‘House of the Dragon' co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik leaving hit series, director Alan Taylor to join Season 2
If you are a 'Game of Thrones' fan, there are bound to be moments when you wish the story would change or a character would die because they become too predictable or just plain annoying. But before viewers can complain about the 'makers' of the series, one of them leaves the post of director.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, co-showrunner and director of the HBO fantasy drama Miguel Sapochnik is leaving the freshly launched hit series 'House of the Dragon.' Sapochnik is leaving the series after putting three years of hard work into the 'Game of Thrones' prequel. Ryan Condal will now serve as the series' sole showrunner and will continue to work closely with co-creator George RR Martin. Sapochnik has also signed a first-look deal with HBO to develop new projects and will serve as executive producer for the duration of the series. In the time of need to say goodbye, an old 'GoT' veteran emerges as director to serve the prequel series. We wonder if the creators have also sworn off the old and new gods?
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Sapochnik said in a statement regarding his stepping down recently quoting, "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. 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 and his team success and all the best with season two and beyond."
Post this statement Alan Taylor added to it saying, "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 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."
HBO further added saying, "Miguel Sapochnik has done amazing work on the first season of 'House of the Dragon,' establishing its signature look and feel. This series simply could not have come together the way it did without him. While we would have loved to have Miguel continue in the same role, we are thrilled to have his ongoing collaboration in this new creative capacity. Looking forward, we’ve had a decades-long relationship with Alan Taylor, and we are delighted to have him join Ryan and the rest of the talented team."
Emmy-winning 'Game of Thrones' veteran Alan Taylor directed several episodes of seasons 1 and 2 of 'Game of Thrones,' as well as the episode 'Beyond the Wall" from season 7. Some viewers are eager to see what elements they will see and whether they can relate the prequel episode to the existing episode.
