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Tag: House Of the Dragon

  • Season 2 of ‘House of the Dragon’ goes on floors

    By Express News Service

    Season 2 of the much-celebrated HBO series House of the Dragon has commenced shooting. While announcing the news, the makers shared a photo of the Iron Thrones in the Great Hall of the Red Keep with a caption that read, “It’s time to return to King’s Landing. Season 2 of House of the Dragon is now in production.”

    House of the Dragon, which is the prequel to the hit series Game of Thrones, follows the events two centuries before the original. The ten episodes of the prequel’s first season depicted how the House of Targaryen fell into a bitter and brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons — presaging the beginning of the end of the ruling family of Westeros.

    It’s time to return to King’s Landing.Season 2 of #HouseoftheDragon is now in production. pic.twitter.com/lGSQSq6oK9
    — House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) April 11, 2023
    Earlier this month, it was reported that House of the Dragon’s upcoming second season would have eight episodes, two less than the first, hinting at HBO’s plan for a third season. 

    The series, created by authors George RR Martin and Ryan J Condal, based on Martin’s novel Fire & Blood, stars an ensemble cast including Paddy Considine, Emmy D’Arcy Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Olivia Cooke and Fabien Frankel.

    House of the Dragon has Ryan Condal as the co-runner of the series. The series won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Television Series at the 79th Golden Globes. 

    Season 2 of the series aims a release in July 2024.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

    Season 2 of the much-celebrated HBO series House of the Dragon has commenced shooting. While announcing the news, the makers shared a photo of the Iron Thrones in the Great Hall of the Red Keep with a caption that read, “It’s time to return to King’s Landing. Season 2 of House of the Dragon is now in production.”

    House of the Dragon, which is the prequel to the hit series Game of Thrones, follows the events two centuries before the original. The ten episodes of the prequel’s first season depicted how the House of Targaryen fell into a bitter and brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons — presaging the beginning of the end of the ruling family of Westeros.

    It’s time to return to King’s Landing.
    Season 2 of #HouseoftheDragon is now in production. pic.twitter.com/lGSQSq6oK9googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
    — House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) April 11, 2023
    Earlier this month, it was reported that House of the Dragon’s upcoming second season would have eight episodes, two less than the first, hinting at HBO’s plan for a third season. 

    The series, created by authors George RR Martin and Ryan J Condal, based on Martin’s novel Fire & Blood, stars an ensemble cast including Paddy Considine, Emmy D’Arcy Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Olivia Cooke and Fabien Frankel.

    House of the Dragon has Ryan Condal as the co-runner of the series. The series won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Television Series at the 79th Golden Globes. 

    Season 2 of the series aims a release in July 2024.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

  • ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 to be shorter as HBO looking forward to season 3

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: The upcoming second season of the fantasy drama “House of the Dragon” will consist of eight episodes, two less than season one.

    According to the entertainment website Deadline, the decision is part of a long-term plan for the series, which includes network HBO considering renewing the prequel spin-off of “Game of Thrones” for a third chapter.

    An HBO spokesperson, who confirmed the news to the publication that season two will contain eight episodes, emphasised that the episode count trim was story-driven.

    The development comes as production is about to begin on the second season in the UK for an expected premiere in the summer of 2024.

    HBO green-lit season two soon after “House of the Dragon” premiered on August 21, 2022, as it drew the largest audience for any new original series in the history of the premium broadcaster — “over 20 million viewers across linear, on-demand and HBO Max platforms in the US, based on a combination of Nielsen data and first-party data”.

    “House of the Dragon” is based on George R R Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 200 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    In what is a relatively common practice, HBO did not reveal the episode order in the season two renewal announcement last summer.

    The second chapter was supposed to have another 10-episode run, which eventually changed, leading to some script rewrites.

    Potential season three is being prepared and might go ahead, with HBO considering committing to moving ahead with scripts, casting and a production plan.

    A portion of the plot originally intended for season two, including a major battle, is moving to season three, according to insiders.

    “House of the Dragon” is now more likely to run for four seasons, but that has not been determined, added sources.

    “House of the Dragon” features an ensemble cast of Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans.

    “Game of Thrones” veteran Miguel Sapochnik was the showrunner on season one of “House of the Dragons” along with co-creator Ryan Condal.

    For the second season, Condal will now serve as solo showrunner with Sapochnik continuing as an executive producer on the series.

    Alan Taylor, another “Game of Thrones” veteran, will also join as a director and executive producer on the second season of the show.

    LOS ANGELES: The upcoming second season of the fantasy drama “House of the Dragon” will consist of eight episodes, two less than season one.

    According to the entertainment website Deadline, the decision is part of a long-term plan for the series, which includes network HBO considering renewing the prequel spin-off of “Game of Thrones” for a third chapter.

