'Game Of Thrones': George R.R. Martin Discusses Race and Diversity in HBO Series
The wildly popular HBO drama "Game Of Thrones" has taken some flack and criticism for their lack of diversity and the fact that diverse characters have been killed off. However, George R.R. Martin, author of the orginal book series that the show is based on, defended the diversity of the hit HBO series.
When responding to a blog post, Martin discussed that he does in fact believe "Game of Thrones" has a diverse cast. He also defended the position of producers David Benioff, Dan Weiss, and the HBO network itself.
"I do know that David and Dan and HBO do favor having a racially and ethnically diverse cast on the series. It is true that we've lost several black characters who appear in the novels (Chataya and Alayaya, Jalabhar Xho, Strong Belwas), but to balance that, characters like Salladhor Saan and Xaro Xhoan Daxos, both white in the books, have been played by black actors. Missandei as well, though in the books the Naathi are golden-skinned, not white," Martin wrote on a live journal dedicated to "Game of Thrones."
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Martin went on to discuss other plans for diversity on the show's future casting decisions.
"When and if the show introduces Prince Oberyn's daughter, the Sand Snakes, I expect we will see the same diversity as in the books, ranging from Tyene (blond and blue-eyed) to Sarella (Light brown skin as her mother was a Summer Islander). And I expect that the crew of the CINNAMON WIND will all be cast with black actors… assuming, of course, that Sam's voyage remains in the story," the author wrote.
