George RR Martin refuses to write script for Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon until he finishes sixth book
LEGENDARY author George RR Martin is putting his books before TV commitments.
The creator of the Song of Ice & Fire saga is the true father of Westeros and is to thank for epic fantasy drama Game of Thrones.
However, Martin insisted he wouldn’t be turning his attention to the recently confirmed Targaryen spin-off series until he has finished his sixth book.
“I am not taking on any scripts until I have finished and delivered Winds of Winter,” he explained in his latest blog post.
No doubt the decision is a response to repeated calls from fans to hurry the books along, something Martin previously ranted about as 'impatient'.
However, he did admit he was saddened to hear about the cancellation of other prequel series Bloodmoon, stressing the decision had nothing to do with him.
“Jane Goldman is a terrific screenwriter, and I enjoyed brainstorming with her. I do not know why HBO decided not to go to series on this one, but I do not think it had to do with House of the Dragon,” he continued.
To clear up rumours that the two shows were competing with one another, he emphasised that there was room on the market for more than one drama from the franchise at a time.
“This was never an either/or situation. If television has room enough for multiple CSI and Chicago shows… well, Westeros and Essos are a lot bigger, with thousands of years of history and enough tales and legends and characters for a dozen shows,” he added.
Martin signed off with well wishes to the team who had worked on Bloodmoon, admitting he could relate to their sense of disappointment.
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“Heartbreaking as it is to work for years on a pilot, to pour your blood and sweat and tears into it, and have it come to nought, it’s not at all uncommon. I’ve been there myself, more than once,” he wrote.
“I know Jane and her team are feeling the disappointment just now, and they have all my sympathy… with my thanks for all their hard work, and my good wishes for whatever they do next.”
The comments come after Daenerys Targaryen actress Emilia Clarke backed the decision to axe the Bloodmoon, admitting it would’ve been done “because it wasn’t going to be as perfect as it should’ve been.”
Meanwhile Naomi Ackie, who was set to star in Bloodmoon, admitted the cancellation left her feeling “thrown”.
Game of Thrones is available to stream on NOW TV.