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During a press event on Tuesday, HBO and Max chief Casey Bloys addressed the criticism “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin leveled against Season 2 of “House of the Dragon,” the adaptation of his novel “Fire & Blood.” In September, about a month after the second season had concluded, Martin posted a lengthy essay detailing what he thought went wrong with the season, specifically involving changes co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal made from the book for the show, which Martin contended would have a significant effect on Seasons 3 and 4.
“When Ryan Condal first told me what he meant to do, ages ago (back in 2022, might be) I argued against it, for all these reasons,” Martin wrote. “And there are larger and more toxic butterflies to come, if HOUSE OF THE DRAGON goes ahead with some of the changes being contemplated for seasons 3 and 4…”
Later the same day, Martin deleted the post.
Popular on Variety Asked about Martin’s displeasure at the press presentation, Bloys downplayed any difficulties. “We love George,” he said. “Obviously, I will say George and ‘Game of Thrones’ really changed the course of HBO. So I want him to be happy. He’s very important to me, to us. But when we put shows together, you know, you’re putting a marriage together and marriages can be difficult, especially when Ryan is making creative decisions, adapting work. It can be fraught, and like any marriage, sometimes it gets rocky.”
“Would I prefer that everybody get along and it goes well?” Bloys continued. “Of course. But it’s a creative process. It’s it’s always going to have its bumps, and it’s to be expected.”
Bloys also confirmed that HBO’s corporate sibling Warner Bros., led by studio chiefs Michael DeLuca and Pamela Abdy, is developing a possible “Game of Thrones” feature film, adding that Martin is involved in that process. “They’re going to develop idea,” Bloys said. “We’ll see if it’s good. We’ll read the scripts along with them. I think it could be fun and interesting. I mean, that’s the point of development, you see is there a story that’s worthy of being in theaters and a big spectacle? I think it would be fun.”
