Emilia Clarke in HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones.’ Photo: HBO.
Preview:
The ‘Game of Thrones’ movie is reportedly moving forward at Warner Bros.
‘House of Cards’ and ‘Andor’ writer Beau Willimon is at work on a script.
The movie may be impacted by Paramount buying Warners.
Back before ‘Game of Thrones’ wrapped up its small screen run, there was talk that showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss wanted to end the story with three movies in cinemas, a prospect that HBO bosses shot down.
But the idea of a ‘GOT’ movie didn’t go away, and in late 2024 chatter began about new development. Things have been quiet since then as Warner Bros. focused instead on prequel series ‘House of the Dragon’ and the recent launch of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’, though news has now arrived of someone actually developing a film.
What’s the potential story for a ‘Game of Thrones’ movie?
HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones.’ Photo: HBO.
Both Page Six and a recent Hollywood Reporter profile of ‘Thrones’ novelist George R.R. Martin have pointed to a focus on Aegon I, who birthed the dragon-happy Targaryen dynasty and united six of the seven kingdoms through bloody conquest about 300 years before the original series (the iconic Iron Throne is forged from swords captured from those his armies defeated in battle).
It’s certainly fertile territory for ‘Thrones’ to explore, and indeed it appears HBO is also looking at a TV take on the idea.
(L to R) Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich in ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
No one is ever going to mistake filmmaker Paul W.S. Anderson for, say, Paul Thomas Anderson. Or any other cinematic craftsperson of note for that matter. But with his latest misfire, ‘In The Lost Lands,’ Anderson veers precipitously close to drawing comparisons with the likes of Uwe Boll – not a pleasant prospect for a director once capable of at least some moderately enjoyable C-level fare like ‘Event Horizon’ or that one ‘Resident Evil’ entry you liked.
Based on a 1982 story by George R.R. Martin – one of the ‘Game of Thrones’ mastermind’s earliest attempts at fantasy – ‘In The Lost Lands’ wants to be an epic. But Anderson’s ambitions (he shares screen story credit with scriptwriter Constantin Werner) exceed his grasp perhaps more so than ever before, stranding stars Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista in a sludge of cheap CG, flat characterizations, and a nonsensically convoluted narrative. Two months into 2025, ‘In The Lost Lands’ is easily one of the year’s worst and a new low for its creators.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Dave Bautista, director Paul W. S. Anderson, and Milla Jovovich on the set of ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
Untold years after human civilization has destroyed itself, leaving only ancient ruins, Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich) is a witch with the ability to create illusions in people’s minds. She is also unable to refuse anyone’s wish or request – for a price — among other somewhat nebulous talents. Alys is tasked by the Queen (Amara Okereke) of the City Under the Mountain – the last refuge of humankind – with venturing into the Lost Lands outside the city limits in order to find a rumored werewolf; Gray Alys, you see, can somehow draw out the creature’s shape-shifting powers, which Queen Melange covets (this is a future where science and magic are interchangeable to some degree).
To aid her on her dangerous journey, Alys (coincidentally also the name of Jovovich’s most famous character, Alice from the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise) procures the services of an enigmatic hunter named Boyce (Dave Bautista), who’s been to the Lost Lands and lived to talk about it. Almost as soon as they set out on their quest, however, the city’s fanatical religious leader, Patriarch Johan (Fraser James), incensed by the Queen’s recruitment of a witch, sends his own troops out to stop Alys, led by the sadistically cruel Ash (Arly Jover).
Since this is based on a George R.R. Martin story – one that seems to be a sort of short test run for his later, more massive ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ novels – there are layers of deceit, betrayal, and subterfuge involved, with most of the principal characters plotting against one another. But the characters are so lazily drawn from familiar archetypes, with many of the actors striving to ingest as much of the scenery as possible, that the story becomes needlessly complicated and heavy-handed, trying to give itself a weight it doesn’t have.
And none of this is helped by both the film’s clearly low-budget production values and Anderson’s own handling of both the material and the film’s look. Imagine one long cutscene and that is pretty much what ‘In The Lost Lands’ resembles – except that the 1990s called and wants its cutscene back (avid gamer Anderson has never escaped that milieu as a filmmaker). The CG on constant display – from the monsters to the explosions to the backgrounds — is laughably horrendous, while the film’s muddy gray-and-sepia visual palette would exhaust even Zack Snyder’s weary eyes, as would the now-trite speeded-up slo-mo battle scenes. We get that ‘In The Lost Lands’ is supposed to take place in a dark, almost mythical world, but there’s no attempt here to even anchor that world in the most basic kind of naturalism for audiences to cling to.
