George R.R. Martin, whose books inspired Game of Thrones and its spin-off, has slammed Hollywood for not making “faithful adaptations” of literary works. In a new interview, the iconic author has also addressed the readers’ concerns about when the release date of the next Game of Thrones book, The Winds of Winter, could be.
George R.R. Martin criticizes Hollywood for not making ‘faithful adaptations’
George R.R. Martin has long been vocal in his criticism of TV and cinematic adaptations of literature. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, he reiterated his beliefs that the changes that screenwriters introduce to a story based on existing material don’t necessarily make it better.
“Maybe I’m one of the few people in Hollywood who still thinks that when you adapt a work of art, a novel, a short story, you should do a faithful adaptation,” he said. “[It] annoys me too much because they change things and I don’t think they generally improve them.”
The celebrated writer conveyed similar opinions back in May 2024 through his personal blog, Not a Blog, after speaking on the subject along with fellow author Neil Gaiman at a joint event in New York City in 2022. He also expressed his disappointment about aspects of House of the Dragon, an HBO series based on Martin’s writings and a Game of Thrones spin-off, in a since-deleted blog post.
Martin reflects on The Winds of Winter’s release
Martin also assured the fans that The Winds of Winter was “still a priority” for him. “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,” he said. “But that’s still a priority.”
A Game of Thrones, the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire book series, came out in 1996. A Clash of Kings followed in 1999, A Storm of Swords in 2000, A Feast for Crows in 2005, and A Dance with Dragons in 2011. After The Winds of Winter, Martin intends to publish one more book in the main series, A Dream of Spring.
The multi-Hugo Award winner continued, “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!”