    An HBO spokesperson, who confirmed the news to the publication that season two will contain eight episodes, emphasised that the episode count trim was story-driven.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The development comes as production is about to begin on the second season in the UK for an expected premiere in the summer of 2024.

    HBO green-lit season two soon after “House of the Dragon” premiered on August 21, 2022, as it drew the largest audience for any new original series in the history of the premium broadcaster — “over 20 million viewers across linear, on-demand and HBO Max platforms in the US, based on a combination of Nielsen data and first-party data”.

    “House of the Dragon” is based on George R R Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 200 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    In what is a relatively common practice, HBO did not reveal the episode order in the season two renewal announcement last summer.

    The second chapter was supposed to have another 10-episode run, which eventually changed, leading to some script rewrites.

    Potential season three is being prepared and might go ahead, with HBO considering committing to moving ahead with scripts, casting and a production plan.

    A portion of the plot originally intended for season two, including a major battle, is moving to season three, according to insiders.

    “House of the Dragon” is now more likely to run for four seasons, but that has not been determined, added sources.

    “House of the Dragon” features an ensemble cast of Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans.

    “Game of Thrones” veteran Miguel Sapochnik was the showrunner on season one of “House of the Dragons” along with co-creator Ryan Condal.

    For the second season, Condal will now serve as solo showrunner with Sapochnik continuing as an executive producer on the series.

    Alan Taylor, another “Game of Thrones” veteran, will also join as a director and executive producer on the second season of the show.

  • Henry Cavill shuts down rumours of being cast in ‘House of the Dragon’

    By Express News Service

    Henry Cavill has denied rumours of being cast in House of the Dragon.

    In a recent interview, the actor addressed the rumours that he was cast as a Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff series House of the Dragon. 

    The actor also humorously responded that while watching House of the Dragon he thought “a lot of the characters would make really good witchers.” He is referencing another fantasy series titled The Witcher which revolves around a group of mutant super-powered monster hunters known as ‘witchers.’

    While responding to the casting rumour, Cavill said, “I think it would be nice to be in Westeros, I really do. But I don’t think there’s a place for me there.” The actor also went on to address another casting rumour by saying, “As far as I know, I’m not gonna be in Loki.”

    Following the news that Henry Cavill would reprise his role as Superman in upcoming DC projects, the actor announced that he would be leaving Netflix’s Witcher, in which he played the lead role.

    The role of Geralt of Rivia would instead be passed on to Liam Hemsworth, who would start playing the role in the fourth season. 

    Elizabeth Olsen was also rumoured to be a part of House of the Dragon. When confronted, the actor denied being a part of the show.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

    Henry Cavill has denied rumours of being cast in House of the Dragon.

    In a recent interview, the actor addressed the rumours that he was cast as a Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff series House of the Dragon. 

    The actor also humorously responded that while watching House of the Dragon he thought “a lot of the characters would make really good witchers.” He is referencing another fantasy series titled The Witcher which revolves around a group of mutant super-powered monster hunters known as ‘witchers.’

    While responding to the casting rumour, Cavill said, “I think it would be nice to be in Westeros, I really do. But I don’t think there’s a place for me there.” The actor also went on to address another casting rumour by saying, “As far as I know, I’m not gonna be in Loki.”

    Following the news that Henry Cavill would reprise his role as Superman in upcoming DC projects, the actor announced that he would be leaving Netflix’s Witcher, in which he played the lead role.

    The role of Geralt of Rivia would instead be passed on to Liam Hemsworth, who would start playing the role in the fourth season. 

    Elizabeth Olsen was also rumoured to be a part of House of the Dragon. When confronted, the actor denied being a part of the show.

    (This story originally appeared on Cinema Express)

  • ‘House of the Dragon’ director opens up on mysterious disease plaguing King Viserys

    By IANS

    MUMBAI: Miguel Sapochinik, the co-showrunner and director of the streaming series ‘House of the Dragon’, recently opened up on the mysterious disease that visibly took away King Viserys’ (Paddy Considine) physical appearance and strength, leaving him wretched and decayed in the last episode of the show.

    According to Miguel Sapochinik, King Viserys’ decay over time was because of the cut on his finger from the Iron Throne. “I thought it would be interesting that anybody who is cut by the throne gets this disease. It’s kind of leprosy, and it would be interesting to see Viserys over time slowly deteriorate to decay, said Sapochinik.”

    From thicker hair and a fuller face to a widening hairline and changing colour palette of his skin, Paddy Considine pulled off closely six to seven looks for King Viserys from episode one to his demise in episode eight.