The end result is a movie that’s ugly to look at, steeped in visual effects that are glaringly poor, and full of people we don’t care about either killing or undermining each other, with none of it having the gravity or even melodramatic sweep the director clearly thinks he’s giving it.
Cast and Performances
(L to R) Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista on the set of ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
‘In The Lost Lands’ marks Milla Jovovich’s seventh collaboration with her husband, Paul W.S. Anderson, following four of the six original ‘Resident Evil’ entries, ‘The Three Musketeers’ (2011), and ‘Monster Hunter’ (2020). We’re not here to judge that decision or her taste, but the truth is that while Jovovich’s action chops are indisputable and she’s even showed flair as an actor in movies ranging from her 1997 breakout, ‘The Fifth Element,’ to 2010’s ‘Stone,’ even she seems bored here. Jovovich delivers most of her lines in a monotone, and the character’s vague motivations and abilities don’t give her much room in which to stretch further than that.
As for Dave Bautista, aside from one or two moments in which his stock in trade – the intimidatingly massive man with the wounded soul inside – gets to shine through, he’s similarly hampered by the thudding script and lack of depth in the material. A twist involving his character seems pretty obvious long before it happens, and even the nature of his ultimate fate is confusing in the film’s near-incoherent closing moments.
The rest of the cast – mostly little-known names plucked from various European countries – are asked to scream, rage, and vamp to make up for the lack of anything else to do.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista in ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
We’re awarding the movie its meager two stars for its actual two stars, Jovovich and Bautista, who both can hold the screen even in some of the direst circumstances. But we can’t give any credit to the director, who wants desperately to stretch his resources and the source material (which is shorter than many of Martin’s later, gargantuan works) but simply doesn’t have the imagination to do it.
In its own way, ‘In The Lost Lands’ is a seamless fit into Anderson’s filmography, which includes such mind-numbing fare as ‘Mortal Kombat‘ (1995), ‘Alien vs. Predator’ (2004), the ludicrous 2014 historical drama ‘Pompeii,’ and of course those ‘Resident Evil’ programmers. Just like many of those, ‘In The Lost Lands’ is derivative of many other, better properties (the more recent ‘Mad Max’ movies and, of course, ‘Game of Thrones’ among them), only done in an even more bargain-basement, knockoff style than before. This one’s a lost cause.
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What is the plot of ‘In the Lost Lands’?
A queen, desperate to find happiness in love, takes a daring step: she sends the powerful and feared witch Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich) to the “Lost Lands” to give her the magical gift of turning into a werewolf. With the mysterious hunter Boyce (Dave Bautista), who supports her in the fight against dark creatures and merciless enemies, Gray Alys roams an eerie and dangerous world. And only she knows that every wish she grants has unimaginable consequences.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Bautista about his work on ‘In the Lost Lands’, exploring the world of George R. R. Martin, the pressure that brings, acting opposite Milla Jovovich, and working on the VFX heavy project.
You can read our full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Bautista, Milla Jovovich, and director Paul W. S. Anderson.
(L to R) Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista in ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and what was it like for you to explore the world created by author George R. R. Martin?
Dave Bautista: Well, my first reaction reading the script was, “I love Boyce because he’s kind of that cowboy I’d been searching for.” Even though this wasn’t necessarily a Western, he just felt like he was ripped straight out of a Western. I loved that and I played him like that, and I thought about this film as, “This is my Western.” Initially, that was what drew me to the character. I just thought Boyce was cool, he’s a cool cowboy. Being George R. R. Martin’s first film comes with a lot of pressure that I’m really starting to feel. It’s a bit uncomfortable, but only because I want to live up to his standard, the standard that he set. He’s obviously very successful and I’m a fan. I don’t want to let people down, I don’t want to let him down, and I don’t want to let the fans down because I know they have high expectations. But those high expectations, they come with a price and that price is a lot of pressure.
(L to R) Dave Bautista and Milla Jovovich in ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
MF: Just to follow up, did you feel that pressure while making the movie or are you still feeling it now as the film is being released?
