Miguel Sapochnik invites eagle-eyedGame of Thronesfans to test their skills while watchingHouse 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 onHouse of the Dragonalongside Ryan J. Condal. Sapochnik will also direct three episodes ofHouse of the Dragon,including the series premiere. Sapochnik has previous experience in Martin’s fantasy world, having directed six episodes forGame of Thronesbetween 2015 and 2019. Within that time, Sapochnik has gotten to knowtheGame of Thronesfanbasequite well, including the eagle-eyed fans who will point out any mistakes.
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In 2019, “The Last of the Starks” (season 8, episode 4) became the subject of a whirlwind of mockery. As theGame of Thronesepisode aired,its fans noticed a Starbucks cupon the table next to Daenerys. The cup was later digitally removed from the scene, thoughGame of Thronesfans have not forgotten about the error, and neither haveHouse of Dragonshowrunners. 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 andHouse of the Dragon’s crew were very meticulous to avoid recreating the Starbucks incident. Condal calledHouse 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 Dragonmay be Condal’s first venture into the world ofGame of Thrones, but he has a partner well-versed in creating impactful episodes. Sapochnik directed some ofGame 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 Dragonhas everything it needsbehind the scenes to measure up to what viewers loved aboutGame of Thrones.
House of the Dragonpremieres on May 31, 2025, on HBO.
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