George R.R. Martin Is Tired Of Writers Trying To Make Adaptations Their Own

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Summary

  • George RR Martin faces challenges working with screenwriters due to protecting his source material.
  • Authors like Martin have emotional investments in their works, leading to issues with adaptation changes.
  • Filmmakers alter books for better fit and market appeal, leading to the tension between fidelity and creativity.

George R.R. Martin openly discussed his experiences collaborating with screenwriters in Hollywood. This renowned writer, whose books have been transformed into television shows and movies, voiced one of his main frustrations during this creative partnership.

Martin serves primarily as an author, scriptwriter, and television executive producer. He gained significant recognition for his “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, which formed the basis for HBO’s popular show “Game of Thrones,” where he functioned as co-executive producer and writer. Additionally, Martin is associated with “House of the Dragon,” a project based on his book “Fire & Blood.” His “Dunk & Egg” novellas will also be adapted in the 2026 HBO series titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” Martin remains actively engaged in adapting his written works, and during a recent gathering, he acknowledged that collaborating with other writers is the most demanding aspect for him.

Martin attended a discussion at the Kimo Theatre in May with author Joe Abercrombie, covering topics like writing, reading, fandom, and more. They fielded questions from the audience as well. During their conversation, Martin asked Abercrombie if he had ever collaborated on fiction stories with others. Abercrombie shared that collaboration was challenging for him due to his background as an editor, as he only followed instructions. While he excelled at improving other writers’ work, it wasn’t his own. Therefore, he chose to focus on being a writer to create his own stories but has yet to find a suitable collaborator. Abercrombie found collaboration in other fields to be rewarding, but when it came to fiction, he admitted that he held onto control too tightly to let go. Martin then added, “Collaboration is key in television and film,” acknowledging the need to work with directors, actors, studio executives, and writers. However, he emphasized that the most challenging part was working with other writers. He clarified that his comments were personal and not a reflection of Abercrombie’s feelings as well. This account is based on Becca Monet’s YouTube channel.

They’re remaking or retelling your story, but instead of you, they hire another person to do it. They give this writer the freedom to create a version that feels familiar, like a modern take on ‘The Great Gatsby’, but with their unique touch. However, I wouldn’t want anyone else to reimagine ‘The Great Gatsby’ in their own way.

George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Dance with Dragons,” often criticizes Hollywood screenwriters for not enhancing source material in most instances. However, in a different interview this year, Martin commended the significant alterations made in the “House of the Dragon” portrayal of Viserys Targaryen, played by Paddy Considine. Initially, Martin wrote Viserys as a minor character, but he found the character as portrayed on HBO’s series to be “much better” than his mental image in the books after watching Considine’s performance. Jokingly, Martin said he now wishes to rewrite his book based on Considine’s portrayal.

It’s reasonable for Martin to be protective of his work given its personal significance, as he has dedicated years to crafting, refining, and sharing it. In an interview with Collider this year, when promoting “In The Lost Lands” alongside Milla Jovovich and Paul W.S. Anderson, he likened the tales he’s created to his own children. Authors typically have a deep emotional attachment to their works, making significant alterations to plot points, character motivations, or themes feel disrespectful and unrecognizable as their original story. In many film and TV deals, creative control is often transferred to studios or showrunners, leaving authors marginalized from crucial decisions. For example, “The Witcher” author Andrzej Sapkowski has spoken out about Netflix not heeding his suggestions regarding the series.

From my perspective as an avid movie-goer, I must admit that sometimes the stories we love from books undergo a transformation when they’re brought to life on the big screen or small. You see, there’s only so much a 2.5-hour film or a TV episode with a runtime of around 40-60 minutes can contain compared to hundreds of pages in a book. Internal monologues, while rich and engaging in literature, don’t translate as effectively visually.

Additionally, screenplays need to adhere to the three-act structure – setup, confrontation, and resolution – to ensure a complete story arc. The audience is another significant factor; studios might prefer romance, action, or younger leads for commercial viability. It’s a complex dance between staying true to the original work and making it appealing to modern audiences.

However, with Martin having such a vast collection of works being adapted, I imagine he has mastered the art of negotiation to maintain control over his stories while still delivering the magic on screen.

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2025-06-05 21:34