DB: I’m starting to feel it now because now it’s starting to become real. Obviously, we did this film a couple of years ago and we’ve been going through the whole process of filming, edits, sales and whatnot. Now, because it’s going to be released very soon, and I’m also starting to get feedback on the film, it’s now real. Also, I really struggle with this and it’s just a personal thing, but I always feel like I become a better actor, a better performer after every project. I’ve done this project, and we did a while ago now, so now when I go back and I look at it, I think, “Oh, I would’ve done this different. I would’ve done that different.” I’m critiquing myself and I’m picking myself apart. That’s just my self-conscious nature, I guess. But again, I don’t want to let any of his fans down. He’s obviously got a massive fan base and I don’t want to let anybody down. So that’s just the pressure that comes with it.
(L to R) Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista in ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
MF: Can you talk about the bond that Boyce and Gray Alys create together on this journey and what was it like for you working opposite Milla Jovovich?
DB: It was awesome. I love Milla and I love her husband, Paul. They just made it so comfortable and just so easy. I had talked with Paul a lot before we did the film, and I knew that I was just going to have the time of my life working with him, but I didn’t really meet Milla until we started filming. If I’m a fan of people that I’m working with, I always try to just get it out of the way, and I hope that they’re receptive. If they’re not, and it makes them uncomfortable, then I must approach things differently. But she was so receptive of it, and she never really treated me like I was just a fanboy. She treated me like I was her peer and her equal and her co-star, so it just felt super comfortable. So, these are the kind of experiences that you pray for as an actor because it’s not always this great, but every day going to work on this film just felt like I was going to play with my friends. It was a very collaborative atmosphere and a lot of freedom. It was just fun.
(L to R) Dave Bautista, director Paul W. S. Anderson, and Milla Jovovich on the set of ‘In the Lost Lands’. Photo: Vertical.
MF: Finally, when you are working on a project like this that is so VFX heavy, is there an adjustment you must make for yourself as an actor?
DB: There have been those experiences, but not so much on this one because even though I couldn’t see the big world that was around me, a lot of the immediate world was there for us, it was on stage. Also, it’s really about relationships, especially with Gray and Boyce. Working with Milla, you just kind of get sucked into those moments. The director worries about that, and he has his vision. He knows what that’s going to be, but as an actor, I just kind of get sucked into what’s there in front of me, what I can work with. I’ve had to adjust, but typically, they were on different projects. The Marvel stuff, there’s a lot of adjusting, a lot of adjusting. Even somewhat with ‘Dune’, there was some adjusting, but this one, not so much. I think what we needed to work with as far as performers are right there in front of us, it was all there for us. It was made very easy. But also, this was a very no-pressure film. I didn’t have that pressure of a big Marvel film or a big ‘Dune’-type film. There wasn’t the same type of pressure. This was very much, I don’t know, it felt like a family project where it was very contained and there were only a few people that I was working with every day and interacting with. So, it just felt very contained, very intimate, and very comfortable.
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What is the plot of ‘In the Lost Lands’?
A queen, desperate to find happiness in love, takes a daring step: she sends the powerful and feared witch Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich) to the “Lost Lands” to give her the magical gift of turning into a werewolf. With the mysterious hunter Boyce (Dave Bautista), who supports her in the fight against dark creatures and merciless enemies, Gray Alys roams an eerie and dangerous world. And only she knows that every wish she grants has unimaginable consequences.
Warner Bros. is developing a ‘Game of Thrones’ movie.
So far, it’s only at the discussions stage.
Novelist George R.R. Martin has previously speculated on a film based on his sprawling story.
Running between 2011 and 2019, ‘Game of Thrones’ was massive pop cultural hit, spawning a giant fanbase, a mountain’s worth of merchandising, and, since it ended, no end of debate about what many decried as a disappointing final season.
Yet while HBO and its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has explored prequel stories in the years since it left our screens, the idea of what might have happened next in the world of Westeros has not stopped percolating in fans’ minds.
And indeed, in the brain of the person whose work spurred it all: George R.R. Martin, the novelist behind the ‘Song of Ice and Fire’ books that showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss adapted into the show. Martin has previously mentioned that the idea of a movie has been floated.
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It’s also true that Benioff and Weiss were originally planning to end the series with three big screen movies, but HBO decided it would rather stick to premium TV.
Now, though, according to The Hollywood Reporter, there are early discussions at movie studio Warner Bros. about a potential ‘Thrones’ movie.
What would the story of a ‘Game of Thrones’ movie be?
Kit Harington as Jon Snow on HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones.’ Photo: HBO.
