George R.R. Martin Acknowledges the Uncertain Future of Game of Thrones Saga

George R.R. Martin is once again raising eyebrows with his latest comments about The Winds of Winter. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 75-year-old author opened up about his ongoing struggle to finish the sixth book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series—the saga that inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones. And for those holding out hope for a release date? The wait continues.

“Unfortunately, I am 13 years late. 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,” Martin admitted.

While acknowledging the delay, he reassured fans that finishing The Winds of Winter remains a priority. “A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me. [They’re saying] ‘Oh, he’ll never be finished.’ Maybe they’re right. I don’t know. I’m alive right now! I seem pretty vital!”

Still, skepticism among fans remains high, and understandably so. Despite Martin’s promises over the years, he’s published Fire & Blood—a history of the Targaryen dynasty that inspired HBO’s House of the Dragon—and even taken on other projects as an executive producer. Fans are questioning his focus, especially as he’s also tied up with the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms spin-off, slated for release in 2025.

The pressure from fans isn’t new. Martin has repeatedly asked for patience, even requesting that readers stop asking about his progress. However, after over a decade of waiting, fans are growing resigned to the possibility that The Winds of Winter may never arrive. And even if it does, the story won’t end there, as Martin has planned a final seventh book, A Dream of Spring.

Adding to the delays, Martin has recently been working on adaptations of his late friend Howard Waldrop’s stories, further diverting his attention from the saga that made him a household name.

For fans, taking Martin’s promises with a grain of salt has become second nature. While he insists he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon, it’s hard to ignore his track record. As he continues to juggle his various projects, the question remains: Will The Winds of Winter ever see the light of day, or is this story destined to remain unfinished?