The renowned creator of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin, recently shared his exciting experiences from a three-day visit to the set of HBO’s prequel series, House of the Dragon. Not only did the celebrated author provide insights into the upcoming season, set to hit the 2024 TV schedule next summer, but he also dropped a tantalizing hint about the much-anticipated next book, Winds of Winter, leaving readers, including myself, even more pumped!
As we get closer to Season 2 of House of the Dragon, the release of first-look posters has already hinted at significant tragedy. Also, after seeing HOTD's Season 2 teaser trailer, it’s apparent that civil war looms over House Targaryen, and we audience members are in for some brutal and bloody battles. Following the catastrophic events of the Season 1 finale, tensions run high between the Greens and the Blacks. In a post on his Not a Blog, Martin offered fans a captivating glimpse into his time on the set, concluding with an enthusiastic “Ohmigod!”
And… of course, of course… I also spent three days with HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. Starting with a visit to the studio where HOTD is being shot. (I had originally planned to visit there months ago, but the WGA strike put an end to that, and instead I stayed here in Santa Fe, working on WINDS OF WINTER and walking a picket line). All I have to say about that is… ohmigod!
The author, well-versed in the intricacies of film sets since his involvement in the Twilight Zone revival during the 1980s, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his experiences in the industry. George recalled:
I am no stranger to film sets. I have worked off and on in television and film since 1986, when I joined the staff of the TWILIGHT ZONE revival at CBS. I still recall the rush where I saw them building Stonehenge on the sound stage behind my office, for an episode I’d written. And of course I visited the GAME OF THRONES shoots in Belfast, Scotland, Morocco, and Malta. Those were incredible too. But nothing I have ever seen can compare with the Red Keep and Dragonstone sets they have built at Leavesden Studios in London. HUGE, stunning, and so damned real that I felt as if I had gone through a time portal to medieval Westeros. I love castles and have visited dozens of actual medieval castles, keeps, and towers in my time, and none of the real castles I’ve ever seen can hold a candle… or a torch… to our Red Keep.
Fans will likely appreciate the 75-year-old author's mention of the highly anticipated Winds of Winter. Yet, for those following the book's timeline of updates, it's no secret that it's been in development since at least 2010, leading fans to express their understandable dissatisfaction with the prolonged wait. However, in 2022, the author reassured fans by committing to finish the sixth book before focusing on the prequel series.
Martin's recent blog post serves as an exciting teaser for fans eagerly awaiting both the second season of House of the Dragon and the release of Winds of Winter – it certainly got my excitement pumping. Yet, like many fans, I'm cautiously managing my anticipation for the novel's release, considering the author's history of attempting and failing to meet previous promises.
While we wait for both projects, there's the option to revisit all the seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon with a Max (formerly HBO Max) subscription.
