George R.R. Martin Thinks ‘Game of Thrones’ Could’ve Run for 13 Seasons

Game of Thrones is set to air its eighth and final season in the Spring of next year, but the author of the books the show is based on, George R.R. Martin, believes the show could’ve run for as many as 13 seasons.

Whilst speaking with Variety at the Emmy Awards on Monday, Martin said: “We could’ve gone 11, 12, 13 seasons,” He added the decision to end the series was up to the showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.

“David and Dan have been saying for like five seasons that seven seasons is all they would go. We got them to go to eight but not any more than that. There was a period like five years ago when they were saying seven seasons and I was saying 10 seasons and they won, they’re the ones actually working on it.”

When asked if he thought any of the show’s lead characters might get a spin off show, Martin said it was unlikely as the stars are ready to explore new projects.

“I know all of the actors, as great as they are, all the actors are anxious to get on and play other roles,” he said. “They don’t want to spend their entire lives playing one role and that’s fine, that’s great, we had such an amazing cast.”

Those who will be sad to see Game of Thrones come to an end next year will be pleased to learn that won’t be the last we’ll see of Westeros. Martin explained he has “five other shows, five prequels in development that are based on other periods and the history of Westeros — some of them just 100 years before Game of Thrones, some of them 5000 years before Game of Thrones.”

Game of Thrones won several Emmys on Monday, including the award for Outstanding Drama Series, as well actor Peter Dinklage’s win for Best Supporting Actor as Tyrion Lannister. It’s a great time to be a fan of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world, though we’re still eagerly awaiting a release date for The Winds of Winter..