‘House of the Dragon’ co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik is exiting the series

Game of Thrones prequel ‘House of the Dragon’ is filling iis fans with excitement on the first two episodes that HBO rolled out. While the GOT fans are just getting all hyped up with a throng of new characters and plot, one of the directors and co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik is already leaving the show after three years.

Sapochnik’s plan to exit comes just in time as he’s signed a new deal with HBO. This is according to The Hollywood Reporter. Thus, the director has chosen his next big path. Clearly, it’s his reason for leaving House of the Dragon. 

The co-showrunners deal with HBO and will give them first priority arrangement for the next projects that he’ll develop. Furthermore, there are no dramas or any personal issues for him to leave. 

#HouseOfTheDragon co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik is exiting the series after S1

(via @THR) pic.twitter.com/TsiOABrofy

— ScreenTime (@screentime) August 31, 2022

Even if fans might be worrisome as to how the structure of the show may change, there’s no need to fret. Sapochnik will still remain connected to the House of Dragon as an executive producer together with Alan Taylor. Aside from being an executive producer, he will also direct episodes in this second season. 

Miguel Sapochnik’s statement

In addition, director Miguel Sapochnik released an official statement about his exit. He said that it was an “honor and a privilege” to work on the show. He also complimented and expressed his confidence in Alan Taylor’s directing skills. Sapochnik was sure House of Dragon to be an even greater show.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik will not return for Season 2

His role will be filled by Alan Taylor (SOPRANOS, GAME OF THRONES)

(via @THR) pic.twitter.com/l4yxfoohqJ

— Lights, Camera, Barstool (@LightsCameraPod) September 1, 2022

Sapochnik 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.”

On a side note, GOT vet Alan Taylor is all ready and groomed to direct and produce some of the upcoming episodes of HOTD. As HBO stated, “Miguel Sapochnik has done amazing work on the first season of House of the Dragon. While establishing its signature look and feel. This series simply could not have come together the way it did without him. 

HBO added, “While we would love to have Miguel continue in the same role, we are thrilled to have his ongoing collaboration in this new creative capacity. Looking forward, we’ve had a decades-long relationship with Alan Taylor. And we are delighted to have him join Ryan and the rest of the talented team.”