'Being taken care of': George RR Martin skips 'House of the Dragon' world premiere after contracting Covid
Renowned author George RR Martin, who took the world by storm with ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ books, has tested positive for Covid-19 and missed the star-studded world premiere for the HBO’s upcoming fantasy series ‘House of the Dragon’. The glitzy even took place in Los Angeles and saw all the cast members walking down the red-carpet with scintillating looks.
However, the man who is the brain behind everything that has happened within the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe, could not be in attendance after contacting the deadly virus. It is being reported that Martin got the virus after making an appearance in Hall H at this years’ San Diego Comic-Con. The author confirmed the news by releasing a video on YouTube, which he also shared on his official Twitter account.
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In the video, Martin said that “he had been very cautious and conservative” in taking precautions against the deadly virus. He added, “On the first day in Los Angeles yesterday I woke up and tested positive for Covid. I didn’t believe it at first because I didn’t feel bad. We did the tests several times and it showed positive, so I’m positive, which means I have to quarantine.”
The writer also noted that the positive test would force him to miss several events in Los Angeles, relating to ‘House of the Dragon’. Martin added, “My symptoms are obviously minor. I’m being well taken care of. I’m taking the drugs (medicines) and I should be good.”
The news of author’s contacting the virus was later confirmed by HBO and HBO Max’s chief content officer Casey Bloys as well. While speaking at the premiere, Bloys revealed the news of Martin’s positive test. However, he assured everyone that the author was “feeling fine” and there was nothing to worry about. He added, “I was going to start today by introducing George RR Martin and tell you how great it is to have George on the journey with us. Unfortunately, George got Covid at Comic-Con, so he’s not here. I think he’s feeling fine, so nothing to worry about.”
Bloys went on the praise Martin for his writing and being the “architect” of this extraordinary world. The CCO of HBO added, “I wanted to tell you what a pleasure it is and how lucky we are to have the architect of this world on this journey. He has been fantastic.”
This is the second instance in the past 24 hours that the world of pop culture has been rocked the news of Covid wreaking havoc. Recently, it was revealed that the production of ‘The Witcher’ Season 3 was put on hold after a Covid scare. It is being reported that Henry Cavill, who plays Geralt of Rivia on the show, has been diagnosed with Covid-19 virus and is isolating. Netflix announced that the production is “paused” and will be “up and running” once it is safe to do so.
‘House of the Dragon’ explores the world of House Targaryen and sees them going into a civil war as they decide who will rule the kingdom after King Viserys I.
‘House of the Dragon’ premieres exclusively on HBO and HBO Max on August 21.