George RR Martin Reveals House of the Dragon Season 2 is Emotionally Devastating
George RR Martin delivers a heartfelt warning for House of the Dragon Season 2, revealing that the upcoming episodes are bound to leave fans emotionally shattered
George R.R. Martin has previewed the first two episodes of House of the Dragon Season 2 and has cautioned fans that it will be an emotional experience. The series is based on Fire and Blood and follows the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, which led to the downfall of the powerful dynasty.
The first season takes place 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen's birth and the Mad King's death. It portrays a split between Westeros' royal family into two factions: Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Blacks, and Alicent Hightower and the Greens. The last season finale concluded with a shocking death that set off a devastating war between kings. Season 2, as hinted by the book, is expected to bring even more shocking moments, including the infamous Blood and Cheese event. Additionally, author Martin has cautioned that the opening episodes will be particularly grim.
George R.R. Martin issues warning about House of the Dragon Season 2
Martin recently shared about his trip to London on his website, where he had the opportunity to tour the set of the series and catch up with showrunner Ryan Condal. "Of course... I also spent three days with HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. Starting with a visit to the studio where HOTD is being shot," he wrote in his post.
I can't even put into words... oh my goodness! I've been on film sets for quite some time. I started working in television and film back in 1986, when I became a part of the staff for the TWILIGHT ZONE reboot at CBS. I remember feeling an exhilarating rush when I saw them constructing Stonehenge on the sound stage near my office for an episode I had written. And I also had the chance to visit the GAME OF THRONES filming locations in Belfast, Scotland, Morocco, and Malta, which were all absolutely amazing. But nothing I've ever experienced comes close to the Red Keep and Dragonstone sets at Leavesden Studios in London.
They are enormous, breathtaking, and so incredibly realistic that I felt like I had been transported back to medieval Westeros. I have a great appreciation for castles and have visited many authentic medieval castles, keeps, and towers, but none of them can even come close to comparing with our Red Keep.
Martin was highly impressed by the production design of the second season, though the major highlight of his visit was the "sneak preview" of the first two episodes, even if they were "rough cuts."
"In talking about anything based on my own work, I am not exactly objective, but I must say that I found both episodes to be exceptional. And they are not even finished yet. Dark, very dark. They may bring tears. Although I didn't cry, one of my friends did. Powerful, emotional, gut-wrenching, and heart-rending. It's exactly the type of content I enjoy. What can I say? I was raised on Shakespeare, and love tragedies and history plays the most," he expressed.
House of the Dragon Season 2 will premiere on HBO in summer 2024. Find out more here.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the "Game of Thrones" universe, I am eagerly anticipating the release of "House of the Dragon" Season 2. George R.R. Martin's heartfelt warning about the emotionally devastating nature of the upcoming episodes has only heightened my excitement and curiosity. The fact that the series delves into the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, promises an epic and intense storyline filled with power struggles, betrayals, and heart-wrenching moments.
Martin's preview of the first two episodes, describing them as "dark, very dark," and capable of bringing tears, sets the stage for a deeply emotional and impactful viewing experience. The combination of powerful storytelling, exceptional production design, and the involvement of talented actors and crew members has me convinced that "House of the Dragon" Season 2 will be a masterpiece that lives up to the legacy of its predecessor. I eagerly await the summer of 2024 to immerse myself in this captivating world once again and witness the unfolding of the Targaryen dynasty's downfall.
