled back, with the bottom half of his bright blonde tresses sitting down his neck and falling just on his shoulders.

Emma sported the same platinum blonde hair as her co-star – a key genetic trait in the Targaryen household – with her own tresses being partially styled into an impressive braid and fixed atop her head.

The actress looked remarkably similar to Emilia, who played Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, with the bold hairstyle only adding to the similarity between the two stars. 

At one point during Tuesday’s shoot, Emma was seen headed towards the water following her discussing with Matt’s character of Prince Daemon.

In character: Both the actor, 38, and actress, 28, sported platinum blonde locks as they walked along Holywell Bay beach

In character: Both the actor, 38, and actress, 28, sported platinum blonde locks as they walked along Holywell Bay beach

In character: Both the actor, 38, and actress, 28, sported platinum blonde locks as they walked along Holywell Bay beach

Looking the part: Matt transformed into the character of Prince Daemon Targaryen, donning a long black jacket and knee-high boots

Looking the part: Matt transformed into the character of Prince Daemon Targaryen, donning a long black jacket and knee-high boots

Looking the part: Matt transformed into the character of Prince Daemon Targaryen, donning a long black jacket and knee-high boots

Over recent days, speculation has been rife that the prequel is being filmed in the southern county, after crews were spotted in different locations last week.

On Monday pictures emerged showing a film set had appeared on Holywell Bay beach, suggesting that it could be used in scenes featuring Matt and Emma.

And the medieval castle on St Michael’s Mount on Mount’s Bay in Cornwall where production is also said to be taking place bears a striking resemblance to the castle inhabited by Queen Cersei in the original HBO series, filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The castle has a breathtaking view of the North Sea with much of the filming said to be taking place in the lower reaches of the mount within days. 

Relatives: House of the Dragon will reportedly tell a story set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones about the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors Rhaenyra (pictured, Emma D'Arcy) and Aegon II

Relatives: House of the Dragon will reportedly tell a story set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones about the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors Rhaenyra (pictured, Emma D'Arcy) and Aegon II

Similar: The two stars bare a striking resemblance in shots from the two productions, with both boasting flowing blonde hair and braids

Similar: The two stars bare a striking resemblance in shots from the two productions, with both boasting flowing blonde hair and braids

Relatives: House of the Dragon will reportedly tell a story set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones about  the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen’s (right, Emilia Clark) ancestors Rhaenyra (left, Emma D’Arcy) and Aegon II. The two stars bare a striking resemblance in shots from the two productions, with both boasting flowing blonde hair and braids

Stunning scenery: During the shoot, the two actors were seen talking on the golden sands and walking along the beach before Emma headed towards the water

Stunning scenery: During the shoot, the two actors were seen talking on the golden sands and walking along the beach before Emma headed towards the water

Stunning scenery: During the shoot, the two actors were seen talking on the golden sands and walking along the beach before Emma headed towards the water

It's happening! Dozens of crew members were seen working on the set during Tuesday while Matt and Emma walked through the middle of what looked like pieces of wood

It's happening! Dozens of crew members were seen working on the set during Tuesday while Matt and Emma walked through the middle of what looked like pieces of wood

It’s happening! Dozens of crew members were seen working on the set during Tuesday while Matt and Emma walked through the middle of what looked like pieces of wood

The production crew behind the series were said to have been given full permission from the family who still reside in the higher area of the castle to film there.

Scaffolding can be seen just behind the castle while there is also a large archway and scenic garden nearby where filming will likely take place. 

MailOnline has contacted a representative for WarnerMedia for comment. 

House of the Dragon will take place around 300 years before the Game of Thrones series, which ended in 2019, and will feature a star-studded cast including Olivia Cooke. 

