Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Bryan Cogman

Bryan Cogman (born July 25, 1979) is an American television writer and producer best known for his long-term contributions to the fantasy series , where he wrote 11 episodes and advanced from story editor to co-executive producer over the show's eight-season run. Born in , , Cogman initially pursued acting, training at the as part of its drama division from 1997 to 2001, before transitioning to writing and production roles in television. Cogman's involvement with Game of Thrones began in 2008 when he was hired as an assistant to showrunners and , a position that evolved into scriptwriting starting with Season 1's "" and culminating in Season 8's acclaimed "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms." His episodes often highlighted character-driven narratives, such as the tense family dynamics in Season 3's "" and the political intrigue in Season 5's "The Gift," earning praise for fidelity to George R. R. Martin's source material while adapting complex plots for screen. As co-executive producer in later seasons, Cogman contributed to the series' production oversight, helping secure four for Outstanding Drama Series in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, along with a for Dramatic Presentation and multiple nominations. Beyond , Cogman has expanded his portfolio in fantasy and adventure genres, serving as a consulting producer and on the first season of Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022), where he helped develop scripts for its epic scope. In 2020, he signed a multiyear overall deal with (eOne) to create scripted television and new media projects, including a contemporary adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's . By 2023, Cogman was announced as , , and for a reimagined series on Disney+, starring and aiming to blend action with cultural depth in a modern retelling of the classic tale. His work consistently emphasizes strong character arcs and world-building, establishing him as a key figure in prestige television's fantasy landscape.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C.

Bryan Cogman was born on July 25, 1979, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. During his childhood, Cogman relocated with his family to the Washington, D.C. area when his father became Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Dewey Bartlett (R-OK), settling in Montgomery County, Maryland. From an early age, Cogman displayed a strong interest in and , having acted since he was a young child and even writing his first adaptation—a version of —at the age of five in 1984. His passion for theater, film, and television was nurtured through these early creative pursuits, influenced by the cultural opportunities in his changing environments from to the D.C. suburbs. Cogman attended Winston Churchill High School in , where he graduated in the class of 1997. At the school, he became actively involved in the robust drama program, participating in monthly productions including fall plays, spring musicals, and student-directed and student-written works, which further shaped his early affinity for theater.

Formal education and acting beginnings

Cogman enrolled at The Juilliard School's Drama Division in 1997 immediately after high school graduation and earned a (BFA) in Acting in 2001 as part of Group 30. During his training, he studied under notable instructors including Michael Kahn, who served as director of the Drama Division from 1992 to 2006, emphasizing rigorous classical techniques and ensemble performance. Cogman participated in student productions such as the 1999 presentation of Four One-Acts, alongside classmates including , , and , which showcased his early development in ensemble theater. Following graduation, Cogman pursued acting primarily in New York City's theater scene, taking on roles in and regional productions. Notable appearances included ensemble work in the 2001 New York Shakespeare Festival production of Shakespeare's at the in and the role of Sir in a touring production of Richard III with The Acting Company. By around 2006, Cogman relocated to with his wife to expand his acting opportunities, continuing with Shakespearean roles in local theater.

Professional career

Transition from acting to writing

After training as an actor at the from 1997 to 2001, Bryan Cogman pursued stage work in before relocating to to perform Shakespeare, where gaps between roles prompted him to explore writing as a creative outlet. He began self-educating in by drafting original scripts, initially with the intention of starring in them himself, drawing inspiration from performers like who successfully transitioned into writing and directing. Cogman's entry into professional writing opportunities came in 2007 through a personal connection: his wife, Mandy, worked as a nanny for David Benioff's children, allowing Cogman to visit their home while refining a pilot script he had been developing. Benioff, impressed by the script during one such visit, offered detailed feedback and encouragement, marking the start of their . This interaction led Benioff to facilitate Cogman's first industry role as a writers' assistant on the NBC drama My Own Worst Enemy, which premiered in 2008 and starred . In this assistant position, Cogman gained hands-on exposure to the collaborative script development process in a television , analyzing drafts and contributing notes under guidance from Jason Smilovic. He continued honing his skills independently by dissecting professional scripts and iterating on personal writing projects during off-hours, building a foundational understanding of structure, dialogue, and revision without formal writing training. His acting experience provided practical insight into character motivations and performance, aiding his shift toward crafting narratives from behind the camera. By late 2008, Benioff recruited Cogman as his , positioning him to observe script editing and production planning on early projects, including uncredited contributions to pilot revisions that sharpened his technical proficiency. This role solidified his transition, transforming informal script tinkering into structured professional involvement in high-profile development.

