The Game of Thrones prequel continues without Miguel Sapochnik.
Despite roaring into a recommission just days after its premiere, changes are already afoot behind the scenes at House of the Dragon.
The Game of Thrones prequel, set nearly two centuries earlier, charts the tumultuous events of the Targaryen civil war; the dragon-riding rulers of Westeros fall into conflict over the thorny issue of succession to the Iron Throne.
Now, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, we’ve learned that co-showrunner and director of the show Miguel Sapochnik has left his role (although he does remain as an executive producer).
Here’s what he said:
“Working within the Thrones universe for the past few years has been an honor and a privilege, especially spending the last two with the amazing cast and crew of House of the Dragon. “I am so proud of what we accomplished with season one and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers. It was incredibly tough to decide to move on, but I know that it is the right choice for me, personally and professionally.”
Colourfully, Sapochnik says this has not been an easy decision:
“I went through a lot of vacillating. Ryan and I had a long-standing relationship and we work well together and we really like each other — that was half the battle. As we got deeper into the discussions, I realized I had to shit or get off the pot.”
However, he also says he’s passed his responsibilities on to another experienced GoT hand:
As I do so, though, I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series. He’s someone I’ve known and respected for a long time, and I believe this precious series could not be in safer hands. I am so glad to remain a part of the HBO and House of the Dragon family and, of course, I wish Ryan [Condal] and his team success and all the best with season two and beyond.”
The Alan in question is Alan Taylor, who directed seven episodes of Game of Thrones. Away from Westeros, he’s also helmed episodes of The West Wing, Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men, plus the pilot of AMC’s upcoming ‘Interview With The Vampire’ series. On the big screen, Taylor’s also the directed movies such as Thor: The Dark World, Terminator Genisys and The Sopranos’ prequel movie The Many Saints of Newark.
The incoming co-showrunner said:
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to be back at HBO, immersing myself in the world of the Targaryens. I look forward to working closely with Ryan as House of the Dragon grows into its second season. Ryan, Miguel and George [R. R. Martin] have launched an extraordinary story, in a rich and fascinating world. Returning to Westeros will be a huge undertaking and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
With post-production work still ongoing the currently airing season one, don’t hold your breath for season two. We’re not expecting it to land until 2024.
We’ll keep you posted.