George R.R. Martin Reacts to 'Game of Thrones' Finale
by EG
If George R.R. Martin ever finishes the novels on which Game of Thrones is based, we'll likely read a very different ending to the story than the one we saw on TV this week. Given that it's been nine years since Martin was able to complete one of the books, though, fans probably shouldn't hold their breath. Read on for details.
[This story contains spoilers for the series finale of HBO's Game of Thrones, "The Iron Throne."]
In "The Iron Throne," Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and Dan Weiss ended their adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, writing and directing the series finale themselves. The end of an era, to be sure — but not the end, as Martin is all too quick to point out.
As is Martin's wont, the author took to his personal blog as a means of addressing the Game of Thrones conclusion. The HBO fantasy series' ending, in which Jon Snow (Kit Harington) kills Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) while Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) assumes the crown, may or may not be the same ending Martin has in mind for his series of novels. At this point, fans simply do not know, as Martin has not yet finished the last two books in his planned seven-novel series.
"How will it all end? I hear people asking. The same ending as the show? Different" writes Martin. "Well… yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes. And no. And yes."
"I am working in a very different medium than David and Dan, never forget," he adds. "They had six hours for this final season. I expect these last two books of mine will fill 3,000 manuscript pages between them before I'm done…and if more pages and chapters and scenes are needed, I'll add them."
Additionally, as Martin points out, Game of Thrones killed certain characters from A Song of Ice and Fire earlier than their deaths in the book series, some of whom may never die at all. What's more, the TV adaptation failed to include certain key characters from the novels, including a princess of Dorne named Arianne Martell, the undead version of Catelyn Stark known as Lady Stoneheart, and many more.
"Book or show, which will be the 'real' ending? It's a silly question," writes Martin. "How about this? I'll write it. You read it. Then everyone can make up their own mind, and argue about it on the Internet."
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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