House of the Dragon casts Annie Shapero in a huge new role

Annie Shapero has been cast in a major new role at HBO in House of the Dragon. Shapero joins the third season as Alysanne Blackwood, known as "Black Aly." Her character's introduction marks the expansion of the narrative into the important events and alliances of the North and Riverlands.

Shapero's casting has been notable given the character's participation in fight scenes and her powerful connections to Winterfell's Starks. House of the Dragon just keeps adding significant players from George R.R. Martin's world, and Alysanne Blackwood's introduction was much overdue, according to some fans.

Shapero is an Australian-British actress, and she is to influence future storylines through cunning fights and political maneuvering.

---

Annie Shapero's role in House of the Dragon

Annie Shapero has been officially cast as Alysanne Blackwood in House of the Dragon's third season. Deadline reports that filming began in the UK, with Shapero taking a pivotal military and political role. Alysanne Blackwood's narrative crisscrosses with the Targaryens, the Starks, and various other prominent houses of Westeros. Her actions shape major happenings all over the continent, especially during the Targaryen civil war.

---

Who is Alysanne Blackwood?

Alysanne, also referred to as "Black Aly," belongs to House Blackwood, a formidable house within the Riverlands. Exclusives and fan sources say she is presented as a brilliant archer and war leader, leading armies and taking part in crucial battles.

Her role is said to be key to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's faction in the fight in the Dance of the Dragons. Black Aly stands out in the lore for her straightforward fighting style and resolute actions during times of crisis.

---

Major plotlines linked to Alysanne Blackwood

Alysanne makes a contribution on the battlefield as well as within alliances. Her character is reported to appear in the Battle of the Kingsroad. She commands approximately three hundred archers and accompanies her nephew, Benjicot Blackwood, in defeating Borros Baratheon and his troops. This position places her in the middle of the series' key military events.

Subsequently, Alysanne brokers the freedom of Lord Corlys Velaryon, playing her diplomatic part in solidifying herself in Westerosi history. This political tug-of-war culminates in her marrying Lord Cregan Stark of Winterfell, tying her destiny to the North and forging connections that have far-reaching implications for subsequent generations.

---

Annie Shapero's background

Annie Shapero is Australian-born and has appeared in roles within the series Red Skies as well as the FX pilot Tehran. She has also appeared in The Border and The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Shapero has received notice for dramatic and action role leads and incorporates this experience into her Black Aly role. The Westeros Wiki lists her as a main cast addition in House of the Dragon Season 3.

---

Fan and media reactions

Shapero's casting put to rest rumors as to who would be cast as Black Aly, a figure fans and pundits saw as finally showing up as the war plot intensified. Social media and fan forum comments term her as a long-awaited arrival and much needed in terms of speaking for the Riverlands' and North's interests.

Casting was also under consideration for possible changes in the depiction of relationships and motivations of characters, as Alysanne's love life has been altered in both the book and on-screen depictions.

---

Annie Shapero's debut in House of the Dragon is a big expansion of the cast and plot. Her role as Alysanne Blackwood will determine significant events as the show progresses. Her character will have an impactful and active presence in future episodes, according to what audiences can expect.