George R.R. Martin Finally Reveals Why The Winds of Winter is Taking So Long

by

George R.R. Martin, the famous author of science fiction and fantasy, always hoped his world of Game of Thrones would become a long-lasting, multi-story franchise. Six years later, that vision has become reality. Following the end of HBO’s Game of Thrones in May 2019, HBO announced a prequel series, House of the Dragon, based on Martin’s book Fire & Blood, later that same year.

As a huge fan of the Game of Thrones world, I was thrilled to hear about another prequel just two years after the original series ended! Now, we’re all counting down the days until HBO brings George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg to life on screen. It’s going to focus on the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, and it’s officially set to premiere on HBO on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific time. I’ve already marked my calendar!

HBO’s Game of Thrones Franchise Continues to Expand

The HBO show Game of Thrones first aired in 2011, and that’s when George R.R. Martin understood how much more writing he had ahead of him. He hadn’t yet finished the book series, with The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring still to be written. Now, in 2026, Martin is still working on The Winds of Winter.

Everyone knows HBO finished its Game of Thrones series a while ago, and it’s been widely discussed how much the show differed from George R.R. Martin’s books. However, Martin is still writing his own ending to the story, and he recently explained to James Hibbard at The Hollywood Reporter what’s been delaying its completion.

George R.R. Martin’s Many Projects Beyond The Winds of Winter

HBO is working on even more projects based on George R.R. Martin’s world of Westeros, and a stage play called The Iron Throne is coming to London’s West End. Martin remains heavily involved in all of this, alongside his various businesses in Santa Fe, including the Milk of the Poppy bar, Beastly Books bookstore, and the Jean Cocteau Cinema. He’s also the creative force behind Sky Railway, which offers immersive railroad experiences, such as dragon-themed train rides.

Beyond his work on the popular Game of Thrones franchise, George R.R. Martin has contributed to several other major projects. Many fantasy enthusiasts are aware of his involvement with the acclaimed game Elden Ring, and he also serves as an executive producer on the AMC drama Dark Winds, which follows the Navajo Tribal Police.

Martin, at 77, remains very active, though he’s beginning to feel the effects of aging. He shared with Hibbard, “I never imagined I’d reach this age! I’m getting older, so naturally I have some aches and pains – my lower back bothers me occasionally, and I prefer not to stand for long periods. But overall, I’m doing well.”

Why is The Winds of Winter Taking So Long?

Despite the wait, George R.R. Martin’s fans continue to plead with him online to complete the next book in the series. At a 2025 convention, a fan aggressively questioned Martin, suggesting he let another author finish The Winds of Winter due to concerns about his health and longevity.

“I really didn’t need that s***,” Martin reflected to Hibbard. “Nobody needs that s***.”

George R.R. Martin is determined to complete The Winds of Winter himself, and there are no plans for anyone else to finish it if he can’t. He acknowledges that juggling writing with his responsibilities as a producer and public figure has consistently delayed the book’s completion. While he has around 1,100 pages written, that number hasn’t changed in some time.

Martin shared his writing routine with Hibbard:

When I revisit chapters I’ve been writing, I often realize they aren’t working and need to be revised. Sometimes I’ll switch to a different character’s storyline if one isn’t flowing well. But if I can focus without distractions, I usually find my way back into the writing and eventually get it done.

There’s still a long way to go to get The Winds of Winter to a place where Martin is satisfied.

You know, I was just thinking about how easily this story could spiral if I let my imagination run wild with every single detail. George R.R. Martin actually said it himself – if I wrote down everything that goes on in my head, this series would be the longest book ever! It’s a bit daunting, honestly, trying to balance all these ideas.

Read More

2026-01-17 22:08