"I Wish I Had A Dragon I Could Fly To The Kremlin" - EXTENDED INTERVIEW with George R.R. Martin

[@Brimstarr]

Stephen, please do more interviews like these. It was far more entertaining and interesting hearing real thoughts and opinions than a 7 minute interview for a movie plug.

[@mvubu6823]

you do knowtwhat industry he's in, don't you? and you do realise it's a plug anyway.

[@Brimstarr]

@@mvubu6823 Versus. the regular substance you're used to, this was way more refreshing and meaningful. Clearly we all know what industry he is in but formats can change. Look how successful things like the Graham Norton show is and they talk in more depth about things than half the interviews he does unfortunately.

[@mvubu6823]

@@Brimstarr I also prefer it, but the reality of bubblegum TV is that it doesn't work. Most interviews are much longer and get trimmed right down. GRRM is just a move interesting and hugely popular guest with content people want

[@MetaPixeI]

Yeah that's called a podcast unfortunately.. and is the reason they are so popular nowadays

[@gabsie7224]

What you find interesting might be boring for someone else.

[@jackson857]

I love how Stephen just let him talk without interrupting or trying to hurry him up.

[@Dom21221]

Amen

[@jeffdroog]

It's an interview...It would be super weird if he didn't lol

[@vinny142]

@@jeffdroog You don't watch a lot of interviews, do you 🙂

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

Yes, but I suspect that's because they really made the time for him. It's not always the case with most other guests.

[@jeffdroog]

@@vinny142 Most people who are A)Male,and B)Over the age of 65,tend to get some more talking time,and also,Stephen is a personal fan,so I'd also like to think that helped his case.

[@martinku86]

Stephen somehow understood George's sci-fi rant as a crisis of faith, asked about it, and then just pulls out a random space project to restore George's faith. Next level interviewing.

[@gamersthumbs4673]

Really cool of him to do so, because at the end of the day sometimes giving someone else a little bit of hope could help a lot more people in the future.

[@Tammy_Talpas]

That is an incredible observation. I didn't even think of it until I read your comment.

[@totalbliss1]

Although like Martin said, the ability to transport ourselves to that other world of Alpha Centauri if we knew, using parasails, there was something there, is out of the realm of possibility (within the prospects of technology known to science today). His crisis of faith still exist even though Stephen offered a window into it.

[@mncheng]

Stephen’s optimism could keep a flame lit under water. He is a national treausre

[@paloma4444]

nah i was a stupid thing he mentioned

[@GunfireFWC]

Its genuinely endearing that hes always so happy to talk about his work despite being asked about it for almost 20 years

[@robertwilson3866]

True but he has made millions from it. I'd be happy to talk about it too every now and again!

[@GunfireFWC]

@@robertwilson3866 Valid point!

[@kingace6186]

Exactly. I wonder if this is how I might be in the future. (Fingers crossed!)

[@jeanbutinfrench]

He is a natural storyteller, I don’t see him getting tired of telling them

[@zo7034]

Yeah, I can see 20 years on the same series becoming draining. Totally understandable that he does these side projects like Elden Ring etc. to get a bit of a break. Just hope we get a decent ending to the ASOIF series, whether its in 5 years or 25 years

[@tutirutan111]

Everytime someone tries to ask GRRM about inspirations or tips of writers he always speak about new modern writers that doesn’t have a big audience. It’s just so genuine everytime he does it and he’s so cool for doing it.

[@mobo7420]

Uh, the two authors he mentions are. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nnedi_Okorafor and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Abraham_(author) , those are both bestselling authors with TV series based on their books and multiple awards. I am fine that he mentions both, but you can't really call them "not a big audience" within the genre.

[@manaash4316]

It's so amazing that this man has created these incredible worlds that have spawned so many jobs and sparked so many imaginations. There are KZbinrs whose entire job is to deep dive into his work for fans. He's touched so many lives.

[@assassincreed1238]

Preston jacobs, Dave lightbringer, Ser hunts, talking thrones, red team review and nerdurotic are my fav

[@swaggerdagger5168]

Shoutout to David Lightbringer. George would fucking despise Nerdrotic if he was aware of that right wing dipshit.

[@A1985Jonesy]

@@assassincreed1238 id recommend Alt Shift X, he has some good videos

[@trvth1s]

Let's not forget about all the cast members, producers, editors, etc that have a gig now

[@manaash4316]

@@A1985Jonesy alt shift x and Glidus are amazing channels!

[@doesnotexist305]

We often look at George as a fantastic storyteller and novelist but he’s also such an exceptional human being. God bless him.

[@theunknowncommenter725]

That's nice, now how about he stops sucking up to second rate talk show host and finish his damn books already?!

[@notkjjk]

@@theunknowncommenter725 i hope he never releases it just so you're disappointed

[@MikaelLV]

@@notkjjk That's impressively petty

[@QuietEscapism]

@@theunknowncommenter725 Waaaaaa Waaaaaa

[@dust1077]

@@MikaelLV Perhaps, but you were still impressed were you not?

[@teenytinytoons]

I’ve never seen an interview of George before and wow. He’s incredible. Such a fun, quirky, and amazing person. He’s a legend.

[@robertofernandez7178]

Is it just me or he seems healthier now than years back?