    Barrie Gower, the prosthetic designer, explained that it was approximately a four-hour process of hair and make-up for paddy. “From subtle nuances to his wigs, hairline, the thickness of his hair, and palette of the skin to augmentation of visual effects to fill the cavities in his face, it took approximately four hours of head and shoulder makeup,” he added.

    ‘House of the Dragon’ is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.

    MUMBAI: Miguel Sapochinik, the co-showrunner and director of the streaming series ‘House of the Dragon’, recently opened up on the mysterious disease that visibly took away King Viserys’ (Paddy Considine) physical appearance and strength, leaving him wretched and decayed in the last episode of the show.

    According to Miguel Sapochinik, King Viserys’ decay over time was because of the cut on his finger from the Iron Throne. “I thought it would be interesting that anybody who is cut by the throne gets this disease. It’s kind of leprosy, and it would be interesting to see Viserys over time slowly deteriorate to decay, said Sapochinik.”

    From thicker hair and a fuller face to a widening hairline and changing colour palette of his skin, Paddy Considine pulled off closely six to seven looks for King Viserys from episode one to his demise in episode eight.

    Barrie Gower, the prosthetic designer, explained that it was approximately a four-hour process of hair and make-up for paddy. “From subtle nuances to his wigs, hairline, the thickness of his hair, and palette of the skin to augmentation of visual effects to fill the cavities in his face, it took approximately four hours of head and shoulder makeup,” he added.

    ‘House of the Dragon’ is available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.

  • House of the Dragon season 1 episode 5 breakdown  

    Express News Service

    Spoilers ahead 

    The episode titled We Light the Way refers to the motto of house Hightower. In the beginning of the episode, Otto Hightower warns his daughter of an impending threat to her family and the episode ends with Alicent subtly declaring war on all her enemies by wearing green to the royal wedding. We are told that “the beacon on Hightower glows green when oldtown calls its banners to war”

    The alliances are shifting and forces are closing in on the iron throne. The impending fight for the throne was teased for weeks and now with their enemies weakened, it seems that the Hightowers are one step closer to a definitive hold on the crown.

    Daemon Targaryen kills his wife, Lady Rhea Royce of the Vale, in an attempt to further his political motivations. Later at the wedding, he is confronted by Lady Rhea’s uncle who vows to avenge his niece’s murder by killing Deamon. 

    Lord Larys is introduced through a conversation with despondent Alicent after her father Otto is dishonourably removed as the Hand of the King and leaves the citadel. Larys remarks that an exotic flower from Braavos is thriving in a foreign environment like Westeros. It metaphorically represents Alicent’s own plight, an outsider, alone in a hostile environment like Kings Landing.

    Larys then goes on to plant the seed of doubt about Rhaenyra’s motivations by revealing to Alicent about the contraceptive tea that was given to the princess. Everything from Lord Larys’ body language to the calculated manner in which he pushes his opinions in a conversation emulates a skilled manipulator in the league of Lord Varys and Littlefinger from the Game of Thrones. Going forward, by providing counsel to Alicent and her sons, Lord Larys might play a crucial role in weakening Rhaenyra and her allies by devising cunning stratagems.

    Rhaenyra’s obstinate denial of every marriage proposal finally crumbles upon encountering Laenor Velaryon, she takes Daemon’s advice of using marriages as political tools that liberate you to do whatever you want afterward. Through a conversation laced with not-so-subtle symbolisms, Rhaenyra strikes a deal with Laenor, who is shown to be already in love with “The Knight of Kisses” Joffrey Lonmouth. She seals the deal by saying, “Let’s perform our duties to our families and to the realm, and then we’ll dine as we see fit.”

    Ser Criston Cole starts the episode as a hopeless romantic who asks Rhaenyra to elope with him and is later left heartbroken after she rejects his idea. Rhaenyra instead proposes that they continue to be lovers after her marriage to Laenor. Criston’s expression twists to horrific revulsion as she reveals her deal with Leanor. In the third episode, while Rhaenyra and Criston branch off from the hunting trip to go camping in the woods, he tells her about how much the title of a knighthood means to him. His name and honour are the only things he has and is extremely proud of, Rhaenyra’s suggestion that he be her paramour comes as a striking blow to his very identity and how he comes to define himself.

    Weddings are as violent as they are grand in the world of Game of Thrones and Princess Rhaenyra’s wedding to Laenor was no exception. The wedding starts off with all the exuberance of a royal wedding. Rhaenyra taunts Daemon in the middle of the dance by daring him to take her away, for a flicker of a moment we can see Daemon actually consider it. Meanwhile, Criston Cole is also taunted by Joffrey Lonmouth, albeit unintentionally. When Joffrey comes over to reveal that he knows about Criston Cole’s “affair” with the princess, even though his intentions are to establish camaraderie, Cole takes it as yet another smear on his honour. The mounting rage finally spills over and manifests itself as bloody violence as Cole beats Joffrey to a pulp with his bare hands.

