Annie Shapero Joins ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 as Key Player in the Riverlands — and Beyond

Annie Shapero is officially stepping into the world of Westeros. After weeks of fans guessing who would take on the fierce role of Alysanne Blackwood in House of the Dragon Season 3, sources close to the production have confirmed it’s her.

Shapero, an Australian-British actor, will bring to life one of George R.R. Martin’s boldest female characters from Fire & Blood. Alysanne Blackwood, better known as Black Aly, is a skilled fighter and a loyal supporter of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the brutal Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Filming for Season 3 has already started in the UK. Shapero won’t be in every episode, but she’ll appear in five out of the eight, which is a big chunk for a character who isn’t a series regular.

In the books, Alysanne is known for her bravery and sharp aim, especially during the Battle of the Burning Mill. Her brother, Lord Samwell Blackwood, is killed in battle by Ser Amos Bracken.

But according to House Blackwood, it’s Alysanne who takes the shot that kills Amos right after. She’s said to have fired a weirwood arrow straight into his eye slit, avenging her brother on the spot.

Later in the story, Black Aly marries Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell, played in the show by Tom Taylor. That marriage connects the Riverlands to the North and gives her a legendary status in House Stark’s history. Her path is set to play a major role in the future of the series.

Shapero has been building a solid career with roles in shows like Red Skies, the award-winning Israeli series from Euphoria’s Ron Leshem. She also appeared in the FX pilot The Border, the upcoming horror film Saccharine alongside Midori Francis, and The Narrow Road to the Deep North with Jacob Elordi.

She joins other new faces in Season 3, like James Norton as Ormund Hightower, Tommy Flanagan as Lord Roderick Dustin, and Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly.

House of the Dragon continues to be a huge hit for HBO. The new season is expected to raise the stakes even more, with major battles, shifting alliances, and personal rivalries shaking the Targaryen dynasty to its core.

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