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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Entertainment
Briane Nebria

The Winds of Winter Delay: Backlash Erupts as GRRM Engages in New Contest While TWOW Waits

George R.R Martin (Credit: Sanna Pudas, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

The fantasy world created by George R.R. Martin has always been one of epic battles, political machinations, and, perhaps most importantly, knights sworn to uphold honour and courage. Now, the revered 77-year-old author is bringing one of those ancient traditions right into the twenty-first century by launching a hunt for real-life heroes — and offering a genuine knighthood to the winners.

In a move that's equal parts brilliant marketing and playful homage to his own lore, Martin has teamed up with HBO ahead of the highly-anticipated prequel A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The new show, based on the beloved novellas Tales of Dunk and Egg, is set to premiere on Jan. 18, 2026, and the author is determined to generate a spectacular level of hype for its arrival.

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