Is there an equivalent of “valar morghulis” but for showrunners? All men must tire? At any rate, House of the Dragon co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik’s time on the series’ throne has come to an end. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Sources say Sapochnik is exiting the show after pouring an exhausting three years of effort into the Game of Thrones prequel.”
This leaves the show’s co-creator, Ryan Condal, as sole showrunner, though another Thrones alum has come on board: Alan Taylor joins House of the Dragon as executive producer, and will direct episodes for season two.
Sapochinik isn’t entirely separating himself from the production; he remains an executive producer on the hit series. In a statement, he said, “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.”
Prior to House of the Dragon, Sapochnik directed some of Game of Thrones‘ most highly regarded (and often difficult to film) episodes, including “Hardhome” and “Battle of the Bastards.” The Hollywood Reporter notes, “Sapochnik worked for months helping develop Dragon with his friend Condal before coming on board. Sapochnik had been very reluctant to officially join the project, a stance that perhaps foreshadowed his current exit.”
Sapochnik has a first-look deal to develop future projects with HBO. As for House of the Dragon, it debuted as HBO’s biggest premiere ever, and earned more viewers in its second week. Targaryen drama is, perhaps unsurprisingly, fire.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays on HBO.
