George R.R. Martin, the celebrated author of ‘A Song of Ice and Fire,’ the book series that inspired HBO’s iconic ‘Game of Thrones’, has offered an update that fans may find surprising and disheartening.
After over a decade of waiting, Martin admitted for the first time that he is uncertain if he will ever finish the long-awaited sixth installment, ‘The Winds of Winter’. The confession has ignited discussions and debates among fans and most of them don’t want the show’s ending to be the conclusion.
George R. R. Martin’s Candidly Confesses His Doubts Over Concluding The ‘Game Of Thrones’ Saga
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, George R. R. Martin addressed the elephant in the room. He explained the years of delays since the release of A Dance with Dragons in 2011. “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,” Martin joked.
For fans who have followed his journey since the 1990s, these words carry a heavy weight. Martin added, “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!”
The author also quashed any ideas of retirement, claiming, “I’m not a golfer,” signaling his commitment to storytelling. However, his acknowledgment of mortality and the possibility of incompletion struck a bittersweet chord.
Moreover, Martin described his writing process as being akin to gardening rather than architecture. “I generally know where I am going, sure… the final destinations, the big set pieces, they have been in my head for years… for decades, in the case of A Song of Ice and Fire,” he explained.
“There are lots of devils in the details, though, and sometimes the ground changes under my feet as the words pour forth.” While Martin’s update may feel like a death knell for some fans’ hopes, others refuse to give up. Additionally, the world of Westeros has become a cultural touchstone. So, even if ‘The Winds of Winter‘ and ‘A Dream of Spring‘ remain unwritten, Martin’s legacy is firmly entrenched.
Fans React To George R. R. Martin’s Comments
Unsurprisingly, the update sparked an emotional response on social media, where readers shared their thoughts with a mix of humor and disappointment. One fan wrote, “SPOILER ALERT: He’ll never finish it..” Another added, “George is the kind of guy to keep saying, ‘I’ve almost finished,’ when he hasn’t even started.”
In case you missed it: George R.R. Martin Teases New Project With ‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Maisie Williams
Others took a more nostalgic approach, reflecting on the journey Martin’s world has offered them thus far. Moreover, some fans pointed out that Martin’s perfectionism may be the very thing that has made ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ such a unique masterpiece.
However, for many, the waiting game has become a source of frustration. Some lamented that ‘The Winds of Winter’ was first teased before the HBO series even premiered. Additionally, the show’s divisive ending in 2019 only added to the anticipation for the books. So, fans hoped Martin would provide a more satisfying conclusion to the saga.
