When you see the name George R. R. Martin, you probably think of dragons, ice walls, and a book that’s taking forever to finish. You don’t usually think of Navajo police officers in the 1970s. But honestly, the George R. R. Martin Dark Winds connection is one of the coolest—and most misunderstood—stories in television right now.
People keep asking if he wrote the books. He didn't. Did he create the show? Not exactly. But without him, the series might have died in a boardroom years ago.
The unexpected link between Westeros and the Navajo Nation
Basically, George is a massive fan of Tony Hillerman. If you aren't familiar, Hillerman wrote the "Leaphorn & Chee" novels, which are these gritty, atmospheric mysteries set on the Navajo Reservation. Martin has lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for decades. He wasn't just some guy reading the books; he was part of the same literary circle as Hillerman. They were friends.
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Back in 2015, Robert Redford—who had been trying to get these books adapted properly for years—reached out to Martin. Redford knew Martin had an overall deal at HBO and a lot of "Game of Thrones" clout. They went to lunch. When the Sundance Kid asks you to lunch, you go.
Martin helped pitch the show to HBO initially. They actually bought it, but then they passed because they thought it felt too much like True Detective. Eventually, it landed at AMC, and that’s where things finally clicked.
George R. R. Martin Dark Winds cameos and "The Winds of Winter"
If you watched the Season 3 premiere that aired in March 2025, you might have spotted a familiar face. Or two.
There’s a scene in a jail cell where two prisoners are playing chess. One of them is George R. R. Martin. The other? Robert Redford himself. It was actually Redford’s final onscreen appearance before he passed away in September 2025.
The scene is kind of hilarious because Redford’s character tells George, "The whole world’s waiting." It’s a total wink to the fans who are still losing their minds waiting for The Winds of Winter. Martin clearly has a sense of humor about his writing speed, even if the internet doesn't.
Why his involvement actually matters
- Creative Oversight: He’s an Executive Producer who actually reads the scripts. He’s not just a name on the letterhead.
- Cultural Respect: Martin and Redford pushed for an all-Native writing room. They wanted to make sure this wasn't another "white savior" story.
- Local Production: The show films in Santa Fe, right in George's backyard. He’s been a huge advocate for the New Mexico film industry.
What’s coming next in Season 4?
Now that we’re in 2026, the hype for Season 4 is real. It’s set to premiere on February 15, 2026. This season is moving the action a bit, taking Leaphorn and Chee from the reservation all the way to Los Angeles.
It’s a bold move. They’re chasing a missing girl and getting tangled up with organized crime in the city. Zahn McClarnon, who plays Joe Leaphorn, is even directing the second episode of the new season.
A lot of people think George R. R. Martin Dark Winds means the show is going to get "fantasy-ish." It isn't. While the books and the show dabble in Navajo lore and "skinwalkers," it stays grounded in noir. It’s a detective story first. Martin loves the genre. He’s always said that Hillerman was a master of setting, and that’s what he tries to protect as a producer.
Is the show replacing his writing time?
This is the big question, right? "George, why are you producing TV when you should be writing about Jon Snow?"
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Look, the guy is in his late 70s. He’s allowed to have other interests. Producing a show like Dark Winds doesn't mean he's sitting in an office 40 hours a week. He reviews scripts, he makes some calls, and he shows up for a day to play chess with Robert Redford.
The show is actually a perfect fit for him because it’s about legacy. He’s helping preserve the work of his late friend, Tony Hillerman, while giving Native American creators a massive platform.
Actionable steps for fans of the series
If you’re just catching up or waiting for the February premiere, here is how to get the most out of the "Hillerman-verse" right now:
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- Read "Dance Hall of the Dead": Season 3 pulled heavily from this book. It’s arguably Hillerman’s best work and shows why Martin was so obsessed with it.
- Watch the "Skinwalkers" PBS movie: If you want to see how the adaptation evolved, find the 2002 version Robert Redford produced before AMC took the reins.
- Visit the Jean Cocteau Cinema: If you’re ever in Santa Fe, go to the theater George R. R. Martin owns. They often do screenings and events related to local productions like Dark Winds.
- Check the Season 4 Premiere: Mark your calendar for February 15, 2026, on AMC and AMC+. This season is reportedly the biggest budget they've had yet.
The reality is that Dark Winds isn't a distraction for Martin—it's a passion project. It’s a way for him to stay connected to his home in New Mexico and the writers who inspired him long before he ever thought of a Iron Throne.