Game of Thronesauthor George R.R. Martin weighs in on the agonizing delay forThe Winds of Winter,the sixth book in hisA Song of Ice and Fireseries. Despite his hit fantasy series providing the basis for HBO’sGame of Thrones, release dates are still not finalized for eitherThe Winds of Winteror the seventh, and possibly final book,A Dream of Spring. In the absence of Martin’s own ending, the television adaptation was forced to devise its own conclusion via the highlycontroversialGame of Thronesfinalethat saw Bran Stark ascend the Iron Throne.
While speaking withThe Hollywood Reporter,Martin was once again quizzed about the progress ofThe Winds of Winter, given it has now been over 13 years since his last book in the series was published. Admitting that while he is unsure how it has taken him so long to finish the book, he made assurances that it remains a priority. Martin also quipped that a lot ofcommentators are suggesting he will never live to finish the seriesand are already writing his obituary. Check out his comments below:
Unfortunately, I am 13 years late. Every time I say that, I’m [like], ‘How could I be 13 years late?’ I don’t know, it happens a day at a time.
But that’s still a priority. A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me. [They’re saying] ‘Oh, he’ll never be finished.’ Maybe they’re right. I don’t know. I’m alive right now! I seem pretty vital!
What Winds Of Winter’s Continuing Delay Means For The Game Of Thrones Franchise
While HBO’s adaptation ofMartin’sA Song of Ice and Firenovelscontained more than its fair share of deviations from the source material, the majority of its run was still hailed as an exemplar of long-form storytelling. Buoyed by ceaseless political machinations, compelling characters, and a willingness to kill off even the most important figures,Game of Thronesremains the benchmark against which so many other fantasy shows are measured.
However, as the show eventually overtook the available source material and was ultimately forced to determine its own ending, many fans noted a serious decline in the show’s storytelling. Yet, while Martin is yet to deliver his own ending, HBO is still firmly in the business of building on the author’s fictional world. WithHouse of the Dragonseason 3just the tip of the variousGame of Thronesspinoffs being planned, it seems thataudiences may still inadvertently benefit fromThe Winds of Winter’s ongoing delay.
Our Take On Drawing Out Martin’s Own Game of Thrones Ending
Martin’s Conclusion May Clash With Warner Bros.' Plans
Given the response to the way theGame of Thronesshow handled its own ending, manyfans would be keen to see Martin deliver an alternate conclusion. However, considering the effort that is currently being put into further expanding the world of Westeros on the screen, it is possible that a contradictory ending to Martin’sA Song of Ice and Firebooks would only serve to detract from those plans.
Especially given that Warner Bros. have also revealed their interest in developing aGame of Thronesmovie, it may be necessary to at least maintain the continuity established by the show until that project’s eventual release. While this may add even more time toThe Winds of Winter’s already considerable delay, it would also have the added benefit of ensuring audiences are not distracted from the next chapter in the franchise’s evolving, onscreen tale.
Game Of Thrones
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Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
