HBO has developed a very successful relationship with George R.R. Martin, the author of the best-selling epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, that the network is currently adapting as the commercial hit television show Game of Thrones.
Martin has been involved with the screenplay and the production of the TV series from the start. In addition, the show has increased Martin’s fan base. With their current compatibility, it seems like both parties will be extending their relationship as George R.R. Martin is set to develop and produce a new show for HBO. He has also signed a two-year contract with the channel to be an executive producer.
Considering the fact that Martin’s expertise is in the science fiction and fantasy genre, there’s a high possibility that the new series will contain elements from that category, though the series’ content hasn’t been revealed yet.
Though the author is popularly known for A Song of Ice and Fire series, Martin’s other literary works have included novels like Fevre Dream, Dying of the Light, The Armageddon Rag, Windhaven. All of which might not have sufficient content to develop into a full television series like the popular Game of Thrones.
But there’s another series called Wild Cards, which can be considered for an adaptation. It’s an anthology series that was edited by Martin. The science fiction story is set just after World War II, when an alien virus that can change human genes is unleashed in New York City. The virus creates disfigured jokers and super-powered beings called Aces. Sounds intriguing, right? I think it can definitely be translated into a television series but alternatively, Martin might just create something completely original for the network.
As a big fan of the author, having read all the books in A Song of Ice and Fire excluding A Dance with the Dragons, I believe Martin is capable of producing another successful HBO series. Besides, this isn’t his first venture writing a television series, he’s been involved with TV shows such as The Twilight Zone and Beauty and the Beast, which aired in the ’80’s, and Doorways and The Outer Limits, which aired in the ’90’s.
However, I’m a bit worried about Martin juggling all his projects: producing a new HBO series, partly supervising the current one, Game of Thrones, while finishing A Song of Ice and Fire. There were two huge gaps – about five and six years respectively – between the release of the fourth and fifth books of the series, A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. The sixth book, The Winds of Winter, hasn’t been given a final release date. And though there are only two books left to be published in the series, Martin might take a while to complete them, especially with his current schedule and his future additional projects. But I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
There is no doubt that George R.R. Martin will be successful no matter what he does, but what do you think? As a fan of the books, are you worried about this new development? As a Game of Thrones fan, are you excited about a new HBO series by Martin?