Movies & TV / News
House of the Dragon Co-Showrunner Steps Down For Season 2
Image Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO
House of the Dragon will be down a showrunner when it starts in on its second season. THR reports that Miguel Sapochnik, who serves as co-showrunner with Ryan Condal and directs three episodes of the first season, is stepping aside for season two so he can move onto other projects. Sapochnik has been involved with Game of Thrones for years and directed some of the original series’ most beloved episodes including “Battle of the Bastards,” “The Winds of Winter,” and “The Long Night.” He directed the House of the Dragon series premiere as well as two more episodes in the currently-airing season.
The site reports that Sapochnik is not leaving over creative issues, but rather because of his long history with the franchise and a desire to do something else. Sapochnik issued a statement about his exit, saying:
“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 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.”
The “Alan” that Sapochnik refers to is Alan Taylor, another veteran director in the franchise who directed the season one and two finales of Thrones. Taylor will take on a co-executive producer role and direct several episodes of season two. Sapochnik, meanwhile, has signed a first-look deal with HBO to develop new projects.
HBO renewed House of the Dragon for a second season last Friday.
