Whenever Song of Ice and Fire scribe George R.R. Martin posts on his blog, TV fans can expect news from the Westeros universe. Variety reports Martin’s latest blog post recapped his trip to London. In addition to meeting with the publisher of the recent entry in his book series, The Winds of Winter, Martin stated he spent time with House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal (Rampage, Colony).
According to the blog post, Martin was granted preview of the first two episodes of the new season, set for a Summer 2024 release. This news comes just a few days after the teaser trailer was released this weekend at CCPX in São Paulo, Brazil.
“The highlight of the trip … had to be the sneak preview that [showrunner] Ryan [Condal] gave me of the first two episodes of ‘House of the Dragon,’ Season 2. (Rough cuts, of course),” Martin’s post reads via Variety. “Of course, I am hardly objective when talking about anything based on my own work… but I have to say, I thought both episodes were just great. (And they are not even finished yet.) Dark, mind you. Very dark. They may make you cry. (I did not cry myself, but one of my friends did.) Powerful, emotional, gut-wrenching, heart rending. Just the sort of thing I like. (What can I say? I was weaned on Shakespeare, and love the tragedies and history plays best of all.)”
The second season of the Emmy-nominated prequel to Game of Thrones will explore the Targaryen civil war spurred by familial strife and betrayal. Season one saw the ceasefire between Emmy D’Arcy’s (Mothering Sunday, Truth Seekers) Rhaenyra Targaryen and Olivia Cooke’s (Slow Horses, Sound of Metal) Alicent Hightower crumble after the murder of Rhaenyra’s youngest son. Battlelines are drawn as both families fight blood and fire in defense of their claim to the Iron Throne.
According to Variety, Martin’s time with Condal and the writers consisted of discussing what a potential third and fourth season of the series could involve. While there aren’t any official renewals, Martin had previously stated this particular narrative – known as the Dance of the Dragons – would require at least four 10-episode seasons.
“They were lively, fun discussions, and we got some good work done… though two days was not nearly enough. There is so much ground to cover that I am not sure 20 days would have been enough,” Martin wrote in his blog according to Variety.
It was also the first time he was able to visit the House of the Dragon set. Previous visits were delayed due to the writer’s strike.
“All I have to say about that is… ohmigod!” Martin wrote via Variety. “Nothing I have ever seen can compare with the Red Keep and Dragonstone sets they have built at Leavesden Studios in London. HUGE, stunning, and so damned real that I felt as if I had gone through a time portal to medieval Westeros. I love castles and have visited dozens of actual medieval castles, keeps and towers in my time, and none of the real castles I’ve ever seen can hold a candle… or a torch… to our Red Keep.”
Season one of House of the Dragon is available to stream on Max and purchase on Blu-Ray and 4K DVD.