Winter is coming… to theaters?
That’s a distinct possibility according to “Game of Thrones” creator George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series. Martin is currently writing the sixth novel in that series, with only one to go after that. Meanwhile, HBO and “Game of Thrones” showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have only the fourth and fifth novels to draw upon as they begin working on a fifth season.
The fear among fans is that the “Game of Thrones” TV series will run out of original material long before Martin can finish his magnum opus. But while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Martin offered his solution to the potential problem. “The books get bigger and bigger (in scope),” noted Martin. “ It might need a feature to tie things up, something with a feature budget, like $100 million for two hours. Those dragons get real big, you know.”
Earlier this year, Benioff and Weiss suggested that “Game of Thrones” may only run seven or eight seasons on HBO. Martin’s suggestion would potentially allow the TV show to end while saving the real ending for a potential feature film franchise.
This actually has some precedent at HBO. “Sex and The City” spanned two movies and an Entourage film is currently in production. The biggest downside is that the “Game of Thrones” performers are only signed for a TV series. Getting them all back for a feature film or more could be a costly proposition.
Despite the possible drawbacks of that approach, Martin also suggested that his Tales of Dunk and Egg — which take place in the world of “Game of Thrones” 90 years before the series may also be suitable for the movie treatment.
“[Dunk and Egg]could be the basis for [a film],” explained Martin. “I have written these three stories, and I have about a dozen more.”
“Game of Thrones” Season 4 will premiere on Sunday, April 06 on HBO.
