‘Game of Thrones’ season 5: George R.R. Martin comments on diversity in series

Does “Game of Thrones” have itself a diversity problem? It really just depends on who you ask. There were some slightly critical last year about the casting of Pedro Pascal as Oberyn based on his depiction in the books (though after watching him, we’re more than thrilled he was cast), and there were once again questions after seeing the latest guest-cast released at Comic-Con this year.

George R.R. Martin does does keep in direct communication with his fans via his Livejournal page, where he responded to a criticism about the lack of diversity on the show, or at least in that most black characters are either “servants, guards, or charlatans.” His response is as follows:

“Westeros around 300 AC is nowhere near as diverse as 21st century America, of course… but with that being said, I do have some ‘characters of color’ who will have somewhat larger roles in WINDS OF WINTER. Admittedly, these are secondary and tertiary characters, though not without importance.

“Of course, I am talking about the books here, and you are talking about the show, which is a thing apart. I do think HBO and David and Dan are doing what they can to promote diversity as well, as witness the casting of Areo Hotah, which you mention. Of course, Hotah IS a guard… but he is also a viewpoint character in the novels, a brave and loyal warrior.”

We also feel like the casting of Xaro in season 2 was a great example of a character who is not any of those things previously mentioned played by a black actor. We actually feel like “Game of Thrones” is a very good example of diversity, at least in that the show seems to cast based on the best actor for the part more so than anything else. Do we understand those who want another prominent black character or someone of Asian descent? Definitely, but it doesn’t feel like the show is deliberately causing itself a problem in the casting department.

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Photo: HBO