Right now, that is a total mystery. There are no writers or directors attached to make the film, nor have any of the cast been approached about returning.
And that’s even assuming the story ends up a continuation of the main ‘Thrones’ plot at all. Our vote would be for a stand-alone adventure for the dragon known as Drogon, who melted the Iron Throne and flew off at the end of the show.
What else is happening in the world of ‘Game of Thrones’?
‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph Courtesy of HBO.
To this point, the focus has been on prequel tales –– ‘House of the Dragon,’ which chronicles a chaotic civil war that cleaves House Targaryen into two factions, has so far enjoyed a successful two-season run on HBO, with a third in the works.
Another series, ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ adapted from Martin’s Dunk & Egg stories, was shot this year and will debut in 2025.
On top of those, there are variety of other spin-off series, many of them similarly based around prequel stories, in different stages of development, though none have quite yet reached the greenlight stage.
And a movie wouldn’t even represent the first time that ‘Game of Thrones’ has been on the big screen, as various season premieres and other episodes were screened in theaters as special promotional events.
When will the ‘Game of Thrones’ movie invade theaters?
Given that this one is at a completely embryonic stage, you’d need to be the Three-Eyed Raven to foretell when it might be on screens for now.
Matt Smith in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO.
Arriving on HBO/Max for a second season with its first episode on June 16th, ‘House of the Dragon’ brings back much that worked about the first, but also comes saddled with some of the faults, including a baked-in issue of too many characters, not all of them interesting.
Still, thanks to strong performances from Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith in particular, the series still works and will effectively sate those after a weekly trip to Westeros and its sex/battle-happy occupants.
‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph Courtesy of HBO.
HBO sent the first two episodes of Season 2’s 10-episode run to critics, so our assessment is based simply on those (we won’t, of course, spoil anything that happens in Episode 2). It’s entirely possible that some of our issues will be ironed out by the time the season has concluded, mostly because some of the more annoying characters might end up dragon food (or burned to a crisp or trodden on or… you get the idea).
Since it largely kicks off directly after the dramatic events of Season 1’s finale (where, don’t forget, Prince Lucerys, played by Elliot Grihault, dies at the jaws of a dragon while engaged in a midair incident that goes badly wrong). With Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) grieving, a retaliatory assassination strikes deep at the heart of Alicent Hightower’s (Olivia Cooke) family, which causes almost as much trouble for Rhaenyra as her rival, since she never ordered the killing.
Sticking to much of the same in terms of scheming, cursing and fighting, Season 2 will be a welcome return for many, even if some characters, such as Paddy Considine’s King Viserys Targaryen is as missed by the show as much as any of the characters.
‘House of the Dragon’: Script and Direction
(L to R) Olivia Cooke and Ewan Mitchell in ‘House of the Dragon’. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
Episode 1, “A Son for a Son”, written by showrunner Ryan J. Condal, carries a lot of weight, though doesn’t feel too burdened by exposition to catch everyone up as to where the characters stand in the wake of the big death at the end of last season. It’s a relatively easy jump back into the story, though some might still want to have a reference tab open on their phone to recall who is loyal to who, and the names of the various children that Rhaenyra and Alicent have brought into the world as part of their plan to take the throne.
Add to that a variety of aides, supports, hangers-on and side characters, and it’s a hearty stew of characters, some of whom still pop, and others feel like members of a boy band who have wandered in from some other show.
Visually, the series is still superbly shot –– it’s clear the budget has been upped very slightly, even if a lot of interactions take place in rooms of the various keeps and castles. But with the promise of plenty of carnage to come, the premiere is well directed by Alan Taylor, who knows his way around Westeros and its people.
‘House of the Dragon’: Performances
(L to R) Bethany Antonia and Phoebe Campbell in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
With the focus very much on Alicent and Rhaenyra, it’s only natural that they would get the lion’s (or the dragon’s) share of good material. And we can still trust in Cooke and D’Arcy.
Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen
Emma D’Arcy in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO.
D’Arcy brings all their ability to bear on playing Rhaenyra as a driven, but still conflicted woman. She’s mourning, but still able to figure out when people are lying to her, and D’Arcy can wrangle the character to life with just a flicker in their eyes. Their best work so far this season happens when they are verbally sparring with Matt Smith’s Prince Daemon.