    The episode ends with a teary-eyed Rhaenyra and Leanor getting married. A distraught, suicidal Criston Cole is saved by Alicent from all repercussions. Loyalties shift and new alliances are formed, Alicent and Rhaenyra’s relationship remains forever strained. 

    Spoilers ahead
     

    The episode titled We Light the Way refers to the motto of house Hightower. In the beginning of the episode, Otto Hightower warns his daughter of an impending threat to her family and the episode ends with Alicent subtly declaring war on all her enemies by wearing green to the royal wedding. We are told that “the beacon on Hightower glows green when oldtown calls its banners to war”

    The alliances are shifting and forces are closing in on the iron throne. The impending fight for the throne was teased for weeks and now with their enemies weakened, it seems that the Hightowers are one step closer to a definitive hold on the crown.

    Daemon Targaryen kills his wife, Lady Rhea Royce of the Vale, in an attempt to further his political motivations. Later at the wedding, he is confronted by Lady Rhea’s uncle who vows to avenge his niece’s murder by killing Deamon. 

    Lord Larys is introduced through a conversation with despondent Alicent after her father Otto is dishonourably removed as the Hand of the King and leaves the citadel. Larys remarks that an exotic flower from Braavos is thriving in a foreign environment like Westeros. It metaphorically represents Alicent’s own plight, an outsider, alone in a hostile environment like Kings Landing.

    Larys then goes on to plant the seed of doubt about Rhaenyra’s motivations by revealing to Alicent about the contraceptive tea that was given to the princess. Everything from Lord Larys’ body language to the calculated manner in which he pushes his opinions in a conversation emulates a skilled manipulator in the league of Lord Varys and Littlefinger from the Game of Thrones. Going forward, by providing counsel to Alicent and her sons, Lord Larys might play a crucial role in weakening Rhaenyra and her allies by devising cunning stratagems.

    Rhaenyra’s obstinate denial of every marriage proposal finally crumbles upon encountering Laenor Velaryon, she takes Daemon’s advice of using marriages as political tools that liberate you to do whatever you want afterward. Through a conversation laced with not-so-subtle symbolisms, Rhaenyra strikes a deal with Laenor, who is shown to be already in love with “The Knight of Kisses” Joffrey Lonmouth. She seals the deal by saying, “Let’s perform our duties to our families and to the realm, and then we’ll dine as we see fit.”

    Ser Criston Cole starts the episode as a hopeless romantic who asks Rhaenyra to elope with him and is later left heartbroken after she rejects his idea. Rhaenyra instead proposes that they continue to be lovers after her marriage to Laenor. Criston’s expression twists to horrific revulsion as she reveals her deal with Leanor. In the third episode, while Rhaenyra and Criston branch off from the hunting trip to go camping in the woods, he tells her about how much the title of a knighthood means to him. His name and honour are the only things he has and is extremely proud of, Rhaenyra’s suggestion that he be her paramour comes as a striking blow to his very identity and how he comes to define himself.

    Weddings are as violent as they are grand in the world of Game of Thrones and Princess Rhaenyra’s wedding to Laenor was no exception. The wedding starts off with all the exuberance of a royal wedding. Rhaenyra taunts Daemon in the middle of the dance by daring him to take her away, for a flicker of a moment we can see Daemon actually consider it. Meanwhile, Criston Cole is also taunted by Joffrey Lonmouth, albeit unintentionally. When Joffrey comes over to reveal that he knows about Criston Cole’s “affair” with the princess, even though his intentions are to establish camaraderie, Cole takes it as yet another smear on his honour. The mounting rage finally spills over and manifests itself as bloody violence as Cole beats Joffrey to a pulp with his bare hands.

    The episode ends with a teary-eyed Rhaenyra and Leanor getting married. A distraught, suicidal Criston Cole is saved by Alicent from all repercussions. Loyalties shift and new alliances are formed, Alicent and Rhaenyra’s relationship remains forever strained.
     

  • INTERVIEW | Riding dragons was the most fun: ‘House of the Dragon’ actor Matt Smith

    Express News Service

    How daunting was it to step into something as huge as House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones?

    It’s definitely daunting, but at the same time, the pressure is removed because it’s unrealistic to think this show can ever succeed on the same scale as Game of Thrones did. Thrones are a cultural phenomenon. I’m not sure anything will ever match that. House of the Dragon is very much its own thing. Hopefully, people will receive it positively and enjoy it as something really different from the brilliant original series.

    You play Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. What attracted you to the role?

    Daemon Targaryen, as many fans will know, is the son of Baelon Targaryen and the brother of Viserys. I just loved how dark and disturbed he was. He’s a fascinating character. Besides, who wouldn’t want a chance to fly dragons and have sword fights? But, it was the blond wig that sealed the deal (laughs).

    How was it shooting fight scenes with a wig on? Was it uncomfortable?

    It was a pain to put it on. I have to admit, I didn’t know the wig was going to be such a big thing. Emilia Clarke (who played Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones) told me years ago about what a chore it was to put on the wig every day. Now I know what she meant. It took me about an hour and a half each day. I have dark hair, so I had to have a bald cap glued on and then they put the wig on over that. It’s a lot, but I think it looks really cool, and I like being blond.

    How would you describe Daemon’s relationship with his brother?

    It’s a complicated relationship. I had such a fabulous time with Paddy Considine, who plays Viserys. Daemon’s relationship with his brother and the depth and richness Paddy and I found in our scenes together are very much the core of our part in this story.

    How do the scenes when you are riding dragons work?

    The scenes when we get to ride them are the most fun. It’s basically done as if you’re riding a bucking bronco. You sit on this mechanical thing and it moves around while they blow loads of wind in your face. The rest is done in post-production, so it takes a little imagination, but it’s also a lot of fun.

    What can you tell us about your dragon?

    I have a big red dragon called Caraxes, who I grew rather fond of despite the fact he’s rather grumpy and, of course, a great big pretend dragon. On set, he was basically this 10-foot mechanical contraction, but to me he was about as close as I could get to having my own dragon. I love Caraxes even though he’s big, red, scary and angry.

    Did you suffer any sword-fighting injuries?

    A cut on the forehead during rehearsals for one fight. Nothing too serious.

    You have played quite a few baddie roles since leaving Doctor Who. Daemon Targaryen too isa grey character. Were the choices made consciously?

    No, not really. I just think it’s good to have breadth as an actor and challenge yourself with something different if you can. Certainly, since the Doctor, I have actively been looking to do things that feel completely different.

    How do you look back on your time on Doctor Who?

    With great affection. I was very lucky that I got the opportunity to work with brilliant friends like Karen (Gillan), Arthur (Darvill) and Jenna (Coleman). We had such great chemistry and we had such a great time making that show. It was a real adventure. I’m so proud, to this day, to be part of that world. There is a huge amount of pressure that comes with it, just as there is with House of the Dragon, but it’s very rewarding.

    Have you spoken to Ncuti Gatwa to pass on any advice about being the new Doctor Who?

    I did speak to him to wish him well, but he doesn’t need my advice. Ncuti is a brilliant actor and he’s going to be an incredible Doctor. I’m excited to see it and to see where Russell (T Davis) and Ncuti take the show.

    Finally, if Matt Smith were to rule in House of the Dragon, what would your first decree be?

    I would allow them to dye their hair, so I don’t have to get the wig on.

    How daunting was it to step into something as huge as House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones?

    It’s definitely daunting, but at the same time, the pressure is removed because it’s unrealistic to think this show can ever succeed on the same scale as Game of Thrones did. Thrones are a cultural phenomenon. I’m not sure anything will ever match that. House of the Dragon is very much its own thing. Hopefully, people will receive it positively and enjoy it as something really different from the brilliant original series.

    You play Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. What attracted you to the role?

    Daemon Targaryen, as many fans will know, is the son of Baelon Targaryen and the brother of Viserys. I just loved how dark and disturbed he was. He’s a fascinating character. Besides, who wouldn’t want a chance to fly dragons and have sword fights? But, it was the blond wig that sealed the deal (laughs).

    How was it shooting fight scenes with a wig on? Was it uncomfortable?

    It was a pain to put it on. I have to admit, I didn’t know the wig was going to be such a big thing. Emilia Clarke (who played Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones) told me years ago about what a chore it was to put on the wig every day. Now I know what she meant. It took me about an hour and a half each day. I have dark hair, so I had to have a bald cap glued on and then they put the wig on over that. It’s a lot, but I think it looks really cool, and I like being blond.

    How would you describe Daemon’s relationship with his brother?

    It’s a complicated relationship. I had such a fabulous time with Paddy Considine, who plays Viserys. Daemon’s relationship with his brother and the depth and richness Paddy and I found in our scenes together are very much the core of our part in this story.

    How do the scenes when you are riding dragons work?

    The scenes when we get to ride them are the most fun. It’s basically done as if you’re riding a bucking bronco. You sit on this mechanical thing and it moves around while they blow loads of wind in your face. The rest is done in post-production, so it takes a little imagination, but it’s also a lot of fun.

    What can you tell us about your dragon?

