What's Next for 'House of the Dragon' After Showrunner Miguel Sapochnik Exit

House of the Dragon may have been renewed for a second season but it will be losing a showrunner, Miguel Sapochnik.

The writer acted as co-showrunner for the HBO hit's first season alongside Ryan Condal, but he has now said that he feels it is "the right choice" to move on to something different, though he will remain an executive producer for the show.

Sapochnik previously worked on Game of Thrones, directing six episodes including Season 6's "Battle of the Bastards" and the Season 5 episode "Hardhome."

For House of the Dragon, Sapochnik directed the show's pilot "The Heirs of the Dragon" as well as the upcoming sixth and seventh episodes.

What's Next for 'House of the Dragon' After Showrunner Miguel Sapochnik Exit

In a statement shared with Newsweek, Sapochnik said: "Working within the Game of 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.

"I am so proud of what we accomplished with Season 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers. It was incredibly tough to decide to move on, but I know that it is the right choice for me, personally and professionally."

House of the Dragon is based on George R. R. Martin's book Fire & Blood which charts the history of the Targaryen dynasty and the events that led to the fabled Dance of the Dragons in Westeros, a civil war that almost destroyed the dragon-wielding family.

Following this announcement, it was confirmed that Sapochnik would not be replaced and Condal would become the sole showrunner for the program.

Newsweek has contacted Sapochnik's representatives for further comment.

Though Sapochnik is departing from his role as co-showrunner he will continue to be an executive producer, and House of the Dragon will be gaining another Game of Thrones veteran: Alan Taylor.

Taylor previously directed several episodes for the HBO flagship show, including the Season 1 and 2 finales "Fire and Blood" and "Valar Morghulis." He will act as both director and executive producer on House of the Dragon.

In a statement shared with Newsweek, HBO said of Sapochnik's departure: "Miguel Sapochnik has done amazing work on the first season of House of the Dragon, establishing its signature look and feel. This series simply could not have come together the way it did without him.

"While we would have loved to have Miguel continue in the same role, we are thrilled to have his ongoing collaboration in this new creative capacity. Looking forward, we've had a decades-long relationship with Alan Taylor, and we are delighted to have him join Ryan and rest the talented team."

Sapochnik added in his statement that he felt "deeply comforted" to have Taylor join the show, and he said he would looking forward to remaining "part of the HBO and House of the Dragon family".

He said of Taylor: "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."

Taylor shared his own statement, saying of returning to the fantasy franchise for its prequel: "It's a pleasure and an honor to be back at HBO, immersing myself in the world of the Targaryens.

"I look forward to working closely with Ryan as House of the Dragon grows into its second season. Ryan, Miguel and George have launched an extraordinary story, in a rich and fascinating world. Returning to Westeros will be a huge undertaking, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Update 09/01/22, 9:43 a.m. ET: This article was updated to include statements shared by HBO with Newsweek.