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen
Matt Smith in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.’ Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
Smith’s still one of the standouts of the show, fully embracing Daemon’s own inner conflicts. Far from the confident, even cocky character of Season 1, he’s darker and more withdrawn, but still capable of making rash decisions. Smith is great whether he’s riding a dragon or stalking around a room arguing with his niece (D’Arcy).
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower
Olivia Cooke in ‘House of the Dragon’. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
If Cooke hasn’t enjoyed quite the same level of writing so far this season as D’Arcy, she still does and excellent job of conveying Alicent’s heartbreak and frustration, particularly as a woman so close to the throne and yet often denied a voice in this society.
Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower
Rhys Ifans in ‘House of the Dragon’. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
Rhys Ifans knows both how to command a room and how to be quietly threatening, and he does both well here. He’s definitely a highlight of the show, hissably plotting in some scenes, understandably worried in others.
‘House of the Dragon’: Final Thoughts
(L to R) Olivia Cooke and Fabien Frankel in ‘House of the Dragon’. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
It feels churlish to boil the show down to, “it’s more of the same!” but it really is. Though not every issue has been fixed (the kids, though not a fault of the actors, are mostly annoying) and those hoping for epic battles won’t get what they’re after –– yet.
But with trailers promising big clashes ahead, this is an entertaining setup for the season to come. Does it sometimes try to cram in too much? Still yes, but the balance is becoming smoother.
‘House of the Dragon’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.
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What’s the story of ‘House of the Dragon’?
Continuing the story adapted from George R.R. Martin’s prequel novel, ‘Fire & Blood’, the show is set 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones,’ and tells the violent story of House Targaryen.
Season 2 picks up after the fateful events of the first as Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower’s (Olivia Cooke) forces go head to head — well, dragon to dragon. But before all-out war, a tense series of tit-for-tat clashes affect both sides.
Two new trailers have landed for ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel series ‘House of the Dragon’s second season.
Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke and Matt Smith are among the returning actors.
The new season launches on June 16th on HBO and Max.
Have you chosen your side yet? No, not in the elections for later this year, this is for something far more important: the civil war that has ripped House Targaryen asunder in ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel series ‘House of the Dragon’.
HBO has been making sure that we’re all aware that the new season of ‘Dragon’ is headed our way atop a roaring, fire-breathing dragon this coming June (so now might be a good time to buy a flame-retardant TV).
The new season of the show, which chronicles the internecine chaos that befalls the powerful house years before we meet the ‘Thrones’ characters, promises to be even more full of war and big character speeches than the first.
And to keep that in our minds, we’re all being asked which side we support by watching one of two new trailers for the show, which feature footage either focused on Olivia Cooke’s Queen Alicent or Emma D’Arcy’s Princess Rhaenyra, both of whom have claims to the throne. Don’t worry; you can watch both if you want to get the full effect.
What’s the story of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2?
Tom Glynn-Carney in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
Continuing the story adapted from George R. R. Martin’s prequel novel, ‘Fire & Blood’, the show is set 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones,’ tells the violent story of House Targaryen.
Season 2 picks up after the fateful events of the first as Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower’s (Olivia Cooke) forces go head to head — well, dragon to dragon.
Alicent believes her son, Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), born of the recently deceased King Aegon is the rightful heir to the big chair. Not so Rhaenyra, who is firmly of the opinion that her late father meant for her to take his place and bring order to Westeros.
Who else is in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2?
(L to R) Bethany Antonia and Phoebe Campbell in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.
When will ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 be on screens?
The show touches down for its second season premiere on HBO (and streaming service Max) on June 16th.
Matt Smith in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO.(L to R) Harry Collett, Emma D’Arcy, and Oscar Eskinazi in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO.Olivia Cooke in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.Phia Saban in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.Sonoya Mizuno in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.(L to R) Fabien Frankel and Ewan Mitchell in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.(L to R) Steve Toussaint and Eve Best in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO.‘House of the Dragon’ season 2. Photograph Courtesy of HBO.
For what feels like forever (but has actually been eight years), author George R.R. Martin has been toiling away on the final two installments of his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series — a.k.a., the novels on which the recently-wrapped HBO series “Game of Thrones” was based. Now that that show has signed off, and Martin has heard all of the reactions to its controversial finale, will the writer be making any changes to his manuscripts?
If you’ve been following Martin at all over the years, you’ll be unsurprised to learn that the answer is a resounding “No.” In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the outspoken author admitted that there was some temptation to alter some of his more surprising twists, now that some suspense will be gone for readers.
