When it comes to adaptations, there are bound to be some changes from the source material, and in certain cases, they do end up elevating the experience. However, in most cases, shifting from the original does the opposite of amplifying the experience for viewers. While for the most part, House of the Dragon has been successful in translating certain things from George R.R. Martin’s works and has reignited the spark of the IP among fans, it isn’t immune to issues.
Although the showrunners did attempt to cram in as much material from the books as possible, following the nature of TV, not everything made its way to the small screen. Reflecting on it, fans aren’t happy about being robbed of one crucial scene in season 2.
The Show Skips Through Most of Jace’s Meeting with Cregan in Winterfell
In the books, when Jacaerys Targaryen visited Cregan Stark in Winterfell, it is revealed that the two spent a prolonged period together before the latter pledged his men to fight for Team Black. However, the details about their time together vary from source to source, with one claiming that the two spent their time together training, hunting, and drinking, and eventually swore an oath of brotherhood.
Another unlikely claim involves Jace challenging Cregan’s faith in the Old Gods, while another variation tells that Jace bedded and wedded Sara Snow, Cregan’s bastard half-sister.
While the adaptation sees them coming to an agreement, it skips through it quickly, and fans aren’t happy about being robbed of the crucial moments between Jace and Cregan from the books.
Some reactions on Reddit read:
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Considering how pivotal his visit to Winterfell is in the books, it’s easy to see fans are furious about the show skipping through most of it.
Harry Collett’s Revelation About His Game of Thrones Knowledge
While fans expect the actors and creators involved in an adaptation to be well-versed in the source material, this isn’t the case for Harry Collett. Although he did great with the material he was given in season 2, the actor has yet to read George R. R. Martin‘s novels. During a sit-down with the rest of his HotD cast, Collett shared that he has only read Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, which reasonably took his co-stars by surprise.
I’m going to say “The hungry games”, you know, that’s the only book I’ve read ever
Elaborating on this revelation, Collett clarified he isn’t much of a reader, but despite not being educated about Martin’s novels, it didn’t hamper his performance in the show.
House of the Dragon is available to stream on Max.