Set to be brutal? The prequel will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II (pictured Emilia as Daenerys)

Set to be brutal? The prequel will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II (pictured Emilia as Daenerys)

The Beggar King: Daenerys' brother Viserys played by Harry Lloyd (pictured)

The Beggar King: Daenerys' brother Viserys played by Harry Lloyd (pictured)

Set to be brutal? The prequel will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II known as the Dance of the Dragons (pictured left, Emilia as Daenerys and right her brother Viserys played by Harry Lloyd)

Confirmed! Speculation the prequel was filming in Cornwall has been growing in recent days, with the medieval castle on St Michael's Mount, where production is said to be happening, baring a resemblance to Queen Cersei's castle in the HBO series

Confirmed! Speculation the prequel was filming in Cornwall has been growing in recent days, with the medieval castle on St Michael's Mount, where production is said to be happening, baring a resemblance to Queen Cersei's castle in the HBO series

Confirmed! Speculation the prequel was filming in Cornwall has been growing in recent days, with the medieval castle on St Michael’s Mount, where production is said to be happening, baring a resemblance to Queen Cersei’s castle in the HBO series

Past: Much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik's city walls, with the city becoming a hotspot for fans of the show

Past: Much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik's city walls, with the city becoming a hotspot for fans of the show

Past: Much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik’s city walls, with the city becoming a hotspot for fans of the show

Location: The Cornish castle has a breathtaking view of the North Sea with much of the filming said to be taking place in the lower reaches of the mount within days

Location: The Cornish castle has a breathtaking view of the North Sea with much of the filming said to be taking place in the lower reaches of the mount within days

Location: The Cornish castle has a breathtaking view of the North Sea with much of the filming said to be taking place in the lower reaches of the mount within days

The show will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II, two dragon-wielding heirs to the Iron Throne, in a civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

The Dance of the Dragons saw Rhaenyra and her half-brother Aegon II fight over their father Viserys I’s throne in a war that lasted three years, and led to untold death and misfortune to the Targaryen line. 

She was declared the heir to her father Viserys I, but upon his passing Aegon II was hastily crowned and she swore revenge against him, and she was shortly crowned queen with their father’s stolen crown, thus leading to a power struggle between the two.

Rhaenyra wed her uncle Daemon following the death of her first husband Ser Laenor Velaryon, prior to the Dance of the Dragons, and he helped support her campaign against her half-brother. 

Prequel: The production crew behind the series were said to have been given full permission from the family who still reside in the higher area of the castle to film there.

Prequel: The production crew behind the series were said to have been given full permission from the family who still reside in the higher area of the castle to film there.

Prequel: The production crew behind the series were said to have been given full permission from the family who still reside in the higher area of the castle to film there.

Great spot: The castle at St Michaels Mount in Marazion Bay appears to be a key spot for the production

Great spot: The castle at St Michaels Mount in Marazion Bay appears to be a key spot for the production

Great spot: The castle at St Michaels Mount in Marazion Bay appears to be a key spot for the production

Set: a number of houses appear to have been refurbished for the purposes of the show

Set: a number of houses appear to have been refurbished for the purposes of the show

Set: a number of houses appear to have been refurbished for the purposes of the show

Intriguing: The wreckage of a ship was seen being built by crew on set

Intriguing: The wreckage of a ship was seen being built by crew on set

Busy schedule: Crew were seen operating cranes to complete the set

Busy schedule: Crew were seen operating cranes to complete the set

Intriguing: The wreckage of a ship was seen being built by crew on set

Getting ready: Crew were seen testing out wooden rowboats that is believed to have been prepared for the shoot

Getting ready: Crew were seen testing out wooden rowboats that is believed to have been prepared for the shoot

Getting ready: Crew were seen testing out wooden rowboats that is believed to have been prepared for the shoot

It had already been confirmed that filming for House of the Dragon would begin in spring 2021, and would be filmed in the UK, at Leavesden Studios, which is owned by Warner Bros.

However with several sightings of film crews working in Cornwall over recent weeks, some fans had started to think that at least some of the production is happening in the county – which has now been confirmed with snaps of Emma and Matt on the beach.

