HBO has responded to criticism from author George R.R. Martin regarding creative decisions made in the network’s hit series “House of the Dragon,” CNN reports.
The fantasy drama, based on Martin’s 2018 novel “Fire & Blood,” has sparked controversy after Martin, who serves as a co-creator and executive producer on the show, expressed his dissatisfaction with certain choices made by showrunner Ryan Condal.
In a blog post that has since been removed, Martin reportedly took issue with the omission of Maelor, the toddler son of Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) and King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney). Martin argued that the absence of this character diminishes the emotional impact of pivotal scenes.
HBO, in a statement, admitted the difficult choices involved in adapting a book for the screen, citing format and time constraints. The network defended Condal and his team, stating their belief in the “extraordinary job” they have done and the continued enjoyment of millions of fans.
Condal previously addressed the decision to exclude Maelor, explaining the challenges of recasting a young character over a significant time jump in the series.
“House of the Dragon,” set in the same universe as Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series that spawned “Game of Thrones,” debuted in 2022 and stars Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Matt Smith.
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