George R.R. Martin Reveals Shocking Differences Between ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ Ending and ‘Game of Thrones’

George R.R. Martin has confirmed that the ending of his A Song of Ice and Fire series will be very different from what fans saw on Game of Thrones. In a detailed interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Martin explained that some characters who survived in the books will die in his story, and others who died on the show will live.

“[The book’s ending is] going to be significantly different. Some characters who are alive in my book are going to be dead in the show, and vice versa,” Martin said. He also revealed that he originally planned to kill more characters. “I was going to kill more people. Not the ones they killed [in the show]. They made it more of a happy ending. I don’t see a happy ending for Tyrion. His whole arc has been tragic from the first. I was going to have Sansa die, but she’s been so appealing in the show… maybe I’ll let her live.”

Martin also spoke about The Winds of Winter and the progress he has made. He said he has written about 1,100 pages so far and is determined to finish the book. “I would hate that. It would feel like a total failure to me. I want to finish,” he said. Despite his age and the physical challenges that come with it, Martin joked about health rumors, saying, “Maybe you should make that your headline: ‘George R.R. Martin Is Not Dying.’”

One concern fans often raise is whether someone else might finish the series if Martin is unable to. He shut that idea down completely. “If that happens, my work won’t be finished,” he said, comparing it to classic unfinished novels.

Martin admitted that part of the reason the book has taken so long is its complexity. The story now has dozens of characters and multiple plotlines that all have to fit together. He often revisits chapters he has written, rewriting or even discarding material if it doesn’t meet his standards or would change the story. “I will open the last chapter I was working on and I’ll say, ‘Oh f***, this is not very good,’” he said.

Since the success of Game of Thrones, Martin’s life has changed dramatically. He has taken on many projects as a producer and collaborator, including other Westeros stories like Dunk and Egg tales and a second Fire & Blood book. Yet he said The Winds of Winter remains the priority, even if his motivation varies. “Sometimes I’m not in the mood for that. I’m so far behind on everything,” he admitted.

For fans worried about the saga remaining incomplete, Martin had a reassuring message. The Winds of Winter is still in progress, he is not giving up, and the story will continue as long as he is able to write.

It’s encouraging to hear Martin’s commitment to finishing the series exactly how he wants it. While the delays have been long and frustrating, the fact that he is focused on giving fans a proper ending, different from the show—is exciting. What do you think about Martin’s approach to finishing A Song of Ice and Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments.