Music Observer

Monica Lewinsky Suggests Beyoncé to Scrub Lyric About Her in ‘Partition’

With Beyoncé editing lyrics, Monica Lewinsky asks a favor. 

Former White House intern Lewinsky, who was tangled in a sex scandal with then-President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, took to Twitter to announce that Beyoncé pulled out an ableist comment from the track “Heated” on her latest album Renaissance with a request. 

“uhmm, while we’re at it… #Partition,” wrote Lewinsky. 

“Partition” is a song from the superstar’s 2013 self-titled album – her fifth studio album. In the track, Beyoncé sings that a man “Monica Lewinsky’d all on my gown.” 

Clinton and then-22-year-old Lewinsky’s affair eventually resulted in Clinton’s impeachment in 1998 and a fiery argument about consent and abuse of power. 

In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper in 2021, Lewinsky said, “what’s really important to remember in today’s world is that we never should have even gotten to a place where consent was a question.” 

“So, it was wholly inappropriate as the most powerful man, my boss, 49 years old,” she stated. 

“I was 22, literally just out of college. And I think that the power differentials there are something that couldn’t ever fathom consequences at 22 that I understand obviously so differently at 48.” 

Beyoncé has approved an erasure from her song “Heated” this week – a reference that is thought to be shaming people with spastic cerebral palsy after a public uproar. 

Media outlets have tapped Beyoncé for comment on Lewinsky’s suggestion. 

Read also: Beyoncé Reveals Renaissance Tracklist Along with Songwriter Credits

Monica Lewinsky: A Presidential Scandal Story

Monica Lewinsky was 22 years old when it happened. Former President Bill Clinton confessed to their affair during her time at the White House in 1995 and 1996. 

The affair, as well as its reverberation, became commonly known as the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. 

After it was publicly revealed, Lewinsky earned international celebrity status. She then launched into a series of ventures, including a line of handbags under her name, acting as an advertising spokesperson for a diet plan, and serving as a television personality. 

Sometime later, Lewinsky stepped away from the spotlight to strive for a master’s degree in psychology in a school in London. 

She came back in 2014 as a social activist to raise awareness and fight against cyberbullying.

Read also: Beyoncé Joins the TikTok Craze, Thanking Fans for Celebrating New Single

Michael Fishman Discusses Exit from The Connors

Michael Fishman shares his surprising takeoff from The Conners spin-off in front of the fifth season.

A statement from Fishman’s team to PEOPLE indicates that it was his call to leave the show.

“While I was told I would not be returning for season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn, and develop,” Fishman stated in a part of a long reply statement. 

“I was incredibly lucky to return home and demonstrate my expansion. As I venture into the world to build the future, I send tremendous love and success to everyone involved in production.” 

Fishman originally appeared as D.J. Conner on Roseanne in 1988 and stayed on for nine seasons of the sitcom until it ended in 1997.

He then returned with veteran co-stars such as Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf for a 2018 revival season on ABC before the show was revamped by the network known as The Conners after disputes have circulated around Barr.

EW noted on Monday that Fishman won’t be returning to The Connors for the upcoming fifth season, but a future guest appearance is likely and plausible.

“It has been my honor to play D.J. Conner. It’s every actor’s dream to be a series regular, especially on a groundbreaking show, where we tackle significant topics,” Fishman said. 

“The opportunity to do comedy and drama alongside iconic castmates, while reaching fans in meaningful ways has profoundly impacted my life. I am proud of the work I did as part of Roseanne and The Conners. Especially the privilege of playing a Military Veteran, Interracial Spouse, and the father of a Biracial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey.” 

The actor said, “I pride myself on professionalism, building lifelong connections, and making meaningful friends through production. Demonstrating my skills through the first few years of The Conners, culminating in the opportunity to direct ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Election vs. The Pandemic.’ 

“That successful collaboration earned me four more opportunities as a director last season. I achieved a dream with lifelong friends, propelling me toward another aspect of my career that comes with endless possibilities.” 

Read also: ‘House of the Dragon’ Does Not Disappoint in its Second Episode

Fishman Sees the Bright Side in This

Goodman, Metcalf, Gilbert, and Lecy Goranson, alongside Emma Kenney, Ames McNamara, and Jay R. Ferguson, will all come back for the fifth season of The Conners. Katey Sagal will also still play the role of Louise, the second wife of Dan. 