[@echodff]

@@robertofernandez7178 It's probably due to quitting Roller Coaster Tycoon

[@Blynat]

@@echodff LOL

[@alexcoffey8804]

He has huge "favorite grandpa" energy.

[@SharkWithFreakinLaserBeam]

@@robertofernandez7178 Good, he better not die before finishing the GoT books (I know they're not called GoT) since the show fkin trashed it.

[@bryceroberts2965]

This Is what you get when the host actually understands and is passionate about fantasy and science fiction. Excellent interview, thoughtful questions.

[@jjarv222]

The way Stephen breathes hope into George after he addressed his very understandable pessimism was beautiful

[@steveng8251]

I love how you made him comfortable enough to really share what his motivations are.. Well done sir.

[@vinny142]

He basically said "hello" and Martin started talking.

[@steveng8251]

@@vinny142 The "basically" is what I was referring to. Nuance which you did not notice.. Way to point out your absence of observance in you race to mock...

[@romo7919]

@@steveng8251 but they weren’t necessarily mocking anything, more like supporting your statement?? Way to prove your lack of reading comprehension

[@steveng8251]

@@romo7919 so you are on the troll bandwagon? perhaps you should re-read who I was responding to.

[@Rezorrand]

I love how grounded this interview was, it felt much more personal than the movie plugs and other quick chats where celebrities just come on, share a few bits of trivia and then are given a plug and wave goodbye. Something I've been missing in these past decades almost..

[@rikkiechambers4959]

As a former librarian who did not watch the shows because I read the books and knew how sad Game of thrones was .. this was a lovely interview ! He is an incredibly talented author and also I agree with you about that launch Stephen .. 20 years is a blink .

[@ajpend]

Love this opening post. I also watched not a lick of the shows, because what I have in my mind from the books cannot be beat.

[@artofdisguy3401]

Yes,, the written word can not be duplicated in film to give the books proper credit

[@sangeetsiv]

Ooh you should watch the shows and do a review/podcast

[@embreis2257]

alpha centauri, the nearest solar system, is a triple star system. highly unlikely to have a planet (or moon) able to sustain life. the radiation must be insane

[@helifanodobezanozi7689]

The shows are only bad if you have a closed mind. Even though the last season of GOT could have been better, it's biggest problem was they attempted to do too much in too short of a time. That being said, I believe people at the time over reacted, mainly because the ending challenged their expectations.

[@jhern083]

My guy is an elite tier geek. May the american medical system keep him with us for many years to come.

[@brettsnyder5858]

Hahahaha my thoughts exactly. By and old gods and the new, please let this man live long enough to finish his series.

[@KKomalShashank]

​@@brettsnyder5858It's okay. We have Brandon Sanderson as a back-up, just in case. He came through for Robert Jordan. He'll come through for George if the time comes. 😅

[@anabenskywalker122]

Really weird hearing Fromsoft being brought up on a late night television show. I’m so happy for Miyazaki and the team for finally getting the recognition they deserve. I may have joined the community later than others, but I was still there before Elden Ring so seeing how far they’ve come just brings me so much joy… and also a bit of fear

[@Sohelanthropus]

Definently more fear than joy for me We all know what happens to devs when they get too famous

[@neantibi]

Elden Ring ended up being a massive success, breaking well into the mainstream, while retaining the core FromSoft values. If Bandai Namco have any sense, they should just let Miyazaki & co do their thing, and they will keep delivering blockbusters like this. Or so I hope!

[@Sohelanthropus]

@@neantibi kinda, but at the cost of it being casualized and too accessible

[@Mason_____]

Fromsoft has always been “big”, But it broke into the real mainstream finally. Of all devs, they seem the least likely to bend to the will of the casual market. It’s clear they have a high level of integrity

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

Right? It felt great to hear haha.

[@Synathidy]

I love that they talked about Elden Ring, too. This guy is really leaving his mark on the fantasy genre.

[@ivoferin8176]

You let him speak on his tempo... Brilliantly lead interview, Stephen! 5 stars.

[@tytn9978]

one of the more interesting interviews ... I could listen to George RR Martin and Stephen for another hour or five! When a host allows a guest free-reign to express thoughts, magic happens!

[@science4life486]

This was by and large, one 'of your best interviews Stephen. I also love the fact that you let George go on and fully flesh out his opinions. He is a very well-spoken man.

[@shmuelaryehkoltov241]

Of all of the guests on this show, George is probably one of the guests I'd like to spend an evening with the most. He's just down to earth, interested and fully engaged in the subject.

[@facepainter7297]

He used to hangout and drink beers with his fans at Cons. Alas, he is much to famous now and would get mobbed.

[@Dave004]

He'd be glad to hang out with you or anyone, anything to distract him and allow him not to write lol

[@Bareego]

I remember first time meeting George R.R. Martin, I didn't know who he was at the time. It was at a popular culture convention. All the other famous people had a special area where you had to pay to get an autograph or photo taken, and this gentle bearded man was on the main floor, signing books and chatting to people, and there was a long line. I still treasure the photo I took of him then, especially after reading most of his books. I started reading Scifi and fantasy in my teen years and cherish the adventure of traveling into the authors' imaginations. Sadly I find many modern Scifi sections in book stores don't carry books that broaden your horizon, but rather are just retellings of established brands.

