Movies News Talk
Reportedly, Sapochnik left House of the Dragon because of a conflict about crediting his wife Alexis Raben as a producer for Season 2 (Raben was named as a producer for season 1). The cast members lamented his loss, notably Alicent Hightower actor Olivia Cooke, who last August described the co-creator's work to The Wrap's Unwrapped podcast:
"We all adore Miguel; he's a fantastic director and a wonderful team player. Regarding the production of this show, he had just pretty bold ideas. And I suppose there has been a group effort to cover his shoes with other outstanding filmmakers. Geeta Patel and Clare Kilner are returning; if not totally replaced as he is his own thing, there is still that proportion to make this season as wonderful, if not better. We have some very amazing directors working with us this year.
Star Matt Smith from House of the Dragon talks on Miguel Sapochnik's leaving from co-showran season 1 with Ryan Condal. By giving the original program continuity, an episode director on Game of Thrones, Sapochnik, helped to launch HBO's much awaited GoT spinoff. Though he is still an executive producer, Sapochnik has since resigned as showrunner for House of the Dragon Season 2, therefore major changes are on route.
As Daemon Targaryen actor Smith said in a recent interview, explaining how the former showrunner made it easier for the new series to capture the Game of Thrones flavor, helping viewers more easily slip back into the world established by the original show, Sapochnik's absence from House of the Dragon will surely be felt as the show continues its run on HBO.
Helming some of its most successful episodes, like "The Gift, "Hardhome, "Battle of the Bastards," "The Winds of Winter," among all the episode directors that helped make Game of Thrones a success, Sapochnik presumably had the best feel of what the series was all about. Although Sapochnik oversaw two episodes during the disputed Game of Thrones season 8, "The Long Night" and "The Bells," he told Empire that the public reaction to those episodes had no bearing on his approach to House of the Dragon.
"Life does not stop the way you wish it to! We most certainly wanted to focus on not that. It truly has very little bearing. As a creative, I believe the minute you start playing defense you are simply pulling ground from under your feet. Should we be so lucky to have such a sizable and fervent following debating our show! In and of itself, I believe, indicates success.
House of the Dragon recounts the tale of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria, 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Milly Alcock and Emily Carey started the well-liked HBO spinoff drama as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke took front stage portraying the adult iterations of the roles. Along with Rhaenyra's father, King Viserys Targaryen, Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine abound throughout the series.
Although supporters are excited about the upcoming season, it will be intriguing to observe the path of the new showrunner. With a brilliant narrative, a superb cast, and Game of Thrones' fame, the show has a lot of potential. Finding whether the show can replicate the enchantment of the original series will be fascinating.
Two main elements in the success of Sapochnik's contribution to House of the Dragon season 1 were his knowledge of how to properly grasp that distinctive Game of Thrones style and willingness to accept risks despite possible spectator reaction. Without Sapochnik, the second watching experience could feel somewhat different.
One may view House of the Dragon season 1 on Max.
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