George R.R. Martin Speaks on 'The Winds of Winter' Delays and Other Projects

'Game of Thrones' creator George R.R. Martin has once again spoken out about the long-running wait for his next novel, 'The Winds of Winter.' Appearing at New York Comic Con 2025 alongside author Joe Hill, the writer addressed fan frustration surrounding the book’s repeated delays while offering a lighthearted take on the ongoing "controversy."

Martin acknowledged that the much-anticipated instalment of his 'A Song of Ice and Fire' saga has taken longer than anyone expected, but admitted that meeting strict deadlines has always been a personal challenge. Despite fan impatience, the author stressed that he continues to work on the book and remains committed to completing it.

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George R.R. Martin on 'The Winds of Winter' And Earlier Works 

During the panel, Martin reflected on how his success from 'Game of Thrones' has reignited industry interest in many of his earlier works. He noted that studios often purchase adaptation rights to stories he wrote decades ago, prompting fans to question why he’s involved in other projects instead of finishing 'The Winds of Winter.' George R. R. Martin clarified that these adaptations come from old material and not new distractions, emphasising that much of this work was completed years before 'Game of Thrones' became a hit.

The author compared his various creative projects—from the 'Wild Cards' series to AMC's 'Dark Winds,' which he executive produces—to children he cares for equally. He explained that while 'The Winds of Winter' remains a major focus, he also enjoys contributing to other stories and worlds that he's passionate about.

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To date, George R.R. Martin has published five novels in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series: 'A Game of Thrones' (1996), 'A Clash of Kings' (1998), 'A Storm of Swords' (2000), 'A Feast for Crows' (2005), and 'A Dance with Dragons' (2011). The upcoming 'The Winds of Winter' and 'A Dream of Spring' are expected to complete the saga that inspired HBO's 'Game of Thrones'.

Martin has faced ongoing criticism from fans who believe the author may never finish the series or may lose interest entirely. In previous blog posts, he's humorously pushed back on such claims, insisting that he remains dedicated to the story and its characters. At the Comic Con event, he even joked that he plans to live long enough to see the New York Jets and Giants face off in a "Subway Super Bowl"—implying that, at this rate, he'll be around for quite some time.

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While no release date has been announced, George R.R. Martin's comments make it clear that 'The Winds of Winter' is still in progress—and that, despite his many creative ventures, he hasn't abandoned the world of Westeros just yet.

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