In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin acknowledged the possibility that he might never complete the remaining books in his acclaimed fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire."
The 76-year-old writer, who has kept fans waiting for "The Winds of Winter" since 2011, expressed bewilderment at the lengthy delay. "Unfortunately, I am 13 years late," Martin said. "Every time I say that, I'm [like], 'How could I be 13 years late?' I don't know, it happens a day at a time."
This marks a notable shift from his more optimistic stance in 2022, when he claimed to be "three quarters of the way done" during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The anticipated book would be the sixth installment in the series, followed by a planned final volume, "A Dream of Spring."
Martin addressed growing speculation about whether he'll complete the series, noting that some fans are "already writing obituaries" for him. "Maybe they're right. I don't know. I'm alive right now!" he remarked.
The original books were released at a steadier pace, with the first five volumes published between 1996 and 2011. The series gained worldwide recognition through HBO's Game of Thrones, which concluded in 2019 with an ending that diverged from Martin's planned narrative.
While Martin maintains that completing the books remains "a priority," the extended delay and his recent comments have left fans questioning whether they'll ever see the author's intended conclusion to the beloved fantasy saga.
Despite the uncertainty, Martin assured fans he has no plans to retire, quipping that he's "not a golfer."