But Martin said that doing so would be “wrong,” because “you’ve been planning for a certain ending and if you suddenly change direction just because somebody figured it out, or because they don’t like it, then it screws up the whole structure.”
“I want to write the book I’ve always intended to write all along,” he told EW. “And when it comes out they can like it or they can not like it.”
The author made similar remarks back in May, when addressing just how his own ending would compare to the show’s, noting that there would be both similarities and differences. Speaking with EW this week, Martin said that he initially did feel pressure to finish writing his novels a few years ago, after the show started to get ahead of the books; now that “Thrones” is done, the urgency to wrap his writing has lessened significantly.
“I don’t only want to finish it, I want to make it as good as I possibly can,” the author explained to EW. ” … There’s no longer a race. The show is over. I’m writing the book. It will be done when it’s done.”
We suspect this won’t be the last time Martin addresses this subject. Stay tuned to see if he comments again before “The Winds of Winter” hits shelves. (We have a feeling he will.)
Not sure if you’ve heard, but “Game of Thrones” ended its run on HBO this past Sunday. But while the television series is over, George R.R. Martin’s books are not.
The author still has two more installments to go and has been working on the long-delayed “The Winds of Winter” for over eight years. The show’s creators, David Benioff and D.B Weiss, had to chart their own course in the final two seasons, though they have repeatedly said that Martin had revealed key plot points to them.
Now that the show is over, fans have an ending. But is it Martin’s ending, too? The author addressed that question in a new blog post.
“How will it all end? I hear people asking. The same ending as the show? Different? Well… yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes,” he wrote.
Martin added, “Book or show, which will be the ‘real’ ending? It’s a silly question. How many children did Scarlett O’Hara have?”
He also commemorated the show’s cast and crew and praised Benioff and Weiss for shepherding his “A Song of Ice and Fire” saga to the screen. He also reminded viewers that there are many differences between the books and the show.
“I am working in a very different medium than David and Dan, never forget. They had six hours for this final season. I expect these last two books of mine will fill 3000 manuscript pages between them before I’m done… and if more pages and chapters and scenes are needed, I’ll add them.”
As for book six, “The Winds of Winter,” well, he’s still working on it.
It “is very late, I know, I know, but it will be done,” Martin wrote. “I won’t say when, I’ve tried that before, only to burn you all and jinx myself… but I will finish it, and then will come ‘A DREAM OF SPRING.’” So there you have it. Sort of.”
The novelist whose A Song of Ice and Fire book series gave birth to “Game of Thrones” is executive producing another TV show, and it might be just as bloody. Syfy recently released a “Nightflyers” sneak peek that shows the violent opening scene. Not only is it gory, it’s full of suspense.
Martin did previously warn that the TV adaptation of his “Nightflyers” novella and short story collection would be a “haunted house story on a starship.” It centers on a mission into space that goes horribly, horribly wrong. The sneak peek shows the onboard chaos, yet leaves many, many questions unanswered.
Watch below, if you dare. As mentioned above, it’s bloody.
The cast includes Gretchen Mol, Angus Simpson, David Ajala, Jodie Turner-Smith, Eoin Macken, Sam Strike, Maya Eshet, Phillip Rhys, Brian F. O’Byrne, and Gwynne McElveen.
“Nightflyers” premieres Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Syfy.
The noble houses of the Seven Kingdoms have kept us enthralled for the last several years, but we’ll see a world without them in HBO’s upcoming “Game of Thrones” prequel series.
Co-creator and executive producer George R.R. Martin chatted with Entertainment Weekly about the project, which is currently being called “The Long Night.” The author cautioned fans that although the two shows are related, a lot will be different. In large part, that’s because the prequel is set roughly 5,000 years before the events of “Game of Thrones.”
“We’re dealing with a different and older world,” Martin told EW.
He explained that the move backward in time means “Westeros is a very different place.” King’s Landing won’t even exist yet, and as a result, there’s no Iron Throne, either. Meanwhile, Valyria will have “hardly begun to rise,” so Targaryens and dragons will also be absent.
Although fans probably would have enjoyed seeing familiar elements, Martin thinks the changes ultimately shouldn’t be a problem. Speaking of the older world he’s created, he said “hopefully that will be part of the fun of the series.”
The show’s official description also highlights the differences. It says in part that the show “chronicles the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour” and “it’s not the story we think we know.” It will teach us more about Westerosi history, the white walkers origins, and “the mysteries of the East,” among other interesting topics.
