The first season of the HBO series "House of the Dragon" has just come to an end. Fantasy mastermind George R.R. Martin (74) provided the literary template for the "Game of Thrones" offshoot with "Fire and Blood", and now revealed in an interview with his book publisher Penguin Random House that he originally had completely different ideas for the start of the series. Martin wanted the story to start "40 years earlier", which would have led to "more time jumps" and "even more replacements". However, the author was not able to assert himself with his wishful thinking. Among the series makers, he was the only one who was enthusiastic about the idea.

The already existing, numerous new appointments made necessary by time leaps were often criticized in the HBO hit series. For example, the two main actresses changed for the sixth episode. Emma D'Arcy (30) took over from Milly Alcock (22) as Rhaenyra Targaryen, while Olivia Cooke (28) replaced Emily Carey (19) as Alicent Hightower.

Martin's wishful thinking for "House of the Dragon" would have resulted in the series starting long before these two main characters were born. This would probably have confused a number of viewers even more - and ultimately led to a different series. The first episode of the show would have been about Aemon and Baelon Targaryen, the two sons of King Jaehaerys Targaryen (Michael Carter, 75). However, Viserys' (Paddy Considine, 49) predecessor on the Iron Throne was only seen in a brief flashback to the opening episode of House of the Dragon. Here, viewers witness Viserys being elected as the new ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

Speaking to "Vulture" a few days ago, HBO boss Casey Bloys shared a sobering update on the second "House of the Dragon" season. Bloys revealed that the new episodes of the show will not be released in 2023. The CEO of HBO expects a release "sometime in 2024".