George R.R. Martin Comments On Game Of Thrones Prequel House Of The Dragon

George R.R. Martin has commented on House of the Dragon, the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel scheduled to premiere in 2022 as one of the year's most-anticipated new shows. Posting on his website, Martin revealed that he saw a rough cut of the first episode and he came away very impressed.

"I've seen a rough cut of the first episode. And loved it. It's dark, it's powerful, it's visceral… just the way I like my epic fantasy," he said.

Martin praised showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sopochnik for doing an "amazing job" with the series. Martin added that the cast is excellent as well, even if you don't necessarily know all the actors.

"Just as with Game of Thrones, most viewers will only have heard of a few of the actors, but I think you are going to fall in love with a lot of them. (Only to have your heart broken later when… but no, that would be telling)," he said. "I think the Targaryens are in very good hands."

"Anticipate away. I do not think you will be disappointed."

Set hundreds of years before Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon follows the drama involving the House Targaryen. "As King Viserys (Paddy Considine) reaches the end of his reign, a brutal battle for succession kicks off between his beloved daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and his second wife Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), who wants the throne for her sons," reads a line from the show's description.

Doctor Who's Matt Smith and Harry Potter actor Rhys Ifans also star in the series. The show is coming to HBO Max in 2022 but a specific release date hasn't been announced.