Game of Thrones may need been one of many largest exhibits to ever grace a tv display, but it surely was not with out its points. In addition to followers being upset at how the story ended, the present was rightfully criticized about its usually unflattering portrayals of ladies and its lack of range, to call simply two issues. Now, within the present’s first spinoff sequence House of the Dragon, these complaints are being handled head-on, and a brand new interview lastly breaks down precisely how.

It was already pretty evident how House of the Dragon would cope with the franchise’s portrayal of ladies, and that’s by placing them entrance and middle of the present. The primary characters are Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, two characters who’ll be portrayed at a number of ages by a number of actors, representing the core battle on the present. Beyond that, in a interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik defined the primary method the present would give Westeros some much-wanted, very welcome range, and it’s by going towards George R.R. Martin’s guide. Kind of.

Besides the Targaryens, one of many different main homes in House of the Dragon are the Velaryons and, with one or two exceptions, the present will painting them as “as wealthy Black rulers marked by flowing silver dreads,” in keeping with the EW piece. That’s not how they’re described within the books, however when the showrunners have been speaking to Martin about the present, the creator revealed that he as soon as toyed with the thought of the Velaryons being black, and so they ran with the thought.

“It was very important for Miguel and I to create a show that was not another bunch of white people on the screen,” Condal informed the journal. “We wanted to find a way to put diversity in the show, but we didn’t want to do it in a way that felt like it was an afterthought or, worse, tokenism.”

The Velaryons are essential to the present as a result of they’ve a professional declare to the Throne. Lord Corlys Velaryon, performed by Steve Toussaint, is married to Rhaenys Targaryen—the King’s sister and the one who ought to be ruling, however was handed over as a result of she’s a lady. Which won’t be the case for her niece, Rhaenyra. It’s an entire factor.

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We may be getting extra of the Velaryons too. Corlys is also known as “The Sea Snake,” named after his ship, and a prequel present about him and his rule over the seas of Westeros has been in growth for some time. That means the choice to include individuals of colour into this present might stream down into others and create a way more correct depiction of the world, it doesn’t matter what period it’s set in.

Read a lot, rather more about House of the Dragon in EW’s excellent feature. It’s chock stuffed with goodies.

Want extra io9 information? Check out when to anticipate the most recent Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s subsequent for the DC Universe on movie and TV, and every part it’s worthwhile to learn about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.