Never a dull moment in Westeros, but this time it’s behind the scenes.
House of the Dragon’s co-showrunner and director Miguel Sapochnik is stepping down, leaving co-creator Ryan Condal as the sole showrunner. Additionally, Game of Thrones veteran Alan Taylor has been brought on board to act as executive producer and to helm a number of episodes in season two.
Sapochnik, who will still remain an ep for the rest of the series, is leaving the show after devoting a taxing three years of effort to the Game of Thrones prequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He has also signed a first-look agreement with HBO to create new projects, the news outlet reports.
“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 provided to THR. “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,” he continued. “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.”
The announcement comes on House of the Dragon’s immediate success. The series premiere attracted 25 million viewers in the first week of its release, and that number only grew for the second episode. The show has already been renewed for a second season.