'Game of Thrones' Season 6 Release Date, News: Bran Stark Is Back; George R.R. Martin Blames HBO Series' Popularity For 'The Winds of Winter' Delay

By Annie Dee
Game of Thrones Season 6
Season 6 of Game of Thrones returns in April. HBO

Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) did not appear in "Game of Thrones" season 5, and a lot of fans are now starting to miss him. Many are wondering if he will appear in Season 6 and it seems the answer to this question is in the affirmative.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Hempstead-Wright addressed questions on what could be expected of Bran Stark in the new season. Based on what he said, it is anticipated that his character will have a pivotal role in season 6. 

"Previously Bran's seen tiny glimpses of future or past but never has he been very much in control of the situation. Now we're given looks into very important events in the past, present, and future of this world and Bran is beginning to piece them together like a detective, almost as if he's watching the show. Equally, he's now discovering how crucial he could be in the Great War. It's quite Inception-y," the actor explained. 

While fans cannot wait for season 6 and see more of what the story could offer, the man behind it all, George R.R. Martin is none too pleased that the show is this popular. In a recent interview, the 67-year old recognizes that a lot of people are waiting for him to release the latest installment, "The Winds of Winter." However, he said that he cannot write at a faster pace because of the many distractions he now has to deal with, with his books being so popular. 

According to the acclaimed author, the popularity of the HBO series propelled him always to be interviewed, which is a great distraction to writing. Not only that, he now has to travel regularly, which is another distraction from writing. He denies having "writer's block." He even added that his staff grew just to make sure he would have time where there would be no distractions that would prevent him from writing.

"It's like suddenly I get invited to travel to South Africa or Dubai, and who's passing up a free trip to Dubai? I don't write when I travel. I don't write in hotel rooms. I don't write on airplanes," he explained. "I really have to be in my own house undisturbed to write. Through most of my life nobody did bother me, but now everyone bothers me every day," he added. "I have assistants and minions whose main job is to make sure people don't bother me so I can actually get writing done," he detailed. 

This is why when the season six of the HBO series arrives in the Spring, it would be the first time that the series continues without Martin's books to guide it. 

It remains to be seen how the book and the series will meet at the end, which the showrunner once promised to ensure. 

Season 6 of "Game of Thrones" is due in April 2016. 

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo