Game of Thrones veteran Miguel Sapochnik has decided to step down as co-showrunner of the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon ahead of its season 2.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Miguel Sapochnik, who came aboard the freshman fantasy drama at HBO as co-showrunner, has now surprisingly left his post, leaving House of the Dragon co-creator Ryan Condal as the sole showrunner. Sapochnik was renowned for directing some of the most beloved episodes of Game of Thrones, including "Hardhome" and "Battle of the Bastards."

The GoT veteran also helmed three episodes of House of the Dragon, including the record-setting series premiere. The report suggests that Sapochnik needed a break after working so many years on the Thrones franchise. He will remain a part of HOTD as an executive producer.

“Working within the 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,” Sapochnik said in a statement. “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.”

“As I do so, though, I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series,” he continued. “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.”

As Sapochnik leaves, the spot is filled by another Thrones veteran, Emmy winner Alan Taylor, who directed seven Thrones episodes, will join House of the Dragon as executive producer and director for few episodes in Season 2. "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,” said Taylor.

“Ryan, Miguel, and George [R. R. Martin] 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 debuted earlier this month and racked nearly 10 million viewers, becoming HBO’s most watched series premiere ever, and even saw its audience increase in Week 2. HBO renewed it for a second season shortly after the premiere. The series airs on Disney+ Hotstar in India.

Also Read: House of the Dragon becomes HBO’s biggest series premiere with nearly 10 million viewers