Work on Game of Thrones

Bryan Cogman joined the production of HBO's in 2008 as an assistant to showrunners and , later contributing as a starting with Season 1. His deep familiarity with George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series quickly positioned him as a key asset in the early adaptation process. By Season 5, Cogman had been promoted to co-executive producer, a role he held through later seasons until the series' conclusion in 2019, overseeing script development and production elements alongside his writing duties. Over the course of eight seasons, Cogman penned 11 episodes, more than any other writer except Benioff and Weiss, contributing significantly to the series' narrative structure. Notable examples include "" (Season 4, Episode 2), which featured the infamous Purple Wedding; "" (Season 5, Episode 8), depicting a pivotal battle against the ; and "Beyond the Wall" (Season 7, Episode 6), centering on Jon Snow's desperate mission north of . These episodes highlighted his skill in balancing high-stakes action with character-driven moments, often drawing directly from Martin's source material while condensing complex plotlines for television. Cogman's role in adapting A Song of Ice and Fire extended beyond scripting, as he focused on fleshing out character arcs to suit the medium's demands. He played a central part in developing the trajectories of and , adapting scenes such as their sibling arguments in early seasons to underscore themes of family division and resilience. For instance, in Season 1's "," Cogman incorporated Arya and Sansa's debate over searching for rubies from Ned Stark's execution, emphasizing their contrasting personalities and the Stark family's unraveling. His contributions ensured fidelity to the books' emotional depth while streamlining subplots for episodic pacing. In 2012, Cogman authored the companion book Inside HBO's Game of Thrones, covering Seasons 1 and 2 with insights into the production process, including script breakdowns, set design, and actor preparations. The volume, featuring a preface by , offered fans a detailed look at the challenges of adapting the expansive fantasy world, such as reconciling book timelines with on-screen visuals. He later authored additional volumes covering Seasons 3 and 4 (2014) and Seasons 5 and 6 (2016). From 2011 to 2019, Cogman was instrumental in the dynamics, serving as the unofficial "lore master" and aiding in episode breakdowns by creating reference documents on Westerosi history, mythology, and character backstories. He collaborated closely with Benioff and Weiss to outline seasons, often suggesting expansions like non-point-of-view scenes involving and Littlefinger to enrich political intrigue. This collaborative approach helped maintain narrative cohesion across the series' sprawling ensemble, even as the team diverged from unpublished books in later seasons.

Projects after Game of Thrones

Following the conclusion of Game of Thrones in 2019, Bryan Cogman transitioned to new opportunities in fantasy and adventure television production. In 2019, he joined Amazon Studios as a consulting producer on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, where he contributed to world-building and provided script consultations for the first season. In December 2020, Cogman signed a multiyear overall deal with Entertainment One (eOne), relocating from a prior agreement with Amazon to develop scripted television and new media projects, including a contemporary adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo, though specific titles under this pact remain limited in public detail with no recent updates as of 2025. Cogman's subsequent television work includes his role as , , and on Disney Branded Television's reimagined series for Disney+, announced in March 2023 and starring as the titular hero; as of November 2025, the project remains in development without a confirmed release date. During the later years of his tenure, Cogman made a brief as an insurance adjustor in the 2016 episode "The Gang Goes to Hell: Part Two" of , highlighting crossovers between his professional circles in ensemble comedy and fantasy drama.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Cogman married actress and producer Mandy Olsen on July 31, 2004. The couple has three children, Sadie Cogman, Rafe Cogman, and Jake Cogman, born after their marriage; exact birth dates remain private. Cogman and his family maintain a low public profile, with few details shared about their , underscoring a commitment to .

Connections to the entertainment industry

Cogman's entry into the entertainment industry was facilitated by his wife, , who served as a for David Benioff's daughter, leading to an initial meeting where Cogman discussed his adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. This connection evolved into a long-term professional collaboration with Benioff and , beginning with his role as their assistant on in 2008. His working ties extended to the broader Game of Thrones cast and crew, forged through years of collaborative production. Notably, Cogman developed a close professional relationship with , who handpicked him to develop a Game of Thrones prequel pitch for and praised him as someone who "really gets it." Post-, Cogman has remained active in industry networks, including as a member of the , where he received multiple nominations for his work on the series and commented on the 2023 strike negotiations. He has participated in events such as a February 2025 interview reflecting on his trajectory from acting to writing in fantasy genres.