Fishman remains to be positive.

“While I wholeheartedly will miss Friday night tapings in front of our loyal audiences, alongside our amazing cast and crew, I am excited for the opportunities coming in the next chapter of my career,” he stated. 

“I have a number of projects I am pitching as a writer and am negotiating my next directing opportunities. Although I no longer have the privilege to portray D.J., my desire, passion, and skill of bringing characters to life as an actor continues. I appreciate all those who support and have supported my work.”

Read also: Never Have I Ever Creators Talk About the Show’s Ending

Arcade Fire Tours Despite Win Butler Allegations

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

Arcade Fire kicked off their world tour in Dublin on Tuesday, just days after the band’s frontman Win Butler received allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to Pitchfork, over the weekend they discovered four people, aged 18 to 23, who claimed the musician was misbehaving. The allegations ranged from sexual assaults to embarrassing sexual text messages and forced touching.

Butler denied such allegations, saying all contacts were mutually agreed.

“I have never touched a woman against her will,” he told Pitchfork. “It is deeply revisionist, and frankly just wrong, for anyone to suggest otherwise.” 

The award-winning artist, who is married to bandmate Régine Chassagne, cited previous struggles with alcohol and depression. He said he was “very sorry to anyone who I have hurt with my behavior.” 

Pitchfork’s survey ran from 2015 to 2020, when Butler was 34 to 39 years old. Anyone who claimed that the wrongdoing had been committed was about ten years younger.

One, who was interviewed by the outlet under the name of Lily using pronouns they/them, said they met the artist at a concert in 2015.

After the show, Butler allegedly touched and kissed them in a vehicle without their consent. At another time, Lily said, right after opening her front door to Butler, “he pinned me up against the wall and was aggressively grabbing my body and sticking his tongue down my throat.” 

According to Butler, he touched Lily’s thigh in the vehicle and the second date was “definitely mutual.”

Read also: Arcade Fire Appears in Saturday Night Live as Musical Guests

Butler Has Abused Many

A woman who identified herself as Stella stated that she began conversing with Butler in 2016 when she was 18 and he was 36 and that she met up with him for a drink. 

She claimed that the Grammy winner then started “repeatedly sending her explicit texts without her consent or reciprocation,” although she expressed her rejection. 

The singer admitted to the sexting but stated that he did not know the messages were not welcome. He claimed to have not recognized the significance of the age gap at the time but could currently see “how it could be overwhelming.” 

In an interview with Pitchfork, Butler’s wife said her husband “has never, and would never, touch a woman without her consent, and I am certain he never did.” 

These allegations have made numerous radio stations in Canada, the band’s native land, halt playing their music.

Read also: Bad Bunny Kisses Two Backup Dancers, Bags MTV VMAs

Meghan Markle and Beyonce Differentiates Diva Definitions

If we’re talking about a diva, a perfect example would be Mariah Carey, the legendary singer-songwriter who popularly burst in a bathtub wearing 6-inch stiletto heels during a televised tour of the house.

Though Carey served and ate the word “diva” – in her own way – Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, hasn’t gotten there yet. Especially when the music icon claims that the Duchess has pleased the audience with “diva moments.”

On an episode of Archetypes, a podcast hosted by Meghan which navigates “the labels and tropes that try to hold women back,” she talks to Carey about the “duality of a diva.” 

Dressed in a sequined evening dress, Carey talks about being raised by a diva (her mother was an opera singer) and how that came to understand the word diva. Carey was torn when Duchess Meghan asked if diva was “a compliment or a criticism.”

“I think it’s both,” she answers. “For me, I think it’s both. I do because I mean, I know the origin of the word.” 

Her mother used this word when talking about someone. But young Carrie wasn’t quite sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. All she knew was that there was a certain “grandeur” to the way her mother used it.

“It’s very much the grandeur of it all, is what I envisioned,” Carey recounts. 

“Glamorized and fabulous and whatever. And then as things evolved, the past 20 years – I don’t know numbers – the diva, they mean you’re a successful woman, usually. But also, forgive me if we’re not allowed to say the B-word, but a B-I-T-C-H. Like, it’s not okay for you to be a boss. It’s not okay for you to be a strong woman, you know what I mean?” 

Carey then throws herself into her harsh upbringing and Meghan insists it was a strong will to be a diva for Carey and see an indication of success where she came from, and that living up to the term for all its not-so-good definitions was some kind of defense mechanism. 

