Colossal Biosciences Dire Wolf Revival: George R.R. Martin Hails The “Magic” of De-Extinction

George R.R. Martin, the renowned author behind A Song of Ice and Fire, has called the Colossal Biosciences dire wolf revival “magic,” celebrating the return of a species that inspired his iconic Game of Thrones series.

On April 7, 2025, Colossal Biosciences announced the world’s first successful de-extinction, bringing back the dire wolf—extinct for over 12,500 years—through advanced genetic engineering.

Martin, an investor and cultural adviser for the company, has been deeply involved in this milestone, which he sees as a bridge between fantasy and reality.

What Did George R.R. Martin Say About the Dire Wolf Revival?  

Martin expressed awe at the achievement, stating, “I get the luxury to write about magic, but Ben and Colossal have created magic by bringing these majestic beasts back to our world.”

He emphasized the dire wolf’s real-world significance, noting, “Many people view dire wolves as mythical creatures that only exist in a fantasy world, but in reality, they have a rich history of contributing to the American ecosystem.”

Reflecting on the emotional impact, Martin shared on his blog, “The rebirth of the direwolf has stirred me as no scientific news has since Neil Armstrong walked on the moon.”

His connection to dire wolves runs deep, as he recalled how seeing dire wolf skulls at the La Brea Tar Pits decades ago inspired the pivotal scene in Game of Thrones where the Stark children find dire wolf pups.

How Did George R.R. Martin Get Involved with Colossal Biosciences?  

Martin’s journey with Colossal began with a mysterious call from filmmaker Peter Jackson, who urged him to contact Colossal co-founder Ben Lamm about a “huge” project.

As an investor and cultural adviser, Martin has been a passionate supporter of the company’s mission to de-extinct species like the dire wolf, which he first encountered in his imagination.

He met the dire wolf pups—named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—in February 2025, an experience that moved him to tears, as reported by The Independent.

Martin wrote on his blog, “I’ve been holding my tongue for months now, sworn to silence yet dying to tell the world… THE DIREWOLF IS BACK.”

Why Are