    I have a big red dragon called Caraxes, who I grew rather fond of despite the fact he’s rather grumpy and, of course, a great big pretend dragon. On set, he was basically this 10-foot mechanical contraction, but to me he was about as close as I could get to having my own dragon. I love Caraxes even though he’s big, red, scary and angry.

    Did you suffer any sword-fighting injuries?

    A cut on the forehead during rehearsals for one fight. Nothing too serious.

    You have played quite a few baddie roles since leaving Doctor Who. Daemon Targaryen too is
    a grey character. Were the choices made consciously?

    No, not really. I just think it’s good to have breadth as an actor and challenge yourself with something different if you can. Certainly, since the Doctor, I have actively been looking to do things that feel completely different.

    How do you look back on your time on Doctor Who?

    With great affection. I was very lucky that I got the opportunity to work with brilliant friends like Karen (Gillan), Arthur (Darvill) and Jenna (Coleman). We had such great chemistry and we had such a great time making that show. It was a real adventure. I’m so proud, to this day, to be part of that world. There is a huge amount of pressure that comes with it, just as there is with House of the Dragon, but it’s very rewarding.

    Have you spoken to Ncuti Gatwa to pass on any advice about being the new Doctor Who?

    I did speak to him to wish him well, but he doesn’t need my advice. Ncuti is a brilliant actor and he’s going to be an incredible Doctor. I’m excited to see it and to see where Russell (T Davis) and Ncuti take the show.

    Finally, if Matt Smith were to rule in House of the Dragon, what would your first decree be?

    I would allow them to dye their hair, so I don’t have to get the wig on.

  • Actor Miguel Sapochnik quits as ‘House of the Dragon’ co-showrunner ahead of season two

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Miguel Sapochnik is leaving “House of the Dragon” ahead of the second season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” spin-off series.

    Sapochnik served as the showrunner on season one, which premiered last month on Disney + Hotstar, along with co-creator Ryan Condal.

    According to the entertainment website Deadline, Condal will now serve as solo showrunner on the next instalment.

    Sapochnik, who helmed “Game of Thrones” episodes such as “The Battle of Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter”, will continue to serve as the executive producer on “House of the Dragons”.

    “Working within the GoT 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 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers,” Sapochnik said.

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

    Condal will work closely with series co-creator George RR Martin and the rest of the producing team for the second season, which was announced days after the premiere of the first installment.

    The show is based on Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 300 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    Alan Taylor, a “Game of Thrones” veteran, will also join as a director and executive producer on the second season of the show.

    LOS ANGELES: Miguel Sapochnik is leaving “House of the Dragon” ahead of the second season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” spin-off series.

    Sapochnik served as the showrunner on season one, which premiered last month on Disney + Hotstar, along with co-creator Ryan Condal.

    According to the entertainment website Deadline, Condal will now serve as solo showrunner on the next instalment.

    Sapochnik, who helmed “Game of Thrones” episodes such as “The Battle of Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter”, will continue to serve as the executive producer on “House of the Dragons”.

    “Working within the GoT 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 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers,” Sapochnik said.

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

    Condal will work closely with series co-creator George RR Martin and the rest of the producing team for the second season, which was announced days after the premiere of the first installment.

    The show is based on Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 300 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    Alan Taylor, a “Game of Thrones” veteran, will also join as a director and executive producer on the second season of the show.

  • Director Miguel Sapochnik quits as ‘House of the Dragon’ co-showrunner ahead of season two

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: Miguel Sapochnik is leaving “House of the Dragon” ahead of the second season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” spin-off series.

    Sapochnik served as the showrunner on season one, which premiered last month on Disney + Hotstar, along with co-creator Ryan Condal.

    According to the entertainment website Deadline, Condal will now serve as solo showrunner on the next instalment.

    Sapochnik, who helmed “Game of Thrones” episodes such as “The Battle of Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter”, will continue to serve as the executive producer on “House of the Dragons”.

    “Working within the GoT 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 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers,” Sapochnik said.

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

    Condal will work closely with series co-creator George RR Martin and the rest of the producing team for the second season, which was announced days after the premiere of the first installment.

    The show is based on Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 300 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    Alan Taylor, a “Game of Thrones” veteran, will also join as a director and executive producer on the second season of the show.

    LOS ANGELES: Miguel Sapochnik is leaving “House of the Dragon” ahead of the second season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” spin-off series.

    Sapochnik served as the showrunner on season one, which premiered last month on Disney + Hotstar, along with co-creator Ryan Condal.

    According to the entertainment website Deadline, Condal will now serve as solo showrunner on the next instalment.

    Sapochnik, who helmed “Game of Thrones” episodes such as “The Battle of Bastards” and “The Winds of Winter”, will continue to serve as the executive producer on “House of the Dragons”.

