Author George RR Martin has once again criticized the series “House of the Dragon.” The differences to the book are a problem.
George RR Martin (75) has once again expressed his displeasure with the series “House of the Dragon” in a post that has since been deleted. The “Game of Thrones” prequel is based on his books, just like the previous series. However, the differences between his original “Fire and Blood” and the series are far too great for Martin, who is himself involved as an executive producer.
In his critique, the author addressed the changes to the Targaryen story. He was particularly annoyed by the famous “blood and cheese” scene in the first episode of season 2, in which one of Queen Helaena’s (Phia Saban, 25) children is killed in front of her eyes.
In the series, only two children are present instead of three, and son Maelor is missing – showrunner Ryan Condal (45) has cut the character for reasons of time and budget. According to Martin, this is a big mistake and makes little sense. “I still believe that the scene in the book is stronger. The readers have the right to do so,” he criticized, adding: “The two killers are more cruel in the book.”
“Toxic” changes will come
The loss of the character Maelor was discussed with him, but he was strictly against it. The stringency of the narrative would be negatively affected and a “butterfly effect” would have a major impact on the plot of subsequent episodes. “There will be even bigger and more toxic butterflies if ‘House of the Dragon’ makes some of the changes that are being considered for seasons 3 and 4,” Martin predicted.
HBO takes a stand
George RR Martin’s criticism has now caused such a stir that the “House of the Dragon” broadcaster HBO has made a statement. There are few bigger Martin fans than those responsible for the series, they make clear at the beginning. “It is normal when adapting a book for the screen, with the associated format and restrictions, that the showrunner ultimately has to make difficult decisions about the characters and stories that the audience should follow,” they continue.
We therefore fully support showrunner Condal’s decisions. “We believe Ryan Condal and his team have done an exceptional job and that the millions of fans the series has amassed over the first two seasons will continue to enjoy it,” HBO emphasizes.
“House of the Dragon” takes place around 200 years before “Game of Thrones”. The second season of the prequel started in the summer on Sky Atlantic, and production of two more seasons has already been confirmed.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
