Highlights
House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones spinoff, is based on George R.R. Martin's 2018 work Fire and Blood and takes place before the events of the original series.
The upcoming season of House of the Dragon will feature a fresh directorial approach, incorporating the distinct styles of five talented directors.
Unlike its predecessor, this season will consist of eight episodes, allowing for a more concentrated dose of compelling and visually captivating moments. This condensed format will contribute to a smoother production process.
Fans of the Game of Thrones spinoff series House of the Dragon are eagerly awaiting the show's second season. Recently, one of the project's directors shared some new details about the upcoming season. Similar to the original series, House of the Dragon is based on the work of George R.R. Martin, specifically his 2018 book Fire and Blood. However, this spinoff is set nearly 2 centuries before the events of the Song of Ice and Fire book series that inspired the original HBO show. The story revolves around the Dance of the Dragons, a succession war that ultimately resulted in the downfall of House Targaryen. Despite the disappointment many fans felt with the final season of Game of Thrones, the anticipation for this prequel was so high that the premiere episode crashed HBO Max.
This astounding and immediate triumph resulted in the swift renewal of House of the Dragon for a second season, eliciting eager anticipation from devoted fans. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, director Clare Kilner shed light on intriguing aspects of the upcoming season, beginning with the approach taken by the directors. Kilner explains, "It's highly inspiring because we have a team of five directors, each with their own unique style. We all watch the daily footage and provide feedback on one another's work. There's a bit of healthy competition among us. Alan [Taylor] pushes us to elevate our craft. He's an incredibly accomplished director, and I really admire how he skillfully employs depth of field and focus in his storytelling to draw viewers' attention to specific elements within the frame. I've been observing that and pondering how I can evolve in that direction."
Kilner, known for his work on shows like Pennyworth, a Batman prequel canceled by HBO Max after three seasons, also discussed the changes in House of the Dragon's second season. The upcoming season will consist of eight episodes, each packed with exciting and emotional events. While some fans might be disappointed with the shorter season, it will help facilitate a quicker production process. House of the Dragon is one of the few major shows that are still in production amidst ongoing labor strikes.
The decision to shorten the season, made by creator Ryan Condal, will present a challenge to everyone involved in the show, including new co-showrunner Alan Taylor. Taylor took over after the original co-showrunner stepped down and assumed the role of executive producer for the second season. Kilner also reveals that the actors have returned to set with a more relaxed and familial atmosphere, thanks to the success and critical acclaim of the first season. They are more familiar with their characters and are eager to deliver great performances.
House of the Dragon's first season received high praise for its overall execution, even prompting franchise creator Martin to highlight its strengths compared to Game of Thrones. After the previous series experienced a decline in its final moments, it will be intriguing to witness the potential heights that House of the Dragon can reach. You can now watch season 1 of House of the Dragon on Max.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter