‘The Walking Dead’ Creator Robert Kirkman Slams George R.R. Martin For Allowing ‘Game Of Thrones’ To Spoil Novels

Robert Kirkman knows a thing or two about creating a series based on a novel, and for him, the key is not to follow too closely with the storyline. The “Walking Dead” creator has some harsh criticism for George R.R. Martin, who he claims allowed HBO to spoil the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Kirkman said Martin allowing “Game of Thrones” showrunners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff in on his plans for ending the series in years past was a big mistake. The “Walking Dead” creator assured Rolling Stone, as well as dedicated fans of the apocalyptic series, that he would never do such a thing, adding that he was “disappointed” in Martin, 67.

“I would never do that. That’s the one thing I’m disappointed in George R.R. Martin for doing,” he said. “He should have been like, ‘F--- you. You make it up now, I’ll get to mine when I’m ready.’”

Martin has been open with fans about where “Game of Thrones” mirrors the “A Song of Ice and Fire” books and where it differs. As Tech Insider reported on May 25, Weiss and Benioff were tipped off about Hodor’s (Kristian Nairn) fate in the books prior to their decision to kill him off on “Game of Thrones.” While he dies in both the books and the HBO show, a fan claims Martin appeared during an event for author Joe Hill during which he assured fans Hodor’s death and the meaning of his name will play out differently in the books.

“He said that his name reveal in the books will differ in the context and how it happens. So while the name will still mean the same thing (Hold the Door), it will be very different from the show’s reveal,” the Reddit user wrote.

The esteemed author has also been transparent throughout his writing process. He has provided several updates about his progress — generally alerting fans that the book, “Winds of Winter,” is not yet finished — and has shared previews of several chapters from the book. Martin has made a habit of reminding readers that he may make changes to the released chapters before the book is finished. On May 11, he posted about the book on his LiveJournal, which he admitted he does not update “as often as I should.” In the post, he touched on the book’s release, suggesting that it may be quite some time before the finished product is ready.

“You want to know what the Sand Snakes, Prince Doran, Areo Hotah, Ellaria Sand, Darkstar and the rest will be up to in ‘Winds of Winter’? Quite a lot, actually. The sample will give you a taste,” Martin said. “For the rest, you will need to wait. And no, just to spike any bulls--- rumors, changing the sample chapter does NOT mean I am done. See the icon above? Monkey is still on my back ... but he’s growing, he is, and one day…”

Tune in to “Game of Thrones” Sundays at 9 p.m. EDT on HBO for more plot twists and turns.