George R.R. Martin praises “brilliant” way ‘House Of The Dragon’ writers changed his original story

George R.R. Martin has heaped praise on the creators of the second season of House Of The Dragon for the way they have changed his original story.

The second season of the Game Of Thrones prequel series, based on Martin’s 2018 book Fire & Blood, is being released in weekly episodes, with the fourth having arrived last night (July 7) on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK.

The season picks up following King Aegon II’s coronation and the death of Queen Rhaenyra’s son, with House Targaryen divided in two. With Aegon II ruling from the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra and her Black Council consider their next move, with civil war looming.

Writing on his blog, Martin took the time to comment on the opening two instalments of the new run. “What a great way to start the season,” he wrote. “The directing was superb.”

He also singled out a few of the show’s cast for praise, including Rhys Ifans, who plays Otto Hightower. “His scene with King Aegon and Criston Cole after the ratcatchers are hanged just crackles with wit, tension, drama, a performance that cries out for awards attention,” he noted.

He commended the writers for finding ways to enhance his story, including significant changes to the character of Helaena Targaryen, who he describes as “richer and more fascinating than the one I created”, and the dog Cheese, an invention of the television adaptation.

“I am… ahem… not usually a fan of screenwriters adding characters to the source material when adapting a story. Especially not when the source material is mine,” Martin wrote. “But that dog was brilliant. I was prepared to hate Cheese, but I hated him even more when he kicked that dog.”

The fourth episode of season two in particular has left many devoted fans reeling, with some describing its shocking climax as “jawdropping and heartbreaking”, as well as “an all-timer” of an episode.

Prior to the season two premiere, House Of The Dragon was renewed for a third season in June 2024.

It was also announced last month that the next Game Of Thrones spin-off TV adaptation is set to hit screens in early 2025. Currently titled A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, it has begun filming in Belfast, although an exact release date has not been confirmed.

Martin also recently added fuel to the fire of speculation about a potential film or television adaptation of Elden Ring.

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