Update: September 30, 2015 at 8:10 PM (PDT) by Caleb Denison with news that George R.R. Martin and HBO have come out denying rumors of a forthcoming Game of Thrones movie –
In the dicey world of Game of Thrones, no one is safe, and nothing is certain. Such seems to be the case regarding reports that would have appeared to substantiate a Game of Thrones movie is on the way.
The source of the rumor (and excitement) was a Daily Star exclusive report in which the article’s writer, James Ingham, claims Game of Thrones author, George R.R. Martin, confirmed a big-screen adaptation would arrive after the HBO series had ended. The statements were allegedly made during an HBO afterparty.
It now appears the account of those statements may have been false. George R.R. Martin recently denounced the rumors on his LiveJournal page. In a response to a comment on the page, Martin says, ” … completely false. No one is working on any movie just now. And if there was a movie, it would not be about Robert’s Rebellion.”
Then, again, earlier today Martin continued to call the rumors into question: “I don’t know where this latest round of ‘there’s going to be a GAME OF THRONES movie’ nonsense is coming from, but suddenly it is everywhere, and all of us connected with the show and HBO are being bombarded. But nothing has changed.”
The Huffington Post is also casting doubt on the rumor, reporting that it was contacted by Martin’s assistant, who dismisses the quotes in Daily Star’s report as “not direct quotes.” HBO was also quoted as having stated in an email that the Daily Star story was “not at all correct.”
While that may all seem very damning, Martin admits that he loves the idea of a film and doesn’t put it out of the realm of possibility. Said Martin in his blog, ” … the idea is still powerfully attractive. Not just to me, but to many people connected with the show. Actors, directors, producers, writers. How not? It would be a great way to end.”
It should also be noted that the Daily Star has not, at the time of publication of this update, retracted the original story.
So it would seem the official word is that the movie is not official. But, clearly, there is voracious interest on the part of fans and everyone else involved — as Martin himself has said, how not? Indeed, a cover-up of a leak wouldn’t be unthinkable, but for now, we’ll have to trust the official statements of those most closely involved.
Digital Trends has reached out to HBO for comment and will update this story accordingly.
Original story published September, 30 2015:
According to George RR Martin, while Game of Thrones is not long for the TV world, a film is in the works.
Said Martin at an HBO Emmy after-party, “there will be a movie, but I will not be involved.”
The Game of Thrones author went on to add: “I have too much to do. That is something HBO and DB [Weiss] and David [Benioff] are dealing with. I have two more books to finish and I still have so much to do. The pressure is on. I am such a slow writer and the fans get upset that I don’t write faster.”
An unnamed source involved in production also told The Week that the film could reach back in time for material. Given that RR Martin is famous for ruthlessly killing off beloved characters, this would afford the film the opportunity to bring back deceased favorites like Oberyn Martell … or pretty much any Stark.
“With the Game of Thrones universe, there is much rich material and no constraints on when that story will take place,” said the source, adding that “They are looking at dipping back in time during certain periods of the series, which could be examined as a one off plot.” The insider finished by stating explicitly “that means that some of the big characters who fans have seen die on screen could be resurrected …”
Oh boy! Rev up the speculation/hype/ER-MAH-GERD machine, it looks like Game of Thrones is going to be with us for a long time. After all, what’s a movie without a trilogy these days?
It seems like this big-screen adaptation may arrive just in time, too. When asked about the prospect of extending Game of Thrones to 10 seasons, Co-Creator David Benioff responded, “No way in hell because we know what the end is and we’re rapidly approaching it.”
… the end of the series, that is.
Game of Thrones’ sixth season debuts in April of 2016.
