Showrunner Miguel Sapochnik says House of the Dragon could explore different eras of the Targaryen dynasty after season 1. Based on George R.R. Martin's series of fantasy novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones premiered on HBO in 2011. Audiences were first introduced to the dragon-riding Targaryen family via Daenerys and her brother Viserys—the children of the Mad King, Aerys II, who was overthrown by Robert Baratheon with a little help from Ned Stark.

Following Dany becoming the Mad Queen, and her subsequent death in Game of Thrones’ 2019 finale, there’s much more Westeros on the horizon for HBO Max. Several live-action (not to mention animated) spin-offs are in development, including a Jon Snow sequel, an adaptation of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Tales of Dunk and Egg), shows focused on the Sea Snake’s nine voyages, Flea Bottom, and this year’s House of the Dragon—which is loosely based on Martin’s Fire and Blood, detailing the Targaryen’s history. Season 1 of the series will take place 200 years before Game of Thrones, consist of 10 episodes, and follow the family during a civil war known as the “Dance of Dragons.”

In an interview with EW at San Diego Comic-Con, Sapochnik discussed House of the Dragon’s future beyond the Dance of Dragons. When asked if Martin’s Fire and Blood could facilitate an anthology format for the series, the co-showrunner/writer said “absolutely.’ Read the full quote below:

"Absolutely. I think that's one of the interesting things about the Targaryens. We've chosen a story that's almost like Star Wars: Episode IV. It's the New Hope. We can go backwards, we can go forwards. There's a lot of opportunities there. I hope we've been given the opportunity to set up something."

As previously mentioned, Fire and Blood details the Targaryen dynasty—from Aegon I’s conquest of Westeros’ Seven Kingdoms to the reign of Aegon III. If House of the Dragon season 1 wraps up its Dance of Dragons storyline, subsequent seasons could jump around throughout history, focusing on characters while allowing in-demand actors like Matt Smith to return. This approach could prove a refreshing departure from Game of Thrones’ linear model, making House of the Dragon all the more expansive, and worthy of its namesake. Instead of simply being a story about the Targaryens during a specific era, the series would evolve into the family’s manifesto, ending with Dany and Jon. Furthermore, it would negate comparisons to the flagship series’ stakes.

House of The Dragon season 2 is very likely but HBO has yet to officially renew the series. Sapochnik and company's plan for a sophomore season is unclear. His Star Wars comparison suggests that the series could continue the story of its first season, jump forward in time, or both. Following Game of Thrones’ divisive final season and a handful of canceled/rejected spinoffs, House of the Dragon season 1 will serve as a litmus test for the franchise's future. In the end, the fans will decide what House of the Dragon becomes when it premieres on HBO on August 21st.