Video: How CG sculptor Dan Katcher designed the dragons on Game of Thrones

Ten years from now, when people look back on Game of Thrones, they’ll remember which season was their favorite, which character they hoped would win the Iron Throne, and they’ll remember the dragons. Since the season 1 finale, we’ve watched Daenerys Targaryen’s children grow from hatchlings to the fire-breathing weapons of mass destruction they were in the final season.

Dan Katcher was the dragon designer on the show. He spoke with Insider about his process, which starts with a computer program called Zbrush and ends with viewers at home staring agog at their screens. He walks you though the whole below. Watch and be amazed:

There are some very interesting things to unpack here, but first, a minor correction, if I may: Jon Snow wasn’t rescued by Dany and Drogon. He fell through the ice trying to buy some time for his pals. It was actually Uncle Benjen who saved Jon. I am a nerd.

Anyway, I find it fascinating that Katcher created the design for Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion using lizards, bats, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and various birds as his inspiration. It’s neat to see which element from which animal went into different parts of the dragons.

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Also, Katcher knew about undead Viserion destroying the Wall two years before it aired on Game of Thrones. Oh, what a secret to keep.

What did you think of Katcher’s dragon designs? Anything from the video stand out to you? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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