Miguel Sapochnik invites eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fans to test their skills while watching House of the Dragon. The upcoming Targaryen-centered series is the first of a number of spin-off series based on George R. R. Martin's novels. HBO's upcoming fantasy series will chronicle events of the Targaryen family two centuries before viewers would be introduced to Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen.
Sapochnik serves as showrunner on House of the Dragon alongside Ryan J. Condal. Sapochnik will also direct three episodes of House of the Dragon, including the series premiere. Sapochnik has previous experience in Martin's fantasy world, having directed six episodes for Game of Thrones between 2015 and 2019. Within that time, Sapochnik has gotten to know the Game of Thrones fanbase quite well, including the eagle-eyed fans who will point out any mistakes.
In 2019, "The Last of the Starks" (season 8, episode 4) became the subject of a whirlwind of mockery. As the Game of Thrones episode aired, its fans noticed a Starbucks cup on the table next to Daenerys. The cup was later digitally removed from the scene, though Game of Thrones fans have not forgotten about the error, and neither have House of Dragon showrunners. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sapochnik has even issued a challenge to viewers to search for the places where they have digitally removed Starbucks cups from shots.
Sapochnik joked that the crew left in numerous Starbucks cups just so they could edit them out later. Sapochnik teased that if fans can find where they've done it, they will receive a prize. When The Hollywood Reporter inquired what prize viewers would win, Sapochnik fittingly answered, "a cup of coffee." Sapochnik wasn't alone in his teasing, as Condal recalled suggestions made about making Starbucks goblets for the actors, so the cups fit into the scene.
Condal admitted that he and House of the Dragon's crew were very meticulous to avoid recreating the Starbucks incident. Condal called House of the Dragon's set "heavily policed" as they scouted for any lingering Starbucks cups that would catch the attention of viewers in the wrong way. With all jokes aside, Condal did defend the Starbucks incident, reasoning that instances like this happen frequently in television and film.
House of the Dragon may be Condal's first venture into the world of Game of Thrones, but he has a partner well-versed in creating impactful episodes. Sapochnik directed some of Game of Thrones' highest-rated and action-packed episodes, including "The Winds of Winter," "Hardhome," and "Battle of the Bastards." Sapochnik has received two Primetime Emmy nominations for directing, winning the award for "Battle of the Bastards." With Sapochnik and Condal at the wheel, House of the Dragon has everything it needs behind the scenes to measure up to what viewers loved about Game of Thrones.
House of the Dragon premieres on August 21, 2022, on HBO.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter