The hit HBO fantasy series House of the Dragon is getting a bit of a shakeup, as co-showrunner and director Miguel Sapochnik is departing the just launched series.
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, the move stems from Sapochnik’s long history with both the Game of Thrones series as well as House of the Dragon, with the director simply deciding to step away and onto other projects. In his place, House of the Dragon co-creator Ryan Condal will now serve as the sole showrunner for the series and will continue to work with author and co-creator George R.R. Martin on the series. Director Alan Taylor, another veteran of the world of Game of Thrones, has been hired to serve as director for multiple episodes of the show’s second season, as well as stepping in as an executive producer as well.
Despite leaving the series, Sapochnik isn’t departing the world of HBO, as the report notes that he has entered into a first-look deal with the company to develop new projects, as well as remain on board House of the Dragon as an executive producer.
“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,” Sapochnik said in a statement. “I am so proud of what we accomplished with season 1 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 2 and beyond.”
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The news comes shortly after the series was renewed for a second season following its massive, record-breaking debut earlier this month. Just two days after the series debut of House of the Dragon, HBO announced that the Game of Thrones prequel gave HBO its largest series launch of all time, with 9.986 million viewers tuning in across linear and HBO Max platforms last U.S. Sunday night. In the week following, more than 25 million viewers watched the first episode, making it one of the most successful premieres of all time, and catapulting the Game of Thrones world right back into the popularity it formerly held.
