House of the Dragon has been rocked by a departure just three weeks into the series.
The Game of Thrones spin-off, which is a prequel set almost 200 years before the original show’s events, has broadcast two episodes to date, with a third arriving on Sunday (4 September).
HBO has announced that the show will return for a second season following news of record-breaking ratings.
However, the series will be without a key name as it’s been revealed that co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik will not be returning.
Sapochnik, who directed several Game of Thrones episodes, has been a driving force behind the prequel alongside Ryan J Condal and George RR Martin, who is the author of the source material of both shows.
Rasther than there being any bad blood, though, Sapochnik’s decision seemingly comes due to a desire to move away from Thrones-related projects.
He told The Hollywood Reporter: “Working within the Thrones universe for the past few years has been an honour and a privilege, especially spending the last two with the amazing cast and crew of House of the Dragon.
“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.
In his place will be Alan Taylor, who directed memorable Thrones episodes as well as Thor: The Dark World.
“I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series,” Sapochnik added.
“He’s someone I’ve known and respected for a long time, and I believe this precious series could not be in safer hands. 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.”
Sapochnik, who has secured a first-look deal with HBO to develop new projects, will stay on as an executive producer.
House of the Dragon viewers were left “grossed out” by a scene from the show’s second episode, which aired last weekend.
