HBO Addresses Game of Thrones Movie, George R.R. Martin’s House of the Dragon Criticism

The rumors are true: a Game of Thrones movie is now in the planning stages at HBO. Original author George R.R. Martin’s criticism about the spinoff series, House of the Dragon, has also been addressed.

Recently, it was reported that a Game of Thrones film was in early development. Per Variety, this report has been confirmed by HBO and Max chief Casey Bloys during a press event on Tuesday. While it was stressed that the project is still in its infancy and not yet officially greenlit, Bloys teased that Martin is directly involved with the creative process. As long as there’s a screenplay that everyone is happy with, then production on the movie will be able to move forward.

“They’re going to develop an idea,” Bloys explained. “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.”

George R. R. Martin Wasn’t Thrilled With House of the Dragon

Back in September, Martin shared his thoughts about House of the Dragon on his website in a post that has since been deleted. The author said he “argued against” some of the changes made from the source material for the TV series, and he shared his concerns about what’s to come. As Martin noted, “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…”

Bloys responded to the criticism that Martin had about the series. He noted how it hasn’t changed the way Martin is revered, and they are always hoping the author will be “happy” with how the adaptations of his work are going. With that said, it’s natural for the creative process to have some “bumps” along the way.

“We love George,” Bloys shared. “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.”

He added, “Would I prefer that everybody get along and it goes well? Of course. But it’s a creative process. It’s always going to have its bumps, and it’s to be expected.”