Rian Johnson, the acclaimed director known for his work in both film and television, has shared a regret that has lingered with him for over a decade: the chance to direct an episode of the popular series Game of Thrones. Despite his close relationship with the showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Johnson says he came close but ultimately missed the directing opportunity while the show was still airing. Throughout his career, he has experienced many successes, yet this particular moment remains a notable “what if.”
Insights from a Career-Spanning Interview
In a recent conversation with Rolling Stone to coincide with the end of Poker Face Season 2, Johnson reflected on various turning points in his professional journey. Among these, he highlighted his breakthrough directing the critically acclaimed Breaking Bad episode “Ozymandias,” while also expressing disappointment over not returning to direct any episodes of the prequel Better Call Saul. When mentioning projects he wished he could have taken on, he immediately brought up Game of Thrones.
There was a moment where my buddies Dan [Weiss] and Dave [Benioff] were doing Game of Thrones. They usually shoot those in blocks, so it’s a commitment of six months or something,
Johnson explained.
But there was one stand-alone episode, and there was a moment where I was like, ‘Oh, could that work?’ And then it didn’t. There’s heartbreaks that come along now and then. But again, who knows long long I’ll be able to do what I’m doing?
—Rian Johnson, Director
When and Why the Directing Opportunity Was Lost
Johnson’s near-involvement with Game of Thrones dates back to around 2012, as he revealed in an earlier interview with The Playlist. He indicated that during the series’ second season, he had intended to direct an episode but was prevented by commitments to editing his film Looper. Given that Game of Thrones premiered in 2011 and Season 2 aired from April to June 2012, the timing suggests his chance fell within that timeframe.
Johnson suggested that the episode he almost directed was a standalone one, which fits the pattern of Game of Thrones production that utilized different directors rotating through batches of episodes. Whether he would have directed a grand spectacle such as the birth of Daenerys’ dragons or the Battle of Blackwater remains unknown, as he might have also been slated for a more intimate story-focused installment.
Contextualizing the Standalone Episodes in Season Two
Game of Thrones season two featured several directors who worked on multiple episodes. Among them were Tim Van Patten, Brian Kirk, Daniel Minahan, Alan Taylor, Alik Sakharov, David Petrarca, David Nutter, and Neil Marshall. Notably, Sakharov and Marshall each directed only one episode, corresponding to Season 2, Episode 3,
“What Is Dead May Never Die,”
and Season 2, Episode 9, “Blackwater,” respectively. These single-episode assignments align with Johnson’s description of a standalone episode he nearly helmed.
The series was known for its rigorous shooting schedules, often requiring directors to commit to months of intensive work, which may explain Johnson’s hesitation as well as the scheduling conflict with his film post-production duties.
Potential Impact and Future Possibilities for Johnson in Westeros
Although Johnson missed the chance to direct an episode during the original run of Game of Thrones, this has not prevented him from accomplishing other notable work in television and film. The show, meanwhile, continued to thrive without his involvement, building a vast and passionate following. However, the expanding world of Game of Thrones and its spinoffs suggest that Johnson might still have a chance to become involved.
Upcoming series such as the spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set to premiere in 2026, and House of the Dragon’s third season planned for later that year, indicate that HBO is continuing to invest heavily in the franchise. Several other projects related to the franchise remain in development, potentially offering Johnson another opportunity to contribute to the rich lore of Westeros.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Rian Johnson direct Star Wars episode 8?
A. After releasing his third movie, “Looper,” Rian Johnson met with Kathleen Kennedy, who was the new president of Lucasfilm. During a second meeting, Johnson was invited to direct Episode VIII of the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