“I agree with you, but I think on top of that, it’s also for laughs,” Carey continued. “Half of it is just for laughs.” 

The podcast discussion is also worth the ear for Carey’s iconic MTV Cribs appearance recordings. 

“Some people took it so seriously when you were in your stilettos and getting in the bath. Everything was all extra and super over-the-top,” Meghan states of that iconic moment, while Carey reminisces memories of growing up in “plenty shacks.” 

“And I think that’s really important for people to remember, that there might be this persona, and yes, the diva thing we can play into. I mean, it’s not something that I connect to, but for you – “ Meghan starts, ahead of Carey interfering. 

“You give us diva moments sometimes, Meghan. Don’t even act like…” Carey jokes, with Meghan gently protesting. 

Carey then clears out: “It’s the visual. It’s the visual. A lot of it is the visual. But let’s pretend that you weren’t so beautiful and didn’t have the whole thing and didn’t often have gorgeous ensembles. You wouldn’t maybe get as much diva.” 

Read also: Laverne Cox Finds Humor in Beyonce Mix-Up

Meghan Not Quite Sure about the Term Diva

Of course, Carey portrays much of a diva for laughs, but during an interview, she walks around her own home in a stunning evening gown because she wants to and can. 

“People strive for divadom,” she says to Meghan. “Revel in it!” 

However, Meghan is obviously ambivalent about doing so. Following the interview, she confesses she was shocked when Mimi referred to her – the Duchess of Sussex, of all people – as a diva. 

“My mind genuinely was just spinning with what nonsense she must have read or clicked on to make her say that,” she admits. “I just kept thinking in that moment, ‘Was my girl crush coming to a quick demise? Does she actually not see me?” 

Meghan adds: “So she must have felt my nervous laughter, and you all would have heard it too, and she jumped right in to make sure I was crystal-clear when she said ‘diva,’ she was talking about the way I dress, the posture, the clothing. The quote-unquote fabulousness, as she sees it. She meant diva as a compliment, but I heard it as a dig.” 

For Carey, the word diva is as cozy as sequins throughout the day. But for Meghan, someone who managed to take down the royal family with an interview with Oprah donning a Giorgio Armani gown, maybe diva hits a tad bit close to home.

Read also: Chris Rock Won’t Host 2023 Oscars

Bob Odenkirk Wants More Action Roles

Bob Odenkirk made a quick transition from Breaking Bad to breaking bones with last year’s action movie Nobody. And now, the 59-year-old actor is hinting that he’s not done kicking ass yet.

During a masterclass at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, Odenkirk explained that he “wants to do more action” projects after he has tasted the genre, according to Deadline Hollywood.

“I was very surprised by Nobody,” Odenkirk stated. “I had initiated that project because I had a feeling that the character I was developing in Better Call Saul was the kind of character you see in an action film. He has earnest desires, and he was willing to sacrifice himself.” 

Nobody, directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by Derek Kolstad, starred Odenkirk as a meek family man who supposedly wages a bloody war after thieves break into his house and threaten his family. 

The movie was a complete transition for Odenkirk, who is widely known for his comedic work and role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, which is now completed.

In addition, Odenkirk revealed that he is keeping himself in shape in case he is recruited for a role that requires more headbutts in the future.

“I still train multiple times a week,” he stated, “and if I get my way, you’re going to see me doing more action. I found the action sequences a great deal of fun and close to doing sketch comedy… It’s almost like people like to see older people lose their s—. Why does that seem to make sense to everyone? It’s funny.” 

Read also: Better Call Saul Episode Where Bob Odenkirk Had a Heart Attack

Action Compared to Comedy

This is not the first time Odenkirk showed his interest in action and its resemblance to comedy. In an interview with EW about Nobody in 2020, Odenkirk compared the set in action movies and his comedic roles.

“The first-bloodying fight sequences were as much fun as being in a comedy room. I mean, I’ve never had that much fun since we wrote Mr. Show. It’s a group effort. Anytime you see a fight sequence in a movie that has a bunch of people, as soon as they yell, ‘Cut!,’ everyone laughs. There’s all this interaction and group problem-solving that goes on.” 

Odenkirk’s comments in Venice also came a month after Nobody showrunner David Leitch teased that a sequel is in the works. 