    “Working within the GoT 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 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers,” Sapochnik said.

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

    Condal will work closely with series co-creator George RR Martin and the rest of the producing team for the second season, which was announced days after the premiere of the first installment.

    The show is based on Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 300 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    Alan Taylor, a “Game of Thrones” veteran, will also join as a director and executive producer on the second season of the show.

  • ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘House of the Dragon’ renewed for second season

    By PTI

    LOS ANGELES: HBO has given a second season order for “House of the Dragon”, the prequel series to the popular fantasy drama “Game of Thrones”.

    The show’s early renewal follows its smash-hit debut with the first episode, which dropped on August 21 and drew the largest audience for any new original series in HBO history, the American premium network said in a statement on Friday.

    “The first episode has now been seen by over 20 million viewers across linear, on-demand and HBO Max platforms in the US, based on a combination of Nielsen data and first-party data,” the company said.

    “House of the Dragon” is based on George R R Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 200 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, said the network is beyond proud of the show’s first season.

    “Our phenomenal cast and crew undertook a massive challenge and exceeded all expectations, delivering a show that has already established itself as must-see-TV. A huge thank you to George, Ryan, and Miguel for leading us on this journey. We couldn’t be more excited to continue bringing to life the epic saga of House Targaryen with season two,” she added.

    “House of the Dragon” features an ensemble cast of Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans.

    Ryan Condal is attached as the showrunner and executive producer on the show along with Miguel Sapochnik, who helmed “Game of Thrones” episodes such as ‘The Battle of Bastards’ and ‘The Winds of Winter’. Condal and Martin are credited as co-creators and executive producers.

    LOS ANGELES: HBO has given a second season order for “House of the Dragon”, the prequel series to the popular fantasy drama “Game of Thrones”.

    The show’s early renewal follows its smash-hit debut with the first episode, which dropped on August 21 and drew the largest audience for any new original series in HBO history, the American premium network said in a statement on Friday.

    “The first episode has now been seen by over 20 million viewers across linear, on-demand and HBO Max platforms in the US, based on a combination of Nielsen data and first-party data,” the company said.

    “House of the Dragon” is based on George R R Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, a history of House Targaryen set 200 years before the events described in “Game of Thrones”, which ended its eight-season run in 2019.

    Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, said the network is beyond proud of the show’s first season.

    “Our phenomenal cast and crew undertook a massive challenge and exceeded all expectations, delivering a show that has already established itself as must-see-TV. A huge thank you to George, Ryan, and Miguel for leading us on this journey. We couldn’t be more excited to continue bringing to life the epic saga of House Targaryen with season two,” she added.

    “House of the Dragon” features an ensemble cast of Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, and Rhys Ifans.

    Ryan Condal is attached as the showrunner and executive producer on the show along with Miguel Sapochnik, who helmed “Game of Thrones” episodes such as ‘The Battle of Bastards’ and ‘The Winds of Winter’. Condal and Martin are credited as co-creators and executive producers.

  • Westeros returns in a tepid affair in ‘House of the Dragon’

    Express News Service

    The showrunners (Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik) of House of the Dragon, the new prequel to Game of Thrones based on GRR Martin’s Fire & Blood made a choice. In the text that introduces this world-a Westeros ruled by early Targaryens-they highlight that the events in this series began about one hundred and seventy-two years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.

    The text dissolves gently only for the number and the name Daenerys Targaryen to remain on screen a few seconds longer. They made a choice. Not just because she’s the most familiar Targaryen for the show’s audience but also because she remains the most magnetic, lasting figure in retrospect considering how the ending, her ending, was received by the fans around the world.

    Let’s face it, Game of Thrones is zeitgeist defining but unlike what people would have you believe, no one’s really forgotten the show. Maybe people have grown cynical and don’t expect Martin to finish the original canon, but the show’s audience has not aged by much since.

    The eighth season was panned widely for people who felt cheated by the death of Daenerys, the one who was born to rule Westeros, the Targaryen to bring the glory days of her family again. All of it was blamed on many baseless factors, the show is terrible in its treatment of women (it is but the arc of Daenerys isn’t part of it), and the writers made stuff up because Martin has not completed the books (yes but a careful reading of the book will tell you that it’s probably not going to be much different).

    Most people had made up their minds and were ready to hail the queen with Daenerys sitting on the throne and when that did not come to fruition—for entirely logical reasons in a show that didn’t stick its landing—they rose in revolt. But The Mad King’s daughter was indeed destined to be his true heir. The reception to the final season of Game of Thrones gives us the illusion that people are done with Westeros.

    HBO and the showrunners know better than that. In Fire & Blood they saw another Daenerys in Rhaneyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock playing the younger version and Emma D’Arcy the adult), the young princess locked in a civil war with her crazy family tree in what was eventually christened as Dance of the Dragons in Westeros history.