[@ccl1195]

Such a wonderful story.

[@rossl5908]

Sturgeon’s Law

[@cyber_tech93]

THANKS FOR WATCHING AND COMMENTING, YOU'VE BEEN PICKED AMONGST MY WINNER'S FOR THE GIVEAWAY.. DM THE TELEGRAM ABOVE TO CLAIM YOUR PRICE 🎉🎉

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

@@rossl5908 I wonder if you have to be of a certain age to recall Sturgeon's Law? (I do 😉)

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Same here, I met him at a convention in the '80's (Portland Wa ?), very kind and conversational even with a geeky fan like myself! 🤣

[@wilson1988]

I can't get over how excellent of an interview this was. Late Night TV isn't usually like this!

[@MacNif]

Most late night tv is about being FAKE...every now and again actual conversations happen

[@Lurklen]

Hey, you give someone the chance to actually talk about something you got a better chance of having something like a real conversation. You're right, it isn't now. Used to be like this more often (though not all the time) but somewhere along the way it became more spectacle than substance.

[@johnnyecho]

Yeah , Colbert finally just lets his guest talk…

[@casmatt99]

This is one of those interviews that Stephen conducts differently than most of the ones he does on the show. He's fully aware that's he in the presence of greatness, a mind he respects and admires.

[@brendaevans8482]

I almost feel like he has to schedule one of these every so often, just to shake off the continual movie plugs and stuff.

[@jakewoods8847]

I'm surprised there was no mention of Tolkien.

[@nothajzl]

He’s a fan of George, that’s why :)

[@wrenlinwhitelight3007]

He is every nerds hero. R.R. Martin is an-matched legend of fantasy story-telling. I'm so hyped whenever Stephen interviews him because he turns into a child again

[@Dave004]

Its not heroic to write two thirds of a fantasy story then cash out and not finish it while your fans beg for a conclusion to the story. Tolkien, Sanderson, Jordan, these were great writers who finished their series.

[@epicfactsbooks]

he didn't finish but what he finished was legendary

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@Dave004 His "fans" already crapped on his ending.[ That's why he stopped writing it.

[@CyVinci]

@@Dave004Cry about it

[@austinwilkerson84]

This is the best Late Night interview I’ve seen in years. The subject matter, the pacing, the warmth… I thought this sort of content was gone from mainstream media. Good job to Stephen and the producers for prioritizing humane, intelligent engagement. Ad astra!

[@TheCrazyStats]

George R.R. Martin is a fascinating human being. The amount of creativity and thought he puts into universe building is insane even after all these years. Elden Ring was a prime example of this as well. One of my favorite games of all time.

[@lexibrowning7447]

I sit and watch these Elden Ring lore videos like they were actually written eons ago and some nat geo explorers just discovered them. Then I watch this video with George. “These Japanese people told me to think of something cool and I was like bet”

[@nastybedazzler]

I've been playin Elden Ring now for about 70 hours and I'm absolutely obsessed with it. It's such a beautiful game. I legit just finished playing it then saw this video and was thinking like damn that's a weird coincidence. I was surprised Colbert even brought the game up. It got me thinking whether or not GRRM or Fromsoft would publish any kind of book related to the game, because I would definitely read that if GRRM was involved. I can feel GRRM's touch all over this thing. I hope he gets to do more stuff like this.

[@deathbeforedecaf7755]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 yeah…no but go on😂😂😂😂

[@dcworld4349]

@@nastybedazzler For god sakes no, he's writing slower (he said so himself on his blog) has two mainline books to finish, the second volume of his fifth or sixth history book, anywhere from 9 to 12 Dunk & Egg stories. Something I Imagine they will turn into a series after HoTD if not have it be later seasons of HoTD where they can just continue telling the story after the Dance of Dragons. Move towards the Blackfyre rebellion, then Dunk & Egg, tell the story of Summerhall and the possible botched attempt (or foiled by the measters from the citadel) for the House at getting dragons back killing everyone there akin to the red wedding except much bigger. Before they can either end the HoTD series by showing us all that lead up to Robert Rebellion and the war itself. With the other option being you can do that and then have the final season be about Aegon's conquest, possibly even start earlier like HoTDs1 and finally reveal what happened in old Valerya. Showing us how messed up that entire country and most of the Valeryan people really where, making the later slave masters in GOT look kind in comparison. They at least didn't make slaves to have sex with dragons to see if it could be safe to do it themselves, experimented on with blood magic turning them into lovecraft monsters, or when too old or too injured and burned by mining materials inside volcanos become dragon food. That way the show will have come full circle giving us first hand instead of second and third hand accounts. At the same time as the story continues with Jon Snow and whoever else comes back.

[@theunknowncommenter725]

If only he would stop wasting time and finish his damn books

[@AllTheArtsy]

I wish George all the good health and inspiration. I want him to finish telling all the stories in his ASOIAF universe. I love this world so much and I hope he gets to wrap it up completely.

[@mujkocka]

It would be awful to have a ghost writer to write it up after he dies! AWFUL!

[@osseelite156]

@@mujkocka Even more awful he dies and there wouldn't be a ghost writer..

[@mujkocka]

@@osseelite156 for the most of the recent popular series, when the authors died, some writer were given notes and assigned to finish up the series. every one of these books are awful. that's what i meant by ghost writer. yeap LONG LIVES George RR MARTIN!

[@suddenimpulse030]

@@mujkocka He said many years ago he wouldn't have someone finish his work for him.

[@lisamcintyre9832]

An absolutely incredible mind. How he creates and keeps up and is involved in so many things is an inspiration to me. And he’s 74! We must follow his example and keep working toward the good in our world! Great interview! Please keep bringing us these kind of people!

[@marcogallo2811]

Loved it. Knowing how big of a Tolkien fan Stephen is, I can imagine his interest and love of talking to a writer and world builder like George.

[@jsullivan2112]

I was hoping they would geek out on Tolkien a bit but alas, only so many minutes in a talk show.

[@timc7035]

He talked to George for hours after the show was over. George says Colbert was able to recite a Tolkien poem from memory during the conversation.

[@pingpongun8519]

This guy is a hero simply by writing out his fantasy. It’s amazing. He created so many jobs, both for movies and social media. He made such good art that has entertained millions. Man, what an actual hero

[@skrotosd]

You forgot videogame industry jobs, a lot of people work over there

[@jhinabloomingflower807]

I agree with everything expect the hero part.

[@pingpongun8519]

@@jhinabloomingflower807 I’m 110% sure this series has helped many people. It’s common that people who stuggle find content on youtube or a series that helps them through something. Especially many during covid, so i’m sure this guy’s fantasy has helped people on the edge, either it be the series or books, and that would be hero worthy.

[@jhinabloomingflower807]

@@pingpongun8519 temporal savior maybe but hero is a strong and rare title you can give to someone,being a hero is about virtue,honor,Self sacrifice,selflessness all of that,it's greatness,so maybe I would agree with a synonym word that is lesser but still an honorable word for what George has offered to millions of people,hope you understand what I'm trying to say respectfully of course!

[@pingpongun8519]

@@jhinabloomingflower807 Probably true, i have no synonym, but a great guy nonetheless!

[@Libbathegreat]

I thought my growing pessimism about the future of humanity was just a symptom of my becoming "too online" of late. Hearing someone with GRRM's intelligence, sensibility and length and breadth of experience echoing my worries is both validating and terrifying. I hope people are listening.

[@ccl1195]

I know, it's both. For me it felt more validating and encouraging; we're not crazy, it is this bad, there was something good in the past that changed- does that leave us with a responsibility to "be the change we wish to see in the world?"

[@Afterflowers-v4k]

Meanwhile, there is a very important election coming up. It’s hard for me to tell how seriously people are taking the fact that it’s really important who holds public office with the state of the country and the world being the way it is. And in general I don’t know that people understand the potential power to make change that could be grasped if the left got really strategic about electoral politics the way the right has been lately. So, I try to fight my existential dread by textbanking and doing other get-out-the-vote stuff, and at least trying to encourage others to do the same. If nothing else it gets me in the practice of doing something small on a regular basis instead of sitting frozen in terror, which helps me feel a bit more hopeful than I otherwise would.

[@analogecstasy4654]

It’s all this willful stupidity as of late. We had a President that tried to overturn Democracy AND HE’S STILL DOING IT-AND PEOPLE ARE STILL GOING TO VOTE FOR HIM!! Like, how the F*CK can you be optimistic when half our country is demonstrably STUPID AS SHIT?! They don’t even believe climate change exists! They want us to DRILL FOR MORE OIL! Like, what the ACTUAL f*ck???

[@NotDuncan]

I’m optimistic that the universe will thrive with(out) humanity

[@analogecstasy4654]

@@NotDuncan Because the Earth is thriving so much under our watch??? Imagine the DISASTER we’d bring to the cosmos if we left the planet NOW. No, my friend, humanity has a LONG WAY to go before we’re ready for the stars. We can’t even manage one planet successfully. How many species have gone extinct because of our activity? Now, extrapolate that number out over the entirety of the Milky Way. We are a pestilence that NEEDS to be trapped on Earth. We have yet to prove we’re anything except greedy, idiotic, death bringers that enjoy enslaving each other and destroying their own environment!

[@LilyValesti]

This was honestly a profound interview. It was so... human... just hearing his thoughts and letting him go on. I've seen a lot of interviews with him where it was solely about his book writing speeds or the GoT season 8 ending that just did not feel as good as this one did. And honestly he's right about the world right now.

[@Prospectgirl]

A global government is not the answer.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

What a great guy. Fascinating to hear him talk openly and I’ve not even read his books. Just a man I could listen to for hours and Stephen let him talk without interruption which was lovely.

[@artofdisguy3401]

Do yourself a great favour,,, pick up his first book,, give it a read and I will guarantee you'll be buying his others

[@PhantomFelix211164]

Really wholesome seeing both Stephen and George be massive Sci-fi nerds

[@shayneoneill1506]

I always knew GRRM was, but it turns out Colbert has a pretty healthy knowledge of sci-fi too? Who'd have guessed. This was an awesome interview.

[@PhantomFelix211164]

@@shayneoneill1506 I was also pleasantly surprised about that too. I guess that to be a good talk show host, you need to know a lot of stuff about different topics

[@UserInterface00]

This was probably the best interview that Colbert did in the last 5yrs+ that I can recall. It was in depth, talked about all of Martin’s projects including Elden Ring (which I didn’t think Stephen knew about) and talked about life and exploration. I loved his interviews with Neil D. Tyson, but Martin is by far his best.

[@alexmcleod4330]

That man is like a smoked velvet pudding full of delicious half-formed stories, large truths and small lies, and so is the other man. More of this sort of content, please!

[@cleverusername9369]

Small note but I love that the band played "Fire on the Mountain" for George. Our friend Jon Batiste may have moved on the bigger and better things, as he deserves, but I'm happy the band is still killing it.

[@beccap3515]

I love that GRRM is an old deadhead 💛⚡️

[@coolsomewhere]

I could listen to George talk for hours.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

I like that there's not alot of negativity in the comments towards George and his writing pace. I certainly understand the frustration of some fans but I believe we need more positivity and encouragement directed towards George. I think Winds will be the best book in the series or atleast on par with A Storm of Swords.

[@Vortex1988]

That's fine and all, but A Dream of Spring definitely is never getting finished.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

@@Vortex1988 are you positive? Haha

[@Vortex1988]

@@cosmiccomedy7394 Just being realistic. GRR Martin is 74 years old. He's been working on Winds of Winter for 10 years, and he's still not done. If he does finish winds, it'll be a miracle if he lives to finish A Dream of Spring.

[@cosmiccomedy7394]

@@Vortex1988 oh I know.. Fair enough mate. I was just doing a play on words about being positive. I'm afraid you're right about dream of spring but who knows maybe he won't have as many hang ups with it as Winds and can bust it out in 4 or 5 years.

[@Vortex1988]

@@cosmiccomedy7394 I think what baffles me the most about it is that he's still getting spinoff books completed and published while also working on new shows with HBO. You'd think that if he was serious about finishing the last two books, then he would have dropped the other projects until asoiaf was done.

[@MagisterVeritas]

I love how George always picks his interviewers based on their intelligence. George has a massive memory and complex thinking and Stephen is just the right person to be able to tap into that and ask insightful questions.

[@jon-umber]

I feel like Colbert and Martin need a full hour or more to discuss genre fiction. That convo deserves to have its own format outside of nighttime television. Great discussion.

[@Melicious87]

George is such a precious human. I could listen to him for hours.

[@theunknowncommenter725]

If only he would stop procrastinating and finish his damn books!

[@gloriaunakbaria9451]

@@theunknowncommenter725 tbh let him take his time so the book would come out great

[@aogote]

@@theunknowncommenter725 How's he procrastinating? He's working, not in what you want, but in what he wants.

[@QuietEscapism]

@@theunknowncommenter725 the books are still not out because of people like you

[@Melicious87]

@@theunknowncommenter725 I really don't understand people like this. GRRM doesn't just work on ASOIAF, but a variety of other novels, TV shows, games. Aside from winds of winter there's the hotd show, dunc and egg novels, wild card series, elden ring, fire and blood books and all the different up and coming writers he's been helping promote. All of which he has done in the time between the ADOD volume and now. I wonder what it is YOU procrastinate on to feel need to say that along with the others who do this as well lol

[@nicolebragg1171]

GRRM will be this generation's Tolkien, he's fundamentally changed the world of fantasy & people will be talking about his works in literature classes decades from now. This was such a fascinating interview, he's such an interesting man. EDIT: I hope all the people replying to this are enjoying themselves by yelling into the void, because I have ignored all of it.

[@maradjade1848]

He won't. He will never finish his main series. Without that nothing else matters. Tolkien wrote the books FIRST then added the extra material. George is like if Tolkien stopped at The Two Towers wrote a bunch of side material and worldbuilding stuff and never wrote The Return of the King. He is more like the wheel of time.guy than Professor Tolkien

[@jedinxf7]

@@maradjade1848 he's a lot like Robert Jordan lol in more ways than incomplete works. he's also very American and very sexually juvenile

[@mori1bund]

@@maradjade1848 it took Tolkien almost 2 decades to complete LotR, just 3 books. GRRM writes 7 books, that are much more complex than LotR.

[@thesuntrider]

@@mori1bund I love Asoiaf to death but these books arent necesarily more complex than Lotr, Lotr's world is extremely vast and intricate.

[@TheMagicJIZZ]

@@mori1bund more complex....

[@caroletrapp3226]

Mr Martin has been a major favorite author for years. I’m always amazed how writers come up with ideas/stories

[@Dave004]

And really good writers will come up with endings as well, RR Martin isn't there yet and likely will never be.

[@LilRedHead42]

I've seen GRRM at sci-fi conventions and such and you only get glimpses of how much he enjoys these deep dives. It was great to see him bouncing with excitement during this interview. I'd love to see Stephen do a multi-hour chat with George! Appreciated his shoutout to Nnedi Okorafor. Also a hearty congratulations to Elio M. García Jr. and Linda Antonsson on getting another chance to put into print their encyclopedic knowledge of GRRM's world.

[@MariyaMartell]

Has Linda finally finished reading A Storm of Swords, then?

[@mandrewmanderson6282]

I like how with extremely knowledgeable persons he let's them talk

[@brady2075]

It's always terrifying when an intelligent man is scared.

[@lyraserpentine894]

Intelligent people have been scared for a while. It's just that the rest of you are finally paying attention.

