Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJacob StolworthyMonday 03 August 2026 12:09 BSTHouse of the Dragon season three trailerHouse of the Dragon director Nina Lopez-Corrado has defended the show's continued deviations from George RR Martin's source material, stating that the changes help evolve character storylines and enhance the upcoming season three finale.Specific changes include a less formidable portrayal of Helaena Targaryen, who is shown confidently astride Dreamfyre in a vision, and the kidnapping of Corlys Velaryon by Ormund Hightower, alongside his rift with Rhaenyra.Author George RR Martin has distanced himself from the HBO prequel, detailing his issues with showrunner Ryan Condal over 'larger and more toxic' amendments, and expressing that he had a 'pretty wretched year' due to the changes.Showrunner Ryan Condal called Martin's criticism 'disappointing', explaining that the original Fire & Blood book is an 'incomplete history' requiring creative interpretation and invention for the screen adaptation.Condal added that he made efforts to include Martin in the adaptation process, but the author became 'unwilling to acknowledge the practical issues' of production, forcing Condal to prioritise the show's progression for the cast, crew and HBO.In fullHouse of the Dragon director defends book changes after George RR Martin criticismMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in