Film crews were first spotted at St Michael’s Mount last week and at Penhale Camp near Newquay, with medieval-style sets being built at the former, and lighting rigs and lorries at the latter.

One clue sparked much excitement from residents, after spotting a symbol of a seahorse on the top of an archway set built on the National Trust-managed Mount. 

Hint: There have been several sightings of film crews working in Cornwall over recent weeks

Hint: There have been several sightings of film crews working in Cornwall over recent weeks

Hint: There have been several sightings of film crews working in Cornwall over recent weeks

One clue sparked much excitement from residents, after spotting a symbol of a seahorse on the top of an archway set built on the National Trust-managed Mount which appeared to match House of Velaryon's sigil

One clue sparked much excitement from residents, after spotting a symbol of a seahorse on the top of an archway set built on the National Trust-managed Mount which appeared to match House of Velaryon's sigil

Look familiar? It bore resemblance to the symbol that represents the House Velaryon in the original books

Look familiar? It bore resemblance to the symbol that represents the House Velaryon in the original books

One clue sparked much excitement from residents, after spotting a symbol of a seahorse on the top of an archway set built on the National Trust-managed Mount which appeared to match House of Velaryon’s sigil

Preparations underway: In recent weeks, crew were seen setting up scaffolding near the beach

Preparations underway: In recent weeks, crew were seen setting up scaffolding near the beach

Covid testing areas? Huge tents have also been erected near the set

Covid testing areas? Huge tents have also been erected near the set

Preparations underway: In recent weeks, crew were seen setting up scaffolding near the beach and erecting tents

Stunning! St Michael's Mount is most certainly a perfect location for the fantasy show with its castle built into a rock face

Stunning! St Michael's Mount is most certainly a perfect location for the fantasy show with its castle built into a rock face

Stunning! St Michael’s Mount is most certainly a perfect location for the fantasy show with its castle built into a rock face

Zooming in from a distance, it appeared to closely match one of the Game of Thrones universe’s house sigils.

There is also a suggestion that filming is taking palace at Restormel Castle near Lostwithiel – land owned by English Heritage.

Signs near the castle direct people to it which read ‘base’, according to a witness, which include ‘scoutproductions.co.uk’ on them.

The National Trust, which owns the land, was unable to confirm what was being filmed. A spokesperson told Cornwall Live: ‘We can confirm there is a shoot but I’m afraid we are not able to give any more details at present.’

MailOnline contacted representatives for Warner Bros. and The National Trust for further comment at the time.

As well as the theory about filming being for House of the Dragon, others considered the crews could be working on a new series of Vikings, the movie sequel Fisherman’s Friends 2 or even the Warner Bros-produced Sesame Street film.

Casterly Rock: In keeping with the visuals of the hugely successful original HBO series, the castle bears a resemblance to Queen Cercei's residence in King's Landing (pictured, Lena Headey as Cersei)

Casterly Rock: In keeping with the visuals of the hugely successful original HBO series, the castle bears a resemblance to Queen Cercei's residence in King's Landing (pictured, Lena Headey as Cersei)

Casterly Rock: In keeping with the visuals of the hugely successful original HBO series, the castle bears a resemblance to Queen Cercei’s residence in King’s Landing (pictured, Lena Headey as Cersei)

Other clues that the series is being filmed in Cornwall included a job posting for bearded, long-haired men, around a month ago – with the same description from the same company, Scout Productions, as previous casting for GoT filming in Ireland – as well as confirmation from the studio that it had commenced filming in early 2021. 

Emma and Matt join Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria and Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, an actor has yet to be cast as Aegon II.

Casting began last year, and the prequel is due to be released in spring 2022.

Fire is coming: The series will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II, two dragon-wielding heirs to the Iron Throne

Fire is coming: The series will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II, two dragon-wielding heirs to the Iron Throne

Fire is coming: The series will depict the war of succession between Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors Rhaenyra and Aegon II, two dragon-wielding heirs to the Iron Throne

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