In a twist of fate that was almost as dramatic as a dragon battle itself, storyboards from House of the Dragon have revealed that the original ending for Season 1 was even more intense than what we saw on our screens. Buckle up, folks, because this is some seriously epic stuff.
For those eagerly following the Targaryen saga, you'll remember that in the Season 1 finale, Lucerys and Aemond take to the skies astride their mighty dragons. It was a battle that would leave us hanging on a cliff's edge, our hearts pounding in our chests. But believe it or not, it could have been even more gut-wrenching than that.
According to the storyboards shared by Adam Pescott on Instagram, the original plan was to have Rhaenyra seated on the Dragonstone Throne when she receives the news of Lucerys' demise. Can you imagine the intensity of that moment? Picture it: as Daemon delivers the terrible tidings, Rhaenyra clenches her fists and lets out a scream of agony that sends chills down your spine.
But wait, there's more. Just as Rhaenyra fixes her eyes on the camera, a dragon's roar echoes in the background. And then, out of the darkness emerges Syrax. Can you even fathom how that scene would have played out? The tension, the raw emotions, and the sheer awe of witnessing a dragon emerge from the shadows. It would have been the stuff of legends.
Now, let's talk about the ending shot. Originally, it was intended to be a grandiose sequence following Daemon Targaryen through corridors and doors, all leading up to his crucial announcement to Rhaenyra. Imagine the camera racing alongside Daemon as he sprinted through the throne room, the anticipation building with each step. And then, the moment arrives. Rhaenyra's anguished scream pierces the air, echoing the iconic 'Nooooo!' from Revenge of the Sith.
However, the decision was made to take a more subtle approach in the final cut. And let's be honest, it was a genius move. By eliminating the scream, the scene became more nuanced, allowing Emma D'Arcy's incredible performance to shine through. Her portrayal of Rhaenyra's sorrow turning to simmering rage was nothing short of mesmerizing. With just one withering look, she conveyed the impending war that would shake the Seven Kingdoms to their core.
As we impatiently await the arrival of House of the Dragon Season 2, set to grace our screens in the summer of 2024, these storyboards have given us a glimpse into the creative minds behind the show. They've shown us just how close we came to witnessing an even more heart-stopping finale.
So, brace yourselves, my fellow dragon enthusiasts. The war is coming. And House of the Dragon Season 2 promises to be a spectacle like no other. With dragons soaring through the sky and power-hungry Targaryens vying for the Iron Throne, we're in for a wild ride. Hold on tight, because the flames of destiny are about to be unleashed.