    Maybe they want to take advantage of the budget and the dragons, the power struggle and characters with familiar last names and shared history but for anyone who knows the story, this doesn’t end any different. So, the show will be judged by its journey rather than its end, like any work should be.

    From what we see in the first episode, we can tell that the grammar and the feel of Game of Thrones is retained in House of the Dragon. Confined to King’s Landing for now and not as peripatetic as the older series, the small folks, the Maesters, the council, the Hand of the King, the iron throne, the tourneys and the sex workers (an orgy paused for a speech is particularly laughable) make a familiar return as does blood, gore and an endless appetite for violence.

    To add to dismembered members and torsos we have a C-section performed on an unwilling, helpless queen. What’s more, even if the score is reused, Ramin Djawadi’s rousing theme keeps paying us a visit through the pilot episode.

    “It’s tepid”, says King Viserys as he feels the water his pregnant wife is resting in. That’s a word that can be used for the pilot too. It’s a long way to go from here and there will be dragons but the characters feel less compelling.

    The first episode of Game of Thrones ended with the discovery of incest and a man pushing a kid out of the window, all for love. House of the Dragon does not yet have such a moment that will shock us into awe. But it is the Targaryens and all that incest is not far behind. As for the rest, we must wait.

    Biweekly Binge

    A fortnightly column on what’s good in the vast ocean of content in the streaming platforms around you

    Series: House of the DragonStreaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

    The showrunners (Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik) of House of the Dragon, the new prequel to Game of Thrones based on GRR Martin’s Fire & Blood made a choice. In the text that introduces this world-a Westeros ruled by early Targaryens-they highlight that the events in this series began about one hundred and seventy-two years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.

    The text dissolves gently only for the number and the name Daenerys Targaryen to remain on screen a few seconds longer. They made a choice. Not just because she’s the most familiar Targaryen for the show’s audience but also because she remains the most magnetic, lasting figure in retrospect considering how the ending, her ending, was received by the fans around the world.

    Let’s face it, Game of Thrones is zeitgeist defining but unlike what people would have you believe, no one’s really forgotten the show. Maybe people have grown cynical and don’t expect Martin to finish the original canon, but the show’s audience has not aged by much since.

    The eighth season was panned widely for people who felt cheated by the death of Daenerys, the one who was born to rule Westeros, the Targaryen to bring the glory days of her family again. All of it was blamed on many baseless factors, the show is terrible in its treatment of women (it is but the arc of Daenerys isn’t part of it), and the writers made stuff up because Martin has not completed the books (yes but a careful reading of the book will tell you that it’s probably not going to be much different).

    Most people had made up their minds and were ready to hail the queen with Daenerys sitting on the throne and when that did not come to fruition—for entirely logical reasons in a show that didn’t stick its landing—they rose in revolt. But The Mad King’s daughter was indeed destined to be his true heir. The reception to the final season of Game of Thrones gives us the illusion that people are done with Westeros.

    HBO and the showrunners know better than that. In Fire & Blood they saw another Daenerys in Rhaneyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock playing the younger version and Emma D’Arcy the adult), the young princess locked in a civil war with her crazy family tree in what was eventually christened as Dance of the Dragons in Westeros history.

    Maybe they want to take advantage of the budget and the dragons, the power struggle and characters with familiar last names and shared history but for anyone who knows the story, this doesn’t end any different. So, the show will be judged by its journey rather than its end, like any work should be.

    From what we see in the first episode, we can tell that the grammar and the feel of Game of Thrones is retained in House of the Dragon. Confined to King’s Landing for now and not as peripatetic as the older series, the small folks, the Maesters, the council, the Hand of the King, the iron throne, the tourneys and the sex workers (an orgy paused for a speech is particularly laughable) make a familiar return as does blood, gore and an endless appetite for violence.

    To add to dismembered members and torsos we have a C-section performed on an unwilling, helpless queen. What’s more, even if the score is reused, Ramin Djawadi’s rousing theme keeps paying us a visit through the pilot episode.

    “It’s tepid”, says King Viserys as he feels the water his pregnant wife is resting in. That’s a word that can be used for the pilot too. It’s a long way to go from here and there will be dragons but the characters feel less compelling.

    The first episode of Game of Thrones ended with the discovery of incest and a man pushing a kid out of the window, all for love. House of the Dragon does not yet have such a moment that will shock us into awe. But it is the Targaryens and all that incest is not far behind. As for the rest, we must wait.

    Biweekly Binge

    A fortnightly column on what’s good in the vast ocean of content in the streaming platforms around you

    Series: House of the Dragon
    Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar