'Game of Thrones' Author Says the Rumor That He's Secretly Finished Writing the Books Is "Absurd"
George R.R. Martin, the author of the book series on which Game of Thrones is based, has responded to rumors that he's secretly finished writing the series. He says the rumors are absurd.

You may have heard rumors that A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin has already secretly finished the books on which HBO's hit Game of Thrones (opens in new tab) is based. If you have, go ahead and forget them though because Martin says the whole idea is bonkers.
In a post on his blog (opens in new tab), Martin took the time to formally address speculation that he's already finished the story—something many fans are no doubt wishing could be true given the unpopularity of the show's final season. In a post titled "Idiocy on the Internet," Martin wrote:
The rumors apparently started after reports that former GOT actor Ian McElhinney had said the books were done during a panel in April at Epic Con in St. Petersburg, Russia. McElhinney reportedly told fans at the event that Martin had finished the books, but couldn't release them until after the series ended, per a deal with HBO, according to CNN (opens in new tab).
Of the rumor that started the rumor, Martin wrote:
So there you have it.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
subscribe here (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Drew Barrymore and Savannah Guthrie Spill Their Friendship Secrets in Our Co-Star Quiz
The stars of Netflix's "Princess Power" prove their friendship goes skin deep (wink, wink).
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Eyeshadow Sticks Are a Makeup Beginner's Best Friend
Rich, lasting color with a single swipe.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The Spring 2023 Color Trend Report
Yup, hot pink makes an appearance.
By Emma Childs
-
The 75 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
Jo Piazza and Christine Pride Tackle the Complicated Topic of Motherhood in 'You Were Always Mine'
The forthcoming book from 'We Are Not Like Them' authors Jo Piazza and Christine Pride asks the question: Who gets to make the choice to be a mom?
By Danielle McNally
-
The Unstoppable Alia Bhatt
Bollywood’s silver-screen darling is both at the top of her game and just getting started.
By Neha Prakash
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park