'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon' begins production

Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon has started production, HBO has said.

The network shared a picture of a socially distanced table read, including stars Paddy Considine and Matt Smith, to an official Twitter account for the show.

A message alongside the photo read: "Fire will reign 🔥 The @HBO original series #HouseoftheDragon is officially in production. Coming soon to @HBOMax in 2022."

Read more: House of the Dragon adds four more to cast

The plot of House of the Dragon is set to follow the story of the powerful Targaryen family and the civil war that took place - known as the Dance of the Dragons - several hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones.

It's based on the George R. R. Martin book Fire & Blood.

Their descendant Daenerys Targaryen was a major character in the main series, as played by Emilia Clarke. Her brother Viserys Targaryen, played by Harry Lloyd, also appeared in the first series.

Considine will play their "warm, kind and decent" ancestor, King Viserys, in the series while Smith is taking on the part of his younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen.

Read more: How well do you remember the first season of Game of Thrones?

Other stars at the table read included Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint and Olivia Cooke who play Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Lord Corlys Velaryon and Alicent Hightower, respectively.

Also pictured at the read was Rhys Ifans who plays Otto Hightower, the father of Cook's character.

With additional reporting by PA.

Watch: The “Game of Thrones” Cast: Then and Now