[@mr.jazzbodkelsey58]

@@lyraserpentine894 ((*Poetry Snaps*))

[@elram2649]

This reminds me of Mexico and it's political culture... Over there, intellectuals are still highly celebrated by the public (highly respected) yet when they run for office they never gather enough support to win (whether government corruption rears it's ugly head or not). People always listen to them attentively; they're aware that intellectuals hold the nation's conscience yet they don't vote for them in big enough numbers - almost as if they've given up on reform while also realizing their own personal corruption and rather therefore accept the status quo. The ruling class is totally fine with that as either they're immune to having a conscience or manage to not pay attention to it as long as they remain in artificial (and easily wrecked) lofty places. Many similarities with us here in the US but over in Mexico, the difference is: intellectuals are celebrated (highly respected) by society yet here in the US; society (as a whole) rejects and laughs at them. We're too hubristic here in the States.

[@6ix4our]

Let's never discount, however, the underlying optimism--no matter how bleak the intervening period is between the current world, and that ultimate concept. Pessimism is a discipline for appreciating the antithetical simians we are, amongst our selves, and acknowledging the challenges that lie before us.

[@htvtc21]

ONLY the intelligent and/or wise people get scared about the future cos they are the only ones capable of understanding what our present day will lead to.

[@KMCruz14]

George and Stephen are such national treasures and I love that Stephen being a fan and great researcher and interviewer gave him a platform to be himself! I love this clip!

[@jethrojacinto2798]

GRRM is just a pure genius and you can't rush a genius because I'm sure they're perfectionists or at least trying to be with so many different ideas going in their head in many different times. Also just the way he talks about history, references and his peers' different work it's incredible. Definitely someone you can have an in-depth conversation with for days.

[@Dave004]

Tell that to Sanderson. What Martin should do is just hand over all his detailed notes to Sanderson and we'll get a final two books in a few years! Martin has said in many interviews he's tired of A Song of Ice and Fire and doesn't have any drive to keep writing it. We'll be lucky if he ends up finishing even this next book (if he does it'll be another 3 years likely) and you can definitely give up on a Dream of Spring.

[@treyrichards1244]

@@Dave004 i hate you, dave

[@jsullivan2112]

What a great interview, and the mention of Elden Ring was a delight, completely unexpected; huge FromSoft fan here. Thanks for asking him that Stephen.

[@epicfactsbooks]

Elden ring had tremendously high quality lore

[@jsullivan2112]

@@epicfactsbooks Sure, but I’m not sure I see your point.

[@Awkwave]

a lot of people say there’s no story but there’s a big story behind it being told visually it’s amazing

[@jsullivan2112]

@@Awkwave Lore is not story though. They’re different things

[@HeevaEgo]

@@jsullivan2112 there’s still a complex story that wouldn’t be considered “background lore” You just have to, and I might sound authoritative, pay attention lol

[@Vinny-Zen]

Loved this interview with the wonderful George and how Stephen brought some optimism back with that possible space mission at the end.

[@OrangeDurito]

People seem to be highly uninformed of how dynamic space industry is right now. SpaceX is right there making the sci-fiction possible but they always cover Elon Musk’s stories with mockery and not through the lens of appreciation - how awe inspiring is the work that he and his company is doing. Also now that NASA is relieved of the duty of shuttling humans to just LEO, they are focusing on more science-based programs to deep space. To get the Stephen’s proposed “star-shot”, there are so many technologies that need to be developed and proven first and those are happening right now. Only if people look past the mockery and jokes and see the actual hard work being done.

[@ThatOpalGuy]

@@OrangeDurito I like the direction spacex is taking, buy (f)Elon musk is a 💩

[@20storiesunder]

@@OrangeDurito Let's not kiss Elon ass shall we? You can appreciate space exploration without praising that weirdo.

[@waynespencer3036]

Brilliant interview. So good to see a non rushed adult conversation. More like this please.

[@Dom21221]

Could listen to him all day thanks for not interrupting him like some other hosts

[@joemade7071]

The thing I really love about George is he is not just a creator of the fantasy genre and fiction all together but a huge consumer. He was supposedly the first person to sign up for the first comic con. That is true passion for your career if I’ve ever seen it.

[@lhall92201]

Entertaining interview by Colbert. Just two guys talking in depth about dragons, Eldon Ring, Sci-Fi and our real possibilities of space exploration. Loved this and wish interviews were more this! Love you Stephen and George!! ❤️

[@nastybedazzler]

I got to see him in New York City on a book signing tour at a huge Barnes and Noble that was like three stories big right when Dance with Dragons came out, and the entire place was packed from top to bottom to listen to him speak. I made it to the top floor so I could see him, and he told his story about his original book reading event for Game of Thrones at a little book store and nobody showed up because it was during a snow storm, and there was only one guy there who listened to him talk and read from the book, and afterwards the guy came up to him and said he just happened to be there and felt bad for him so he stuck around to listen to his reading. All of it was fascinating and it seemed like a lot of the people there were really enthralled by his stories. It's amazing how far this guy has come in a genre not a lot of people typically cared about. I met him and got my book signed, then later my book got stolen lol. Good times.

[@jenrosejenrose7417]

OKay but the "then they'll ask where's the dream of spring the next day" is a whole writer mood right there.