In an interview with Collider, Leitch said, “I think all of us want to go back and play in that universe, and we want to see Bob bring that character to life again.”

Read also: Bob Odenkirk Reveals a Shocking Detail About Next Week’s Better Call Saul Episode

‘House of the Dragon’ Does Not Disappoint in its Second Episode

House of the Dragon isn’t done pulling in audiences yet, and that might just be until its finale.

Episode 2 of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel drew 10.2 million viewers across all platforms on Sunday night, the network announced Monday. That means there’s a 2% increase over the August 21st premiere, which alone made history as the biggest debut on HBO.

As intriguing as the numbers of the premiere were, they wondered if House of the Dragon would have its momentum until the finale. At this point, the answer is probably yes, to say the least.

Also on Monday, HBO announced that its first episode, “The Heirs of the Dragon,” surpassed 25 million viewers in the United States just one week after its release.

And unsurprisingly, the series is slated for a second season renewal.

In addition, House of the Dragon’s raucous debut seems to boost viewership over its predecessor: Game of Thrones was up 30% last week. Currently in its eighth consecutive week of growth, the original series peaked at No. 2 on HBO Max last week.

House of the Dragon is far from reaching Game of Thrones rating levels at its peak. The original series continually built its audience through word of mouth and critical reviews. So much so that when HBO released the show’s final season in 2019, the final episode attracted 19.3 million viewers.

Read also: House of the Dragon’s Emily Carey Discusses Her Character

House of the Dragon Background

Inspired by George R.R. Martin’s 2018 book Fire and Blood, House of the Dragon happens 200 years prior to Thrones and chronicles the occurrences of the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that erupted between the Targaryens. 

The star-studded cast includes Milly Alcock, Paddy Considine, Emily Carey, Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, Emma D’Arcy, and Olivia Cooke. 

Emily Carey has recently revealed in an interview that she asked co-producer Miguel Sapochnik about the inclusion of a detail that was left out in the first episode of the series: Princess Rhaenyra’s best friend Alicent Hightower, played by Carey, was the woman her father, Viserys, married after her mother, Queen Aemma, died.

Read also: House of the Dragon Producer Says the Show Portrays No Sexual Violence

Best Cafe zupas | Quality Menu | Latest Prices in 2022

About Cafe Zupas

Cafe Zupas is a full-service casual dining restaurant that offers made-from-scratch, authentic Mexican cuisine. Our menu features such traditional dishes as tacos, guacamole, and margaritas with flavors like jalapeño and raspberry that have been reinterpreted for the American palate. With vegan and gluten-free options available, we offer tasty eats from breakfast to late night.

Our scratch-made recipes, including Margarita Mix, Salsa, and Tortilla Chips, allow us to control the quality of our ingredients and ensure that each meal is satisfying and flavorful. Cafe Zupas customers often tell us that they visit again and again because they know they’ll find something new on every visit.

The menu at Cafe Zupas is designed to offer great value for the price. Our Mexican eats are family-friendly but also fit the needs of our more adventurous diners.
Cafe zupas menu prices

Our menu has a broad range of prices to suit diners of all styles and tastes. An average meal at Cafe Zupas will cost about $10 per person, which is less than you would expect to pay at most restaurants. And if you’re in the mood for something on the lighter side, a big bowl of Refreshing Broth with a hearty salad costs less than $7. And vegan and gluten-free options are available as well, so that everyone can enjoy dinner out with us.

Cafe Zupas was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2000 by brothers Roger and Scott Beckstead. They opened the first Cafe Zupas with a simple philosophy: serve food that is fresh and flavorful. Customers were so enthusiastic about their experiences at the small restaurant that they asked for more locations to open—a request the founders were happy to oblige. Today, Cafe Zupas has restaurants all across the West, Central, East and Midwest regions of the United States.

Prices at Cafe Zupas

Prices at Cafe Zupas are in line with those of typical restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, an average meal will cost around $10. Our Mexican food is family-friendly, and a big bowl of Refreshing Broth with a hearty salad will typically cost less than $7—a price that’s hard to beat.

For those who need a quick bite, our menu has plenty of satisfying smaller options. We also offer vegan and gluten-free options, to make everyone’s dining experience with us enjoyable. In addition to pricing, we offer convenient options for online orders and gift certificates to make it easy for you to enjoy Cafe Zupas food when you want it.

