It looks like we’re about to see a lot fewer “Game of Thrones” spoilers!
In a reversal of fortune, fans of the HBO show will soon be able to spoil the adventures of Tyrion, Hodor and The Khaleesi for those reading the George R.R. Martin books.
“I kind of wish that there were some things we didn’t have to spoil, but we’re kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. The show must go on...and that’s what we’re going to do,” said “Game of Thrones” showrunner David Benioff to an Oxford Union audience over the weekend.
Martin has long kept Benioff and others at HBO in the loop with regard to what he intends to do with the final two (still unpublished) “Song of Ice and Fire” novels, “The Winds of Winter” and “A Dream of Spring.”
Both books still lack publication dates.
The TV series has already deviated significantly from the first five books (you can ask Sandor Clegane about that), and will continue to deviate, but future chapters and future episodes will also share major events, per Benioff.
Benioff implies also that Martin has made his peace with having the series’ Big Finish hit the screen before the page, noting “the thing that’s kind of fun for George is the idea that he can still have surprises for people even once they’ve watched the show through to the conclusion.”
What’s still not entirely clear is whether this year’s 10 “Game of Thrones” episodes (launching April 12) will incorporate events from the two unpublished novels.
On Monday HBO issued a press release hinting about what we can expect next month on the pay-cable service:
March 23, 2015
EMMY®- AND GOLDEN GLOBE-WINNING HBO SERIES GAME OF THRONES RETURNS FOR FIFTH SEASON APRIL 12
Jon Snow is struggling to balance the demands of the Night’s Watch with those of the newly arrived Stannis Baratheon, who styles himself the rightful king of Westeros. Meanwhile, Cersei scrambles to hold on to power in King’s Landing amidst the Tyrells and the rise of a religious group led by the enigmatic High Sparrow, while Jaime embarks on a secret mission. Across the Narrow Sea, Arya seeks an old friend and a fugitive Tyrion finds a new cause. And as danger mounts in Meereen, Daenerys finds that her tenuous hold on the city requires hard sacrifices.
The Emmy®- and Golden Globe-winning GAME OF THRONES returns for its ten-episode fifth season SUNDAY, APRIL 12 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, followed by other episodes on subsequent Sundays at the same time. Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George R.R. Martin, the hit series is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal.
Returning series regulars on GAME OF THRONES this season include: Emmy® and Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage(Tyrion Lannister), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Aidan Gillen (Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Diana Rigg (Lady Olenna Tyrell), Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell), Maisie Williams(Arya Stark) and Sophie Turner(Sansa Stark).
Additional returning series regulars this season include: Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth), Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon), Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), Jerome Flynn (Bronn), Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont), Conleth Hill (Varys), Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantsbane),Michiel Huisman (Daario Naharis), Michael McElhatton (Roose Bolton), Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Snow),Carice van Houten (Melisandre) and Indira Varma (Ellaria Sand).
New cast members for the fifth season include: Jonathan Pryce (the High Sparrow), Alexander Siddig (Doran Martell), DeObia Oparei (Areo Hotah), Keisha Castle-Hughes (Obara Sand), Rosabell Laurenti Sellers (Tyene Sand), Jessica Henwick (Nym Sand), Nell Tiger Free (Myrcella Baratheon) and Toby Sebastian (Trystane Martell).
April’s episodes:
Episode #41: “The Wars to Come”
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Cersei (Lena Headey) and Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) adjust to a world without Tywin. Varys (Conleth Hill) reveals a conspiracy to Tyrion (Peter Dinklage). Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) faces a new threat to her rule. Jon (Kit Harington) is caught between two kings. Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Michael Slovis.Episode #42: “The House of Black and White”
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
Arya (Maisie Williams) arrives in Braavos. Pod (Daniel Portman) and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) run into trouble on the road. Cersei fears for her daughter’s safety in Dorne as Ellaria Sand (Indira Varma) seeks revenge for Oberyn’s death. Stannis (Stephen Dillane) tempts Jon. An advisor tempts Daenerys. Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Michael Slovis.Episode #43: “High Sparrow”
SUNDAY, APRIL 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
In King’s Landing, Queen Margaery (Natalie Dormer) enjoys her new husband. Tyrion and Varys walk the Long Bridge of Volantis. Written by David Benioff & D. B. Weiss; directed by Mark Mylod.Among the critical praise for the fourth season, the Los Angeles Times called GAME OF THRONES “the Best Television Show Ever,” adding that “no other series comes close,” and “television just doesn’t get any better than this,” while Newsday hailed the series as “still TV’s best,” awarding the show an A+. The Hollywood Reporter observed, “The consistency of excellence in GAME OF THRONES is truly something to behold,” and the San Francisco Chronicle described it as “great and addictive.”
Find the AV Club’s story on the matter here.
