Adam Prescott, the storyboard artist of House of the Dragon recently revealed on Instagram that the HBO series had an alternate ending to season 1. This alternate ending was slightly different from what we were shown, but whether or not it was better, is for the fans to decide. In the ending sequence, House of the Dragon was going to show cut scenes of Syrax, as they did during Rhaenyra’s ghastly miscarriage.
Season one of the Game of Thrones prequel spinoff was indisputably popular. Each episode of House of the Dragon has been a fan favourite, including the deleted sequences. This one clip teases one of the original ending scenes envisioned by episode 10 director Greg Yaitanes. Let’s look at what this scene was, and how House of the Dragon season 1 could have ended.
House of the Dragon Season 1 Alternate Ending Revealed By Storyboard Artist Adam Prescott
In the scene of the conversation, Daemon Targaryen enters the Throne Room at Dragonstone, where Rhaenyra is seated on the throne. He approaches her and informs her about Lucerys’ death, and she screams. Yes, her reaction is more suited to the books of being emotionally charged. Then Daemon notices the blazing look of rage in her eyes. Syrax emerges from the shadows as the scene changes. The brilliantly detailed Syrax sequence, first shown in the promotional teaser for House of the Dragon season 1, regrettably could not make the final cut.
Syrax emerges from the depths of a cave, symbolizing the awakening of a dragon in Rhaenyra. Syrax’s response shot is still present in the season finale of House of the Dragon. In the final production, though, she screams and roars as Rhaenyra gives birth unexpectedly, clearly feeling her rider’s sorrow. The rest of the scenario, on the other hand, is considerably more subdued in comparison to the storyboard.
House of the Dragon Season Finale Ending Explained
The closing scene’s quiet conveyed as many, if not more, emotions than the scream. Matt Smith came up with the idea for the last shot without conversation. While we would have liked to see a close-up shot of Syrax, the season ended in a positive manner with Rhaenyra’s angry look. Queen Rhaenyra practically is open to war with a single look at the audience after trying to protect the kingdoms from violence all episode long.
Verdict: The Actual Ending Is Better
Finally, the final produced version of the House of the Dragon ending sequence is better than the storyboard. The struggle revolves around Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, and the final version retains the emphasis on Queen Rhaenyra instead of a CGI dragon, which is a touch too obvious.
Now that House of the Dragon’s time leaps and recasts are finally completed, it feels appropriate to wrap up the season, which mostly served as a foreshadowing of future events around Rhaenyra. It solidified her character for the remainder of the series. The symbolism is clear even without the presence of a dragon.
Anyway, why do you think that House of the Dragon showrunners decided to modify the ending sequence?
