HBO Relocates Game of Thrones Prequel Due to Flood
Filmogaz.com confirms that filming for HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel paused in April after severe flooding struck Gran Canaria. Storm Therese produced the heaviest rains the island has seen in 15 years. The deluge submerged parts of the Presa de las Niñas reservoir and damaged production structures.
Flooding and immediate damage
Sets intended to represent drought-ravaged countryside were flooded. Physical constructions were left underwater and rendered unusable. Production teams reported large sections of the location inaccessible.
Raúl García Brink, environment councilor for the Gran Canaria Island Council, said the area was booked from February 23 to May 15, 2026. Authorities require an action plan for set removal and environmental cleanup once waters fall.
Production response and relocation
HBO relocates key filming operations to the drier Peninsula region of mainland Spain. The move aims to protect the schedule and keep creative continuity. Crew, cast, and equipment were moved and new locations scouted quickly.
The production had previously moved from Belfast, Ireland, to Gran Canaria to capture the season’s drought imagery. Ironically, extreme rainfall made the chosen site unsuitable within weeks.
Logistics and planning
Relocating a large television production involves extensive logistics. Set designers, location scouts, and logistics coordinators worked to match the original visual direction. HBO also must submit cleanup and removal plans to local authorities.
Cast, story and production timeline
Season 2 follows Dunk and Egg as they navigate drought and political conflict. Peter Claffey plays Ser Duncan the Tall. Dexter Sol Ansell portrays Egg. New additions include Lucy Boynton, Peter Mullan, and Babou Ceesay.
Season 1 streamed from January 18 to February 22, 2026. Season 2 planned to finish filming by mid-May 2026. HBO has said the 2027 premiere window remains unchanged.
Industry reaction and outlook
Industry analysts call the shutdown a temporary setback rather than a crisis. Post-production reportedly continues on schedule. HBO executives say built-in production flexibility helped limit long-term disruption.
Real-world weather events affected the shoot and highlighted production vulnerabilities. Still, the studio and creative teams are working to preserve the season’s narrative and look.
What fans can expect
- Season 1 remains available to stream on HBO Max.
- House of the Dragon Season 3 is expected in summer 2026.
- The studio maintains the 2027 release target for the prequel.
The flooding forced swift changes, but showrunners insist the story of Dunk and Egg will continue. Fans can expect updates as filming resumes in mainland Spain.