[@NotoriousEmu]

This is, by far, my favorite interview. Thank you for bringing Mr. Martin on your show again.

[@hopphelps7205]

Best interview I've seen Stephen give in a long time. More of this please. Writers, experts in unusual fields, just something different.

[@Dianimations_]

I'm so happy to live in the same time as R.R. Martin, I hope he stays with us for a long time.

[@martinbondesson]

Gosh, I wish this interview was an hour long, or longer. It's always such a delight to listen to George speak about all sorts of things!

[@Martinbeef]

I really enjoy interviews where Stephen knows the subject inside out. He’s so interested and is able to contribute so much personally, without a script.

[@senorbambu]

Terrific conversation! More geeking out like this please!

[@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone]

I find it hard to believe Colbert would follow any discussion about video game mechanics, character development, design, or gameplay. They're kind of TV's greatest enemy. That industry is now the largest entertainment market in the world.

[@jthomas420]

@@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone interesting how even though it's such a massive form of entertainment, it's still seen as "geeky" and "nerdy" by the sheep/general public.

[@Nick-fn3ou]

Stephen is really underrated as an interviewer. I don't think enough people appreciate his interview abilities.

[@AllThatJuice-]

one of the best conversations ive listened to on a late night show. we need more of this.

[@8minecrafter8]

Really love that we got to hear about his involvement with the development of Elden Ring. Interviews like this are great.

[@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone]

That better not be an FPS game. The market is already oversaturated with those overpriced clones of Doom and Half Life.

[@pickelkilla]

@@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone It’s a pretty unique game and is not a first person shooter. It came out awhile ago.

[@somebodynamedsomething9751]

@@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone please tell me how someone who doesn't know what elden ring is knows what is supposedly saturating the market? if anything the markets main issue is low quality sequels, 20 dollar dlcs that arent even worth 4 bucks, half assed early access games and cash grabs everywhere.

[@rigby8701]

@@TrxmpBrownNosersBgone what the fuck

[@Spitzfire]

This interview was such a gift! Thank you for posting, and for giving your guests the space to get deep.

[@illuvattar]

This was a great interview, not just jokes about TWOW but some great questions and great responses from GRRM as well. Would love to see a longer form conversation between these two where they can really nerd it out

[@Phizzo4real]

one of the most enjoyable sections on your show in years. it shows when Colbert is interviewing on topics he knows something about. I was abreath at how much knowledge you had on literary works. And GRRM was delightful and inspiring as always. Great interview

[@tanadarko6991]

His "crisis of faith" really resonates with me. I feel so much the same way - in so many ways my current life is better than the royalty of the kings of old. My home is cozy, my health is good, my life is likely to be long. And yet it is so hard to feel hopeful about the future.

[@erikvalle292]

A national treasure

[@nugboy420]

Nick Cage is coming for him.

[@wanderer5598]

@@DW-ld4ri lmao tell us you live in a shoebox without telling us you live in a shoebox 🤣

[@timiadetona]

International treasure

[@Junksaint]

For sure, people try to pretend Tolkien didn't have unfinished works and material. Clearly he's another genius world builder and writer, even if it's taking him a little longer to finish his magnum opus.

[@c0r3s4v3]

@@timiadetona I like the video of him bouncing around half naked on his trampoline in Beverly hills. Truly a modern Oeuvre D'art! 💯🤩

[@PerseusEsq]

Stephen truly appreciates and respects George and George deserves to be interviewed by someone like that.

[@EduardoOviedoBlanco]

What a great guy GRRM is, hope this guy get to lives forever

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

Or at least long enough to finish A Song of Ice and Fire. I don't know if you're familiar with the manga Berserk, a highly popular work in itself, but the author passed with a lot of story left to tell. Luckily, in his final years, the work he did had already been supported by assistants who understood his vision, so it can continue. George should also confide in confidants his vision, so that should the worst happen, his work can still live on or carry on.

[@miket4560]

True this Chris. Everyone thinks this guy is all that. I just hope this fat pr#ck finishes what he started.

[@alexf159]

Instead he's done the exact opposite and arranged it so the story won't be completed if he isn't the one to do it.

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

@@alexf159 That's concerning for a franchise that will likely be popular long after he passes

[@WithTheDawn]

Have to agree with others - this was a great interview. It’s easy enough to just talk about GOT the whole time, but you got him talking about other projects like Elden Ring, into his Sci-Fi background and promoted some really interesting thoughts on current events. Didn’t interrupt him much either which is always great to see when such a thinker is talking. Great to watch.

[@dharmalock5032]

This was the MOST engaged and equal footed interviewer I’ve ever seen GRRM contend with. I need a full length interview with these 2.

[@OceanMcIntyre]

Loved seeing George RR Martin, but was ecstatic to hear the mention of Starshot. You're a mensch, Stephen Colbert.

[@mohammadabuhawash1339]

One of the best interviews I've seen in a while

[@chrishei3111]

Stephen gave George a real gift of hope at the end, he's such a good man

[@Native_Creation]

Had the privilege to meet George years ago at Worldcon and share tacos, he's such a gem of insight and it's reflected in his works. Extremely humble. Most people just know him from Game of Thrones, but he's contributed to many other well known projects and been a pillar of the science fiction/fantasy world for decades. He's an advocate for humanity and a seer of our mythos.

