In a recent blog update, beloved Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin dropped a surprising hint about a new project he’s been dreaming of set in the intricate, mysterious world of Braavos. But there’s a catch: he’s not starting it until he finishes The Winds of Winter, the highly anticipated sixth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series that inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Martin’s fans have been eagerly awaiting The Winds of Winter for over a decade, and his commitment to finishing it remains unwavering. Yet, the news of a possible Braavos-centric story has excited fans, who remember Braavos as a place of secrets, skilled swordsmen, and the enigmatic House of Black and White, where Arya Stark trained as an assassin.
Martin’s Vision for Braavos
In his blog, Martin revealed he had once worked with HBO on early ideas for several spin-off projects set in Westeros, and one of these ideas involved Braavos. Though HBO ultimately scrapped the project, Martin still feels a pull to bring Braavos back to life on the page or screen. Known for its canals, its infamous Iron Bank, and the skilled fighters known as the Faceless Men, Braavos remains a fan-favorite city in Westeros, packed with potential storylines that could dive deeper into the lives of its mysterious inhabitants.
However, Martin made it clear that he’s not pursuing any new stories until The Winds of Winter is done. “I have to focus,” he wrote. “Braavos and the other spin-offs can wait.”
Why Braavos?
Fans might remember that Martin has a soft spot for Braavos, and its rich, Venetian-inspired culture has sparked immense curiosity. Braavos’s characters like Syrio Forel, Arya’s sword-fighting teacher, and the Faceless Men introduced a different layer to the world of Westeros—one of deep intrigue, unique customs, and powerful institutions like the Iron Bank. A Braavos-centered story could explore these layers in more depth, potentially bringing to life characters and conflicts that never made it into the original series.
Imagine a story that explores the inner workings of the Iron Bank, or a tale of a young assassin in training with the Faceless Men! Fans speculate that Martin’s fascination with Braavos could offer readers (or viewers) an immersive experience that rivals anything we’ve seen in Game of Thrones.
When Will Winds of Winter Be Finished?
The completion of The Winds of Winter has become one of modern literature’s most anticipated events. Martin has hinted he’s making good progress, but he’s also faced with the challenges of tying up complex storylines, developing character arcs, and filling in the intricate details that fans expect.
Martin knows the pressure he’s under and has often addressed fans directly, emphasizing that he wants to deliver a story that lives up to their hopes. “I don’t want to rush it,” he said in an interview, “because it has to be the best it can be.”
In a twist of bittersweet irony, Game of Thrones fans must once again wait—this time, not just for The Winds of Winter, but for the possibility of a thrilling journey into Braavos’s world.
What Could a Braavos Story Look Like?
It’s hard not to let imaginations run wild with what a Braavos project could entail. Perhaps Martin might dive into the mysterious world of the Faceless Men, showing us more about their origin and how they train their deadly assassins. Or maybe he’ll write about a story around the Iron Bank and its involvement in Westeros’s political games.
Regardless of the form it takes, a Braavos-focused project promises a deep dive into the lesser-explored parts of Westeros, offering a new perspective on the vast world Martin created.
What’s Next for George R.R. Martin?
Though it may still be some time before we see the Braavos story, Martin has reminded his fans that The Winds of Winter is his top priority. And, knowing Martin’s love for detailed storytelling, it’s safe to say he’ll take his time to bring both The Winds of Winter and any new projects to life with the richness fans have come to expect.
For now, fans can only speculate about the mysteries of Braavos and continue the long wait for The Winds of Winter. But if Martin’s dream comes to fruition, Westeros may still have many more secrets to reveal, one story at a time.