George R.R. Martin Confirms ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ Ending Will Differ Dramatically from ‘Game of Thrones’ – Here’s How

George R.R. Martin has once again addressed the fate of his A Song of Ice and Fire series and made it clear that the ending will be very different from what fans saw on Game of Thrones. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Martin shared new details about the story, his writing process, and the status of the long-awaited The Winds of Winter.

“[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 went on to hint at other major differences, revealing that he planned to kill more characters than the TV series did.

“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 discussed his own health and life at age 77. Despite ongoing rumors, he assured fans he is fine and in control of his work. “Maybe you should make that your headline: ‘George R.R. Martin Is Not Dying,’” he joked.

The author emphasized that The Winds of Winter is very much in progress. He has completed around 1,100 pages, but the complexity of the story has made the writing process slow and difficult. Martin often revisits chapters, sometimes rewriting or scrapping material entirely if it doesn’t fit the larger story. “I will open the last chapter I was working on and I’ll say, ‘Oh f***, this is not very good,’” he said, explaining how he sometimes switches to a different character or rewrites entire sections.

Martin also put to rest any ideas of a backup plan or a ghostwriter completing the series. “If that happens, my work won’t be finished,” he said, comparing the situation to classic unfinished novels in history.

The success of Game of Thrones has changed Martin’s life, bringing opportunities in television and other Westeros-related projects. He is currently involved in Dunk and Egg stories, a second Fire & Blood book, and television work. Still, he insists that The Winds of Winter is the top priority.

Martin even suggested that the final book could become the longest in the series if he includes everything he wants. But he admitted that his mood sometimes affects his progress. “Sometimes I’m not in the mood for that. I’m so far behind on everything,” he said.

For fans worried that the saga might never conclude, Martin’s message is clear: the story is far from finished, and he is determined to see it through.

Have thoughts about how the series might end? Share your predictions in the comments.