George R.R. Martin is “envious” of Kristian Nairn (Hodor) finishing his memoir before The Winds of Winter

Even though Game of Thrones ended in 2019, devoted fans of A Song of Ice and Fire are still awaiting the final books to see George R.R. Martin‘s envisioned ending. The author has spent over a decade perfecting The Winds of Winter to provide a satisfying conclusion. And he’s jealous of other writers who are finishing their work before him.

George R.R. Martin met up with Kristian Nairn

George R.R. Martin went on a long trip to Europe, and one of his destinations was Northern Ireland. He recalled meeting Kristian Nairn there, famous for playing Hodor on Game of Thrones. He wrote in his blog, Not A Blog:

“It was in Belfast, and in Scotland’s Castle Doune the week before it, that I first met most of GOT’s amazing cast: Sean Bean, Mark Addy, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Lena Headey, Ron Donachie, Alfie Allen, and all the rest… among them Kristian Nairn, our one and only Hodor.

Which made it a delight that Kristian was the first old friend we encountered when in Belfast, the first stop of our trips. He still lives there, working as a DJ, doing some acting… and writing. He has a book coming out, a memoir called BEYOND THE THRONE, about his boyhood during the Troubles, his days on GAME OF THRONES, and so much more. He told us all about it during our lunch.”

Beyond The Throne cover

George R.R. Martin is a little envious of Kristian Nairn

Nairn has recently completed his memoir, Beyond The Throne, leaving George R.R. Martin in the dust. And Martin doesn’t really like that. He wrote:

“I have not read the book yet, but Kristian promised to have his publisher send me a copy, and I am eager to get my hands on it. It sounds fascinating. I am a little envious, though. I said to him, “You’re telling me, I’m twelve years late on my book, and you wrote yours over the summer?!” And he had all of his dialogue for the first season of GAME OF THRONES memorized the day after we cast him.”

Read Next: When is The Winds of Winter coming out? Everything we know about the next Game of Thrones book

Beyond the Throne: Epic Journeys, Enduring Friendships, and Surprising Tales

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04/19/2025 09:07 am GMT