George R.R. Martin recalls visiting set of canceled Game of Thrones spinoff Blood Moon

As a seasoned gamer and die-hard fan of George R.R. Martin‘s epic saga, I can’t help but feel a tinge of envy mixed with excitement upon reading about his recent European adventure. Having grown up binge-watching Game of Thrones and immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Westeros, it feels surreal to learn that the mastermind himself has been treading on the very sets that brought my beloved series to life.

Previously this year, George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Song of Ice and Fire”, spent a few weeks touring Europe. During that time, he attended Worldcon, where we had an opportunity to speak with him, and also went to the set of the upcoming “Game of Thrones” prequel series titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms“.

Martin is planning to share details about his visit to the set of “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” soon. At present, he’s been discussing another “Game of Thrones” spinoff on his blog: “Blood Moon”, a prequel that HBO attempted to launch before “House of the Dragon”. Interestingly, HBO produced a pilot for “Blood Moon”, featuring prominent actors like Naomi Watts and Miranda Richardson. The show would have been set far in the past compared to the events of “Game of Thrones”, predating even the arrival of the Targaryens with their dragons, and it was intended to narrate the tale of when the White Walkers initially invaded Westeros.

Despite keeping the visuals intact, HBO opted against producing the series. However, author George R.R. Martin recollected his 2019 trip to Belfast where he saw sets like “Casterly Rock and Winterfell interiors as they might have appeared millennia before The War of the Five Kings…” He also mentioned that they could explore these places.

Essentially, he doesn’t reveal much more. He might have witnessed something rarely glimpsed by many, if HBO chooses to share the abandoned pilot with the public. I’d be willing to pay a few dollars for it, subtly suggesting so.

George R.R. Martin recomments the Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Martin additionally explored the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, a museum dedicated to the renowned series, nestled in the town of Banbridge, Northern Ireland. Interestingly, he snapped some personal photographs as well.

George R.R. Martin takes his own pics while visiting the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge:
— Winter is Coming (@TopMobnet) October 7, 2024

Martin described spending a half-day exploring various rooms, expressing delight and curiosity, conversing with knowledgeable staff, who seemed familiar with Westeros as if they were characters from the series. The team was inviting and warm, welcoming visitors regardless of their allegiance – Starks, Lannisters, or White Walkers. It was tempting to linger longer, but there were other destinations and acquaintances awaiting us. If your itinerary ever takes you to Ireland, avoid our error; the location offers many attractions, so plan enough time to explore it thoroughly.

It is one thing to watch a television series at home and admire the look of it… but the studio tour really brings home the incredible amount of care that went into making it… the blood and sweat and craft, the hours and days of dedication, labor, and love that brought Westeros to life. GAME OF THRONES filmed all over the world, in Scotland, Iceland, Malta, Morocco, Spain, and Croatia… and in Northern Ireland most of all… but I live in New Mexico, and while I did visit the shoots a number of times during the show’s run, it was not nearly enough. I am so pleased that we now have such a magnificent museum, so GOT fans from all over the world can experience a taste of what was.

It’s exciting to imagine the staff at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour having the opportunity to guide George R.R. Martin, the series creator, through his own intricate world and perhaps learning a thing or two from him about the subtleties of the Seven Kingdoms.

2024-10-07 17:41