Awards and recognition

Emmy Awards

Bryan Cogman earned four for Outstanding Drama Series as part of the production team on , reflecting his contributions as a and across multiple seasons. For the fifth season in 2015, Cogman was credited as a , helping secure the series' first win in the after previous nominations. In 2016, serving as supervising for the sixth season, he contributed to the show's second consecutive victory. The series claimed the award again in 2018 for its seventh season, with Cogman listed as co-executive producer. Cogman's final Emmy came in 2019 for the eighth and concluding season, again as co-executive producer, following nominations for the that year. These wins highlighted the collective acclaim for , which received nominations for Outstanding Drama Series in each of its eight seasons. Cogman's role extended beyond production credits; he wrote pivotal episodes in the award-winning seasons, including "" (Season 5), "" (Season 6), "" (Season 7), and "" (Season 8), episodes that advanced key character arcs and plot developments central to the series' narrative success. His scripting work, spanning 11 episodes overall, supported the high-quality that underpinned the Emmy-recognized seasons. The 2015 Emmy marked a turning point, elevating Cogman's profile within the industry and leading to his promotion to co-executive producer for subsequent seasons. This recognition propelled his post-Game of Thrones trajectory, culminating in a multi-year overall deal with Amazon Studios in 2018 to develop new projects.

Other honors

In addition to his Emmy recognition, Bryan Cogman contributed to Game of Thrones' win for the 2012 for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form, honoring the entire first season as a groundbreaking adaptation of to television. Cogman also co-produced the fifth season of , which earned the Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, , in 2016, acknowledging the collaborative effort in delivering high-quality episodic storytelling. Cogman received seven nominations for Dramatic Series for his work on from 2013 to 2019. His 2012 book, Inside HBO's , an official companion guide to the series' first two seasons, garnered acclaim in publications for its detailed insights into processes, including and visual , making it a valued resource for fans and industry professionals alike.

Filmography

Television

Cogman contributed to several prominent television series, primarily in writing and producing capacities within the fantasy genre, with one acting credit.

Game of Thrones (2011–2019)

Cogman wrote 11 episodes of the HBO fantasy drama series , including "What Is Dead May Never Die" (season 2), "" (season 3), and "" (season 8). He also served as co-executive producer from season 4 through season 8.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)

Cogman served as consulting producer and co-writer for the first season of Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power before departing the project.

Zorro (upcoming)

As of 2025, Cogman is attached to the Disney+ reimagining of as showrunner, writer, and executive producer; the series, starring , remains in development following its announcement in 2023.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2016)

Cogman made a as the Insurance Adjustor in the season 11 episode "The Gang Goes to Hell: Part Two" of the comedy series .

Film

Bryan Cogman has contributed to development primarily as a , drawing on his experience with epic fantasy narratives from to adapt established intellectual properties. In 2014, Cogman was hired by 20th Century Fox to develop an early for a live-action of Magic: The Gathering, the popular fantasy , marking the first in a potential ; he departed the project in 2025, which entered that year with a new attached and remains unproduced as of November 2025. Disney announced in 2015 that Cogman would pen the script for a live-action musical remake of the 1963 animated film , with Spanish director attached to helm the project in 2018; as of 2025, the film is in TBA development status amid reported production delays. Additionally, Cogman authored the 2012 companion book Inside HBO's : Seasons 1 & 2, a publication featuring production insights, photographs, and that provides behind-the-scenes context relevant to the series' cinematic-style storytelling.

