George R.R. Martin Criticizes “Abysmal” Relationship with House of the Dragon Team
Renowned author George R.R. Martin has voiced strong criticisms regarding his relationship with Ryan Condal, the showrunner of HBO’s “House Of The Dragon.” Martin’s comments highlight a significant disconnect between the two as they manage the adaptation of his work.
Martin’s Relationship with Ryan Condal
In a recent profile by the Hollywood Reporter, Martin described his relationship with Condal as “abysmal.” This statement is starkly contrasted with Martin’s praise for Ira Parker, the showrunner for his upcoming series, “A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms.” Martin referred to Parker as “terrific” and expressed alignment with his priorities.
Martin initially supported Condal, believing they were partners during the first season of “House Of The Dragon.” He was actively involved, providing notes on script drafts, which he felt were respected. However, the dynamic shifted when Condal assumed sole control for the second season.
Concerns Over Adaptation Choices
Martin has raised concerns about significant changes Condal made to the source material. He expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “He basically stopped listening to me.” The author noted that his feedback was often ignored. HBO’s intervention suggested that Martin submit his notes directly to them for review by Condal.
- Martin criticized changes as “toxic” in a now-deleted blog post.
- After the post, HBO executives contacted Martin’s management expressing concern.
- Following a contentious call, Martin was asked to step back from the project.
Current Status and Challenges
Although Martin has rejoined the series in some capacity, he has been cautious about discussing his involvement. His status as a high-profile author means that navigating his feelings has become a complex task for HBO. Condal, addressing the situation last year, stated he tried to include Martin in the adaptation process but felt Martin was increasingly uncooperative.
As “House Of The Dragon” gears up for its third season, the ongoing tension between Martin and Condal raises questions about future adaptations. This complex relationship underscores the challenges of adapting literary works while respecting the original creator’s vision.