[@citizen_wayne]

Most people don't know that GRRM always wanted to write for TV before he did ASoIaF. That's one reason Winds of Winter is so slow. He genuinely enjoys participating in the TV process more, especially because it's novel for him.

[@ZachariahWest]

It's always great to see Stephen nerd out with a guest

[@MrChris20912]

Surprised and amazed by the sci-fi/geopolitics discussion in the last quarter of the interview. May be listening to that again.

[@JaimieJo]

Excellent interview! George has an amazing mind! He was writing Twilight Zone when I was a child. I love his books. His world building is amazing. Hoping beyond hope that he finishes Winds of Winter. 🙏 So much fun to immerse yourself into the worlds he creates. Thanks for the great interview Stephen. 📚 📖

[@DraconicFeathers]

I love watching Colbert nerd out and suddenly drop immense knowledge of relatively obscure topics. I loved seeing him make George R.R. Martin feel good about the prospects of space exploration even more

[@Narek_Melqumyan]

George Martin will always be my favorite author. Thank you George you changed my life...

[@Dhruv.Balchandani]

He really did mine too

[@winesap2]

Stephen is at his best and most interesting in these celebrity interviews when he can geek out on sci fi and fantasy. Most celebrity interviews I have no interest in watching and I’m sure aren’t as fun for Stephen.

[@LandisScott]

George is a big Grateful Dead fan the song the band open with was a Dead cover. The Weir wood trees in game of thrones are named after one of the band members. Great touch

[@karincerstvik3840]

I recognized that!!

[@lawrencefrost9063]

Interesting!

[@chrisnichols6662]

This is exactly how I remember him being when I met him, many years ago, at the annual Hastings Entertainment Corporate meeting. I literally have no idea why he was there or how they could afford him, but he brought a ton of signed books and I grabbed one. I hadn't read anything by him at that point and the first season of Game of Thrones had just been announced. He was a delight to listen to at the convention, talking about his history for about 25 to 30 minutes, and I'm sad I don't have and didn't make a recording of it. I had no idea he would be who he was. He speaks to everyone so honestly and earnestly and is just always authentically himself. This video reminded me of that. He was even nice when I walked up to him individually and said, "I've never read anything you've written, but I've just read the first chapter of Game of Thrones and I really loved it. I plan to finish it." And I did. But he was so nice even though he laughed about the fact that I'd said this to him. Such a nice and thoughtful guy.

[@SantianoBe]

I can listen to this man talk for hours upon hours. Such a good storyteller, not only in writing, but in the way he speaks as well.

[@BB-tt6fl]

Colbert is such a great interviewer, as he knows exactly when to listen/not interject, contribute/question, and throw in jokes. He’s well read and can keep up intellectually with all the guests he has on the show, and his old show, whether it be about movies, books, history, current events, politics, religion, philosophy, etc.. I’m glad we have KZbin to watch the entire interview with people like Martin, as they have to be cut down for the time constraints of TV. He doesn’t have the time for this, but I wish he did an additional weekly show like the Dick Cavett Show from back in the day, as he’d be perfect for that.

[@jankapic7413]

The first time I got in touch with Martin's writing was through Tuf Voyaging. I was 10 y.o. and I've never read anything that complex, adventurous and terrifying before. And this one maybe set me up for Sci-fi nerd I am today :) Thank you for that!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Same here!!! I'd read a few of the stories in magazines but the book collection was great! I was able to have him sign it at a convention, "Thanks, Randy, Tuf It Out!" Sadly, I sold it years later... (I know, what was I thinking??!!)

[@AndyAcker]

Just two nerds talking about fantasy and science fiction. And I'm here for it. More interviews like this, please!

[@whovian_scarf_dragon]

Watching Stephen's eyes light up with a guest allowing him to go full nerd was worth the watch alone

[@Guava11534]

George is probably the first sort of famous person that I actually look up to. I love fantasy and sci fi worlds and frequently dream about these type of worlds sometimes I create my own. George has inspired me to give writing a try for my own amusement tbh.

[@kr0ll3x]

I love this interview. no forced jokes, no fake laughter, no making fun of each other, no over the top music. just a good old conversation about really interesting stuff with a man with a great mind. truly fascinating to look in to George's mind and thoughts, what a genius.

[@captkarnage6835]

He mentioned The Expanse! Such a good show! WATCH IT!!!

[@zackbeaulieu9323]

The podcast the world needs. 🌎 ❤

[@ricardoneves7307]

Wonderful interview, as a fan of both fantasy and sci-fi it's great to hear from legends such as George, and please finish Winds of Winter, before the world's get any crazier.

[@alexf159]

Winter may be coming but a end to a Song of Ice and Fire is not. He's averaging about one book per decade, and has made sure that if he passes before the books are complete then they never will be completed. I'd love to finish the story too. But he's bored with it and seems to have no desire to actually finish it.

[@alphanerd7221]

@@alexf159 He isn't bored with it. The world of nerds that love him because of a TV show have decided that his ending sucks worse than anything. He would be a fool to publish the last book.

[@Aleph-Zero]

The guy is a genius. And Colbert did a great job with this.

[@CyborgSlayerNila]

I wish we could have more interviews like this 👏🏾😍