References

  1. [1]
    Bryan Cogman - IMDb
    Bryan Cogman was born on 25 July 1979 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for Game of Thrones (2011), Magic: The Gathering and ...
  2. [2]
    Bryan Cogman, the Third Head of the Game of Thrones Dragon, Moves On
    ### Summary of Bryan Cogman’s Background and Game of Thrones Involvement
  3. [3]
    Bryan Cogman - Television Academy
    4 Emmys · Outstanding Drama Series - 2019 · Outstanding Drama Series - 2018 · Outstanding Drama Series - 2016 · Outstanding Drama Series - 2015.
  4. [4]
    Bryan Cogman Set As Showrunner Of Reimagined Disney+ 'Zorro ...
    Mar 6, 2023 · For his work on GoT, Cogman received four Emmy Awards, a Hugo Award, a Producer's Guild of America Award, and 7 Writer's Guild Award nominations ...
  5. [5]
    'Game of Thrones' Writer Bryan Cogman Inks Overall Deal With eOne
    Dec 7, 2020 · “Game of Thrones” and “Lord of the Rings” writer-producer Bryan Cogman has struck a multiyear overall deal with Entertainment One.
  6. [6]
    Bryan Cogman - Biography - IMDb
    Bryan Cogman was born on July 25, 1979 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Game of Thrones (2011), Magic: The Gathering and ...Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  7. [7]
    'Game of Thrones' Writer Credits Churchill High With His Success
    Jul 16, 2015 · Bookmarker Bryan Cogman says his road to Game of Thrones began in Montgomery County when he was a student at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland.
  8. [8]
    Interview with Bryan Cogman - WinterIsComing.net
    May 11, 2011 · A modern day renaissance man. A member of the writing team for the first season of Game of Thrones, Bryan Cogman (or “B-Cogs”, as I like to ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography<|control11|><|separator|>
  9. [9]
    Features - Interview with Bryan Cogman - Westeros
    Apr 1, 2011 · We understand you trained as an actor at Juilliard? Yes, I did. I went there from 1997 to 2001, right out of high school. I was a stage ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
  10. [10]
    Juilliard Drama Group 30 (3rd year) : Four one-acts ; December 9 ...
    ... Bryan Cogman, Thomas Cook, Michael Goldstrom, Jennifer Ikeda, Katie Kreisler, Nicole Lowrance, Anthony Mackie, Michael Milligan, Lee Pace, Darren Pettie ...
  11. [11]
    A High-Stakes School for Actors - The New York Times
    Jan 26, 1997 · ''WE'RE ALL IN A GOOD mood!'' announces Michael Kahn, director of the Drama Division of the Juilliard School, before a brief warmup session ...
  12. [12]
    KAHN TO HEAD JUILLIARD DRAMA DIVISION - The Washington Post
    Mar 3, 1992 · Michael Kahn, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre, will become the chairman of the drama division of the Juilliard School this ...Missing: 1997 | Show results with:1997<|control11|><|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Measure for Measure Original Off-Broadway Play Cast 2001
    Bryan Cogman Headshot. Bryan Cogman · Ensemble · Robert ... New York credits including performances at the Atlantic Theatre Company and Playwrights Horizons.
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Richard III Presented by The Acting Company, at The Acorn Theatre ...
    With Spencer Aste (Richard,. Duke of Gloucester), Cedric Hayman (Sir Richard Ratcliffe), Bryan Cogman (Sir William. Catesby, Second Murderer), Aysan Celik ( ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
    Oklahoma-born writer Bryan Cogman makes mark on HBO's 'Game ...
    Apr 3, 2014 · For about a decade after he graduated from Juilliard, Cogman, 34, worked at his acting career with little to show for it. Unable to get ...Missing: roles theater
  16. [16]
    Meet Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman, “the third head of the ...
    May 16, 2019 · Game of Thrones writer Bryan Cogman had an interesting journey to work on the show. Now, he's looking towards the future.Missing: childhood Washington DC
  17. [17]
    'Game of Thrones' Writer Bryan Cogman Signs Overall Deal ... - Variety
    Sep 14, 2018 · Cogman is best known for his work on the megahit HBO series “Game of Thrones.” He started on the show as an assistant to creators David Benioff ...Missing: transition | Show results with:transition
  18. [18]
    'Game of Thrones' Alum Bryan Cogman Boards 'Lord of the Rings ...
    May 21, 2019 · 'Game of Thrones' Alum Bryan Cogman ... He began his time on “Game of Thrones” as the assistant to series creators and showrunners David Benioff ...
  19. [19]
    Inside HBO's Game of Thrones: Seasons 1 & 2 ... - Amazon.com
    The book's also a solid 'Making Of'. Author Bryan Cogman (a story editor on the series) has interviewed the show's key creative forces, and between them they ...
  20. [20]
    'Game Of Thrones' Alum Bryan Cogman Joins 'Lord Of The Rings ...
    May 22, 2019 · Bryan Cogman, who is coming off eight seasons of Game ... Cogman began his tenure on GoT as an assistant to creators David Benioff and D. B. ...Missing: hired | Show results with:hired
  21. [21]
    Bryan Cogman Moves Overall Deal to eOne (Exclusive)
    Dec 7, 2020 · The Game of Thrones Emmy winner has moved his overall deal from Amazon to Entertainment One. Under the multiyear pact, the writer and producer will create and ...
  22. [22]
    'Game of Thrones' Alum Bryan Cogman to Helm 'Zorro' Series at ...
    Mar 6, 2023 · Bryan Cogman has signed on to serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer on the new “Zorro” series starring Wilmer Valderrama at Disney+.
  23. [23]
    The Hip Pocket #204 - Bryan Cogman - by Drew McWeeny
    Feb 28, 2025 · One of my favorites is Bryan Cogman, who is probably best-known for his work as a writer and producer on Game of Thrones. When you draft with ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  24. [24]
    Part Two (TV Episode 2016) - Bryan Cogman as Insurance Adjustor
    "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" The Gang Goes to Hell: Part Two (TV Episode 2016) - Bryan Cogman as Insurance Adjustor.Missing: cameo | Show results with:cameo
  25. [25]
    Bryan Cogman - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays
    Bryan Cogman: his birthday, what he did before fame, his family life, fun trivia facts, popularity rankings, and more.Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  26. [26]
    Game of Thrones work brings Interlochen alumnus an Emmy
    Apr 8, 2019 · Bryan Cogman translated his studies in theatre to a thriving career in the entertainment business.
  27. [27]
    Writers Strike Begins: 'No One Wants This, but It's Necessary' - Variety
    May 2, 2023 · The guild estimated that the studios are willing to give only $86 million per year. “I was naive,” said Bryan Cogman, Emmy-winning writer for “ ...
  28. [28]
    https://variety.com/2023/biz/news/writers-strike-negotiations-wga-updates-1235601043/
  29. [29]
    Outstanding Drama Series 2016 - Nominees & Winners
    2016 - 68th Emmy Awards. 1949 - 1st · 1950 - 2nd · 1951 - 3rd · 1952 - 4th ... Bryan Cogman. Supervising Producer. Chris Newman. Producer. Greg Spence. Producer.
  30. [30]
    https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/2016/outstanding-drama-series
  31. [31]
    https://www.televisionacademy.com/awards/nominees-winners/2018/outstanding-drama-series
  32. [32]
    'Game of Thrones' ends its run with 59 Emmys: Here's every award it ...
    Sep 22, 2019 · See every category "Thrones" has won in its history below. Best Drama Series (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019). Best Drama Supporting Actor Peter ...
  33. [33]
    Game of Thrones: Here's How Each Season Is Written - Collider
    Apr 2, 2015 · Game of Thrones writer Brian Cogman—who's written at least one episode a season throughout the show's run—offered a detailed rundown of how they ...
  34. [34]
    Key 'Game of Thrones' Writer Inks Amazon Overall Deal
    Sep 14, 2018 · 'Game of Thrones' Emmy winner Bryan Cogman has signed an overall deal with Amazon Studios to create new projects. By Lesley Goldberg.Missing: wins | Show results with:wins
  35. [35]
    2012 Hugo Awards
    2012 Hugo Award Trophy. Presented at: Chicon 7, Chicago, Illinois, USA on September 2, 2012. Toastmaster: John Scalzi. Base design: Deb Kosiba.
  36. [36]
    PGA Awards: 'The Big Short' Wins Top Movie Award - Variety
    Jan 23, 2016 · PGA Awards: 'The Big Short' Wins Top Movie Award. By Dave McNary. Plus ... Bryan Cogman, Lisa McAtackney, Chris Newman, Greg Spence WINNER.
  37. [37]
    News - Review: Inside HBO's Game of Thrones - Westeros
    Written by series story editor and writer Bryan Cogman, Inside HBO's Game of Thrones is a beautifully-designed book, filled with full-sized stills, behind ...Missing: recognition | Show results with:recognition
  38. [38]
    Inside HBO's Game of Thrones by Bryan Cogman
    Rating 9.5/10 (2) And then comes along 'Inside HBO's Game of Thrones' by Bryan Cogman, who was been involved in the production of the hit series since the beginning. This book is ...
  39. [39]
    'Game Of Thrones' Writer Bryan Cogman To Pen 'Magic ... - Deadline
    Jun 12, 2014 · 20th Century Fox has set Bryan Cogman, a producer, story editor and writer on the HBO drama, to script a potential franchise movie out of the ...
  40. [40]
    MAGIC: THE GATHERING Movie to Be Written by Bryan Cogman
    Jun 13, 2014 · Game of Thrones writer/producer Bryan Cogman will write the screenplay for the Magic: The Gathering movie for 20th Century Fox and producer
  41. [41]
    Disney plans live-action remake of The Sword in the Stone
    Jul 21, 2015 · Game of Thrones writer-producer Bryan Cogman will work on the screenplay for the new version, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Blue movie …
  42. [42]
    'Sword in the Stone' Remake: Disney Hires Director (Exclusive)
    Jan 19, 2018 · Juan Carlos Fresnadillo will direct from a script written by 'Game of Thrones' scribe Bryan Cogman.
  43. [43]
    Disney's Live-Action Sword In The Stone: Production Delays, Story ...
    Mar 5, 2024 · It was revealed in the announcement that Bryan Cogman (Game of Thrones) had been tapped by Disney for screenwriting duties, with Brigham Taylor ...