In another distancing from recent seasons of Game of Thrones that disappointed many fans, author George RR Martin told the New York Times he wasn’t up to date on their creative choices. During an interview with The Times, 73-year-old Martin, the author of the fantasy novel collection the television series was based on, claimed he wasn’t that involved in the show’s final seasons.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Game of Thrones consisted primarily of the first two books in his A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. The third and fourth seasons coincide with the third book, A Storm of Swords. The TV series also includes material from the next two books, A Feast For Crows and A Dance With Dragons.
Seasons 7 and 8 of the TV series eclipsed Martin’s writing. Martin has said that once the novels are completed, the ending will likely differ from aspects of the TV series ending.
“In seasons 5 and 6, and certainly in seasons 7 and 8, I was pretty much out of touch,” Martin said. Why? “I don’t know – you’ll have to ask (show producers) Dan and David,” in reference to Daniel Weiss and David Benioff.
Martin is involved in Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon, which debuts August 21 on HBO and HBO Max.
According to the Times report, David Benioff and DB Weiss declined to comment.