Meal Options at Cafe Zupas

At Cafe Zupas, we offer a variety of meal options. We also have vegan and gluten-free options, so that everyone can enjoy an enjoyable experience at our restaurants.

Each meal option is price between $6 and $14. At Cafe Zupas, small plates are available for less than $5. And while our meals are not the cheapest in Salt Lake City, they’re well worth the price because they taste so good.

Why choose Cafe Zupas?

At Cafe Zupas, we strive to give our customers the best experiences possible. We’re dedicated to giving diners a unique dining experience through our food and service. And it’s easy to see why people love eating at Cafe Zupas so much. Food is fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, whether it’s made from scratch or prepared in one of our kitchens.

Our food is also great value. Our meals tend to be a little more costly than your typical restaurant, but they’re well worth the money spent. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh, healthy Mexican food that tastes authentic—not overloaded with salt or made with heavy sauces and fats.

Top 5 Facts About Cafe Zupas

1. Cafe Zupas was found in 2000 by two brothers, Roger and Scott Beckstead. The brothers had previously worked together at the Salt Lake City branch of a small Mexican restaurant chain. At which they learned how to cook authentic Mexican food. Over time, the brothers grew tired of their jobs and decided to open their own restaurant.

2. Roger and Scott Beckstead became partners with their parents in 2002, making them the third generation of the Beckstead family to work for Cafe Zupas.

3.Roger and Scott Beckstead opened the first Cafe Zupas in Sundance Mall. This restaurant is still open today, as a much-loved Salt Lake City favorite.

4. Cafe Zupas has become a beloved Salt Lake City eatery, known for great food and reasonable prices. The brothers created their own menu of craveable Mexican food that leans toward the traditional side of Tex-Mex—tasty, authentic Mexican dishes with flavors that have been reinterpreted for the American palate.

5. Popular favorites at Cafe Zupas include the Refreshing Broth, which is a chilled broth with a bowl of fresh greens and fruit. A big bowl of this hearty dish is price at under $7—a low price for a full meal with salad, soup, and entree. The signature Mango Margarita Mix is also popular, as are menu items like the Cheesy Enchiladas.

Conclusion:

Cafe zupas is the best place for people to get a healthy and tasty Mexican food. Cafe zupas is well known for the quality of it’s food and service. It has really good customer service that makes the customers feel welcomed. The quality of the food makes us come back time after time to eat at cafe zupas.

Dave Chappelle Discusses Will Smith’s Slap of Chris Rock

Dave Chappelle has given his take on Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock at this year’s Oscars, breaking away from the revered Hollywood persona the actor had developed over decades.

While Chappelle and Rock were on a joint comedy tour in Liverpool, England, on Thursday, Chappelle stated, “Will did the impression of a perfect person for 30 years, and he ripped his mask off and showed us he was as ugly as the rest of us,” per The Telegraph report. 

However, the comedy star went on to say he doesn’t want Smith to rebuild a facade.

“Whatever the consequences are… I hope he doesn’t put his mask back on again and lets his real face breathe,” Chappelle stated, noting, “I see myself in both men.” 

In addition, Chappelle joked that during Smith’s slap of Rock, before earning one of Hollywood’s most coveted accolades, he acted like he was in his hometown.

“A lot of people forget who Will Smith is,” he stated. “The 10 minutes before he was about to get the biggest award… he acted like he was back in Philadelphia.” 

Smith took home the Best Actor Oscar after hitting Rock, who joked about Smith’s bald-headed wife Jada Pinkett Smith. (Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia.)

The actor received the Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the patriarch of Venus and Serena Williams, in King Richard.

Read also: Will Smith’s Friends and Family Remain Strong in Their Support for the Actor After Jada Pinkett’s Controversial Statements

Chappelle Has a Point

In an emotional acceptance speech, he expressed his apologies to the Academy for the slapping incident and tried to explain his actions. 

“Love will make you do crazy things,” he said. However, there was no mention of Rock’s name. 

Merely days after the incident, Smith expressed his apologies to Rock on social media and withdrew from the Academy. He also posted a video showing him talking about the controversy in July. 

On Thursday during the show, Rock also mentioned the incident, allegedly saying Smith “hit me over a bulls— joke, the nicest joke I ever told.” 

The comic, 57, has refused to speak about the incident much. However, he did say last month that he was recruited to host the Oscars for next year, and he rejected it. 

In May, Rock attended the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, where Chappelle was also attacked on stage. 

