Filming on HBO’s House of the Dragon season 3 is in full swing, and the production is moving toward the season’s biggest moments as the crew races toward the end of shooting. With multiple set leaks already making the rounds, the newest chatter points to a pair of high-stakes battles and a dramatic character moment that fans have been waiting for.
A widely circulated leak centers on Ser Criston Cole, with claims that his head will be displayed on a spear in a moment of triumph for Team Black. The post circulating on social media suggests that these scenes will appear in season 3 episode 7, and that the sequence was filmed at Hankley Common under the direction of Nina Lopez-Corrado.
In the books, Criston Cole’s fate comes during a major clash known as Butcher’s Ball, a confrontation many fans have long anticipated adapting for the screen. It’s been speculated that the season will feature at least two of the book’s colossal battles, with early talks pointing to the Battle of the Gullet as a potential early sequence and Butcher’s Ball as a pivotal mid-season moment. The leaks hint that episode 6 could feature Butcher’s Ball, with the fallout and Criston’s infamous head-on-a-pike appearing in episode 7, building toward a climactic finale.
Season 3 is expected to culminate in The First Battle of Tumbleton, potentially serving as the season’s grand finish in episode 8. While such large-scale battles are a hallmark of the source material, the production faces the practical realities of filming these epic sequences—budget, time, and the sheer scope required to pull them off on screen.
What this means for viewers is a season that leans heavily into war-driven storytelling, with two major battles and a shocking death bookended by intense action and political intrigue. For fans who haven’t read the books, these spoilers underscore the show’s commitment to delivering high-stakes drama in a visually spectacular package.
Fans should brace for more behind-the-scenes chatter as filming continues and more set photos surface. The production team has a track record of delivering cinematic battles that push the series’ visual effects and practical staging to new heights, and season 3 looks set to keep that momentum going.
Additional context and value:
– The reported beheading scene would mark one of the season’s most brutal and narrative-shifting moments, potentially setting the tone for the war-driven arc that follows.
– Hankley Common has become a recurring filming location for large-scale battle sequences, and the involvement of director Nina Lopez-Corrado hints at a focus on dynamic staging and intense battle choreography.
– As with any leak, fans should treat these reports as unconfirmed until official statements arrive; production notes and episode plans can shift as editing and storytelling needs evolve.
Summary:
– Filming on season 3 continues with major battles and a potential pivotal moment involving Ser Criston Cole.
– Leaks point to Butcher’s Ball as a key mid-season clash and a dramatic beheading sequence in episode 7.
– The season is expected to conclude with The First Battle of Tumbleton (episode 8), subject to production realities.
– Fans can anticipate a visually ambitious, war-forward arc that expands the war-torn landscape of Westeros.
Positive note:
If these leaks are on the mark, season 3 could deliver two of the most memorable battles yet, alongside a consequential twist that reshapes alliances and character destinies. The ongoing production progress suggests HBO remains committed to bringing the scale and spectacle fans expect.
If you’d like, I can add a brief “what to watch for” section highlighting key visual cues, locations, and directorial signatures to look for when the episodes air.