House of the Dragon star “gutted” over showrunner’s departure

Last week, House of the Dragon fans were shocked to learn that Miguel Sapochnik, one of the two showrunners, was leaving the series. The show had only been out for two episodes at the time and had already established itself as a big hit; why leave when things were going so well?

From the sound of it, Sapochnik was a bit burnt out on Westeros after having directed some of the biggest episodes of Game of Thrones; it took a lot to convince him to come back for House of the Dragon, and it seems like one season was enough. Going forward, Ryan Condal will be the sole showrunner, with Game of Thrones veteran Alan Taylor being brought on to direct multiple episodes in season 2.

Star Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon) revealed to Entertainment Weekly how he heard the news on the West of Westeros podcast. “I got a call from Ryan one night, just saying, ‘Listen, this is about to break. I want you to know what’s happening and everything’s going to be fine,’ and so forth. And it’s Miguel’s decision. So I was disappointed.”

"It was full-on with him, because he was constant. Of course, he had to direct and do his own bits, obviously his own episodes. And then, of course, he has to overlook the whole thing, make sure the look is still in line with the whole story. I think they’re still right now cutting the last couple of episodes, so it’s a huge amount.While personally I’m disappointed, because I think he has a great artistic vision, I understand, for the good of his health, he’s got to take a long break and recharge himself and decide what else he wants to do next to that. I think the world’s his oyster, because he’s so incredibly talented."

Miguel Sapochnik will remain an executive producer on House of the Dragon

Sapochnik is indeed extremely talented; he directed episodes like “Battle of the Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter” on Game of Thrones, in addition to a few in this first season of House of the Dragon, including the premiere. His loss will be felt, but hopefully he laid a strong enough foundation for other directors to follow as the show continues.

Also, although Sapochnik will no longer serve as showrunner on House of the Dragon, he will remain an executive producer, and I wonder if he won’t have time to direct an episode here or there. He also has a first-look deal with HBO to develop new stuff, so we’ll be seeing more of him, in Westeros or out.

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