Thursday was the first of three UK shows on Chappelle and Rock’s tour.

Read also: Willow Smith Says She ‘Love and Accept’ Family ‘For All Their Humanness’

The Weeknd Stops SoFi Stadium Show After Losing His Voice

The Weeknd suddenly stopped his second Los Angeles show on Saturday – it was a sold-out show – following his losing his voice. 

The Grammy-winner, known as Abel Tesfaye by birth, halted the show at SoFi Stadium around four tracks into his set and sent out his apologies to attendees for the abrupt turn of events. 

“This is killing me,” he said. “I don’t want to stop the show, but I can’t give you the concert that I want to give you right now.” 

He added, “I’m going to make sure everybody’s good, get your money back, and I’ll do a show real soon for you guys, but I wanted to come out and personally apologize and not tweet it or Instagram it.

“I wanted you guys to know that I can’t give you what I want to give you. I apologize. I’m so sorry. I love you guys so much.” 

In a statement posted on Twitter later that night, the musician claimed he was “devastated.” 

“My voice went out during the first song, and I’m devastated,” the apologetic artist said, “Felt it go, and my heart stopped. My deepest apologies to my fans here.” 

The Weeknd promised to make it up to his fans with a new date soon. 

Read also: The Weeknd Appears in HBO Max’s The Idol Alongside Many Huge Personalities

SoFi Chaos

A concert-goer said it was chaos after the cancellation, stressing that SoFi staff scurried for a mass exit that happened sooner than they expected. 

The Weeknd started the first concert at the SoFi Stadium on Friday, the newest leg of his After Hours Til Dawn Tour. The first night in Los Angeles gave an appearance from his Idol co-actor Lili-Rose Depp, who presented the singer while in character, referring to the weekend as his character’s name, Tedros. 

“I’ve had a tough year, and there were moments where I didn’t know I was going to make it,” Depp stated, per Billboard reports. 

“But then I thought of you and your grace. Tonight is incredibly special, because I have the opportunity to introduce you to the love of my life – the man who pulled me through the darkest hours and into the light. Tedros, will you please join us?” 

The following dates for the tour will be at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on September 22 and 23.

Read also: The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ Is Now the Longest-Charting Song Ever at 88 Weeks and Counting on the Billboard Hot 100

HOTD Co-Producer Miguel Sapochnik Steps Down

The latest twist of the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon takes place not in front of the camera, but behind the scenes.

Miguel Sapochnik, who came on board as a co-producer on HBO’s new fantasy drama, suddenly withdrew from his position, leaving House of the Dragon co-showrunner Ryan Condal as the show’s sole producer.

Sapochnik is known for directing some of the favorite episodes of the original Game of Thrones series, such as “Hardhome” and “Battle of the Bastards”. He also directed the first three episodes of House of the Dragon, including the debut premiere episode.

A source close to the production revealed to EW that Sapochnik needed a well-deserved break after years of working with the Thrones franchise. However, he will still be part of HOTD as an executive producer.

While Sapochnik has stepped down, another Thrones veteran, Alan Taylor, will serve as executive producer aboard the House of the Dragon ship for season two. Taylor is expected to direct many episodes.

Read also: ‘House of the Dragon’ Does Not Disappoint in its Second Episode

Sapochnik Contributed a Lot to HOTD

“Working within the GOT universe for the past few years has been an honor and a privilege, especially spending the last two with the amazing cast and crew of House of the Dragon,” Sapochnik told EW. 

“I am so proud of what we accomplished with season 1 and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers. It was incredibly tough to decide to move on, but I know that it is the right choice for me, personally and professionally.

“As I do so, though, I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series. He’s someone I’ve known and respected for a long time, and I believe this precious series could not be in safer hands. I am so glad to remain a part of the HBO and House of the Dragon family and, of course, I wish Ryan and his team success and all the best with season 2 and beyond.” 

Taylor said of his entry to the show: “It’s a pleasure and an honor to be back at HBO, immersing myself in the world of the Targaryens; I look forward to working closely with Ryan as House of the Dragon grows into a second season.

“Ryan, Miguel, and George [R. R. Martin] have launched an extraordinary story in a rich and fascinating world. Returning to Westeros will be a huge undertaking, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.” 

House of the Dragon launches new episodes every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max.

Read also: House of the Dragon’s Emily Carey Discusses Her Character