George R.R. Martin shares updates on Winds of Winter, spinoffs, and storytelling stakes

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Synopsis

In a new interview, George R.R. Martin opens up about his writing progress, the state of Game of Thrones spinoffs, and what he really thinks about adaptation pressure.

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George R.R. Martin, the prolific author behind the Game of Thrones universe, has offered a rare and candid update on The Winds of Winter and the expanding slate of Westeros-based television projects. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Martin acknowledged the long wait for the much-anticipated book but affirmed that he’s still actively writing — with “hundreds of pages” done.

Martin also discussed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, a new HBO spinoff based on his Dunk and Egg novellas. He emphasized its smaller, more contained scale compared to House of the Dragon, calling it “a more intimate story with fewer dragons, but just as much heart.”

On adaptation challenges, Martin expressed frustration with industry trends that value IP over deep storytelling. “These days, it feels like people option the label, not the content,” he remarked, noting that many adaptations miss the tone and complexity of their source material. He emphasized that storytelling stakes — characters, history, and emotional depth — still matter more than just spectacle.

The interview also touched on how involved Martin remains in various HBO projects, including advising on narrative arcs and lore authenticity. While he’s no longer in full creative control, he remains a guiding voice in maintaining the integrity of the universe he created.

Amid fan concerns over whether The Winds of Winter will ever be completed, Martin remained optimistic but realistic: “It’ll be done when it’s done—but I’m not stopping.”