Overview

• George R.R. Martin said on June 4 that in most cases when Hollywood screenwriters adapt his work, they fail to improve it.
• He described collaboration in television and film as challenging, saying the hardest part is dealing with other writers tasked with making his stories their own.
• These comments follow a September 2024 blog post from Martin critiquing House of the Dragon Season 2’s Blood and Cheese adaptation.
• HBO responded to Martin’s earlier public criticism by endorsing showrunner Ryan Condal’s creative choices and noting that difficult decisions are necessary in adaptation.
• Condal has defended his approach by saying he made extensive efforts to involve Martin in the adaptation process and hopes to rebuild their collaboration.