The last few weeks have seen us return to Westeros, but behind the scenes of the recently premiered smash series, House of the Dragon, there has been a huge shakeup. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Miguel Sapochnik, co-showrunner and director of the fantasy HBO series, has left his position on the show. Sapochnik has spent the past three years developing a prequel to the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, and his efforts have now starting to pay off, with the inaugural episode receiving over 25 million views. 10.2 million people watched the second episode on its first day online.
Sapochnik has praised the cast and crew of the prequel series in a statement, expressing how incredible it has been to be a part of the Game of Thrones universe over the past several years. Sapochnik also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming transition to Alan Taylor as director and producer, another Game of Thrones alum. Sapochnik’s full statement is as follows: Having finished the first season and seen the positive response from our audience, I am ecstatic. Moving on was a really difficult decision, but I am confident that it is the best one for my future happiness and success in my career. As I do so, though, I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series. I’ve known and admired him for a long time, and I can think of no one better than to take care of this priceless series. I’m thrilled to keep working with everyone at HBO and on House of the Dragon, and I hope the best for Ryan and his crew in season 2 and beyond.
Ryan Condal, who also co-created the series with George R.R. Martin, will take over as the show’s sole showrunner as we continue to be immersed in the realm of the Targaryens. Taylor, for his part, has expressed his eagerness to reunite with HBO and the other creative minds at work behind the scenes in preparation for the monumental task at hand. In just two episodes, House of the Dragon has raised the stakes in Westeros with its political manoeuvring and plotting. After the death of his queen, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) made the decision to marry again. His daughter, Rhaenyra, was among the influential people who were offended by his choice of wife (Milly Alcock).
Meanwhile, a conflict between Prince Craghas Drahar, the Crabfeeder, and the Houses Velaryon and Targaryen is developing on the Stepstones (Daniel Scott-Smith). New episodes of House of the Dragon air on HBO and HBO Max every Sunday.