Summary
Game of Thronescreator George RR Martin wrote a since-deleted blog post onHouse of the Dragonseason 2’s problems. Now, HBO boss Casey Bloys has given a candid description of what it’s like working with Martin.
Game of ThronesprequelHouse of the Dragonseason 2 concluded with mixed reactions. While reviews were generally positive, much of the criticism was directed toward theHouse of the Dragonseason 2 finale, which some felt was dragging its feet while building toward a climatic event that will only unfold on screen when the series returns in roughly two years. Shortly after the season ended, Martin promised to outlinewhat went wrong withHouse of the Dragonseason 2in a blog post.
Martin delivered on that promise in a blog post slamming creativechangesHouse of the Dragonseason 2 madeto his source material and detailing his arguments with showrunner Ryan Condal over these decisions. Martin ended up deleting that post and HBO released a statement expressing admiration forFire & Blood–the book on whichHouse of the Dragonis based–and defending Condal’s creative choices. During an HBO press event (viaDeadline), Bloys expanded on the company’s statement, noting that they want to keep Martin happy but that their working relationship can get “rocky,” comparing it to a marriage:
He’s very important to me, to us. […] But when we put shows together, it’s like putting a marriage together. Marriages can be difficult, especially when Ryan Condal is making creative decisions and adapting work. It can be fraught. Any marriage can get rocky. I would prefer everybody get along, of course. But with the creative process, we are always going to have bumps. That’s to be expected.
Some fans felt Martin was unprofessional by publicly criticizing theHouse of the Dragonteam. Others felt that as the franchise creator, he was well within his rights to make it known that he wasn’t pleased withHouse of the Dragonseason 2’s changes to his work, particularly after he revealed hisconcerns aboutGame of Thronesendingtoo soon were ignored. It’s understandable if he wanted to wash his hands ofHouse of the Dragon’s creative changes, though perhaps he shouldn’t have called out the showrunners publicly.
Despite this brief public airing of grievances, Martin is seemingly still involved in Warner Bros. and HBO’sGame of Thronesfranchise plans. Recently, Martin hinted at aGame of Thronesspinoff with Maisie Williams' Arya Starkby recounting a dinner he had with the actress to discuss something that said “could be fun.” Even if this potential Arya Stark return doesn’t materialize, HBO has multipleGame of Thronesspinoffs, including a feature film, at various stages of development.
So, HBO is still heavily invested in theGame of Thronesfranchise, and keeping Martin happy is probably in the company’s best interest. After theGame of Thronesseries finale was poorly received, listening to criticism ofHouse of the Dragoncould help the prequel show avoid similar mistakes. Still, it may be best for these creative disputes to remain internal.
Game of ThronesandHouse of the Dragonare available on Max.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones, based on the Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R.R. Martin, tells the sprawling story of warring families in Westeros, including the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons, and the Targaryens. Along with human conflicts, Westeros is also threatened by the re-emergence of dragons and an undead enemy from beyond the Wall.
