Game of Thrones’ Miguel Sapochnik steps down from House of the Dragon series to take on new HBO projects

Neve Wilkinson
By Neve Wilkinson
1st Sep 2022, 2:38pm
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Miguel Sapochnik: “Working within the Thrones universe for the past few years has been an honor and a privilege”

Miguel Sapochnik is stepping down as co-showrunner on the recently launched House of the Dragon series.

This comes after three years spent working on the HBO fantasy series, following his directorial success on Game of Thrones between 2015 and 2019.

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However, Miguel is not completely departing from HBO as he is set to take on new projects.

The director, who has won two Primetime Emmy awards, released a statement regarding his departure.

“Working within the Thrones universe for the past few years has been an honor and a privilege, especially spending the last two with the amazing cast and crew of House of the Dragon,” Miguel said.

Director Miguel Sapochnik accepts the 2016 Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series from actress Helen Mirren onstage during the 69th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 4, 2017. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DGA)Director Miguel Sapochnik accepts the 2016 Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series from actress Helen Mirren onstage during the 69th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 4, 2017. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DGA)
Director Miguel Sapochnik accepts the 2016 Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series from actress Helen Mirren onstage during the 69th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 4, 2017. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for DGA)

“I am so proud of what we accomplished with season 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers.

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“It was incredibly tough to decide to move on, but I know that it is the right choice for me, personally and professionally.

English director Miguel Sapochnik attends the World premiere of HBO original drama series "House of the Dragon" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, July 27, 2022. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)English director Miguel Sapochnik attends the World premiere of HBO original drama series "House of the Dragon" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, July 27, 2022. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
English director Miguel Sapochnik attends the World premiere of HBO original drama series "House of the Dragon" at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, July 27, 2022. (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

“As I do so, though, I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series. 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 2 and beyond.”

The hit Game of Thrones prequel was renewed for a second season last week.

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