A woman with long, white blond hair, standing outside and wearing a gold crown and dark cloak; still from "House of the Dragon'

‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 filming will continue in England despite the actors’ strike

Three months after the Writers Guild of America strike shut down many of Hollywood’s biggest shows, SAG-AFTRA stalled the rest of the American film and television industry when it voted to authorize its own strike Thursday. The simultaneous strikes make it essentially impossible for studios to develop, film or promote projects until new collective bargaining agreements are reached.

But for some American productions filming overseas, it will be normal on set. HBO plans to continue UK productions of ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 and ‘Industry’ season 3, as both shows have casts made up of British actors not working under SAG-AFTRA contracts (via Expiration). Both shows enforce UK trade union Equity rules and UK trade laws prevent them from striking in solidarity with international trade unions.

A joint statement released by Equity and SAG-AFTRA encouraged actors working on equity shows to return to work, while expressing that the British union supports the American actors’ strike.

“SAG-AFTRA’s complaint to the producers contains many critical elements for the artists about their deals,” the statement read. “Key elements of the demand are shared and long-standing struggles for our unions – issues such as pay and outstanding payouts. But SAG-AFTRA, like Equity, is also boldly tackling existential questions on issues like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rise of virtual hearings and self-tapes. Ensuring fairness in pay, terms and conditions is key, whether it’s traditional producers, new global streamers, or new ways of delivering and distributing work to a global audience.

The statement continued: “Equity fully supports our sister union in their demand and in the action their Board has agreed to take. Equity is also experiencing bullish commitments that attempt to undermine its collective bargaining agreements. SAG-AFTRA has our full solidarity in this fight.

Filming on the second season of “House of the Dragon” began in April, and cast members have hinted that production is expected to run through December. HBO previously announced that the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel will return in 2024.

“’House of the Dragon’ is back. We are thrilled to be shooting again with our original family members and with new talent on both sides of the camera,” co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal said in a statement when production resumed. Favorite characters will soon be conspiring at council tables, marching their armies and riding their dragons into battle. We can’t wait to share what we have in store.”