George R.R. Martin, whose A Song of Ice and Fire novels form the basis for the HBO hit Game of Thrones, was extended an invitation by series showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss to travel from his New Mexico home to Northern Ireland to be included in a scene in season eight.

But the author decided to focus on writing his next book, the long-awaited The Winds of Winter, instead, reports ew.com. "David and Dan invited me to a cameo in one of the final episodes, which I was tempted to do," Martin said. He further added, "But I didn't think just for the sake of a cameo I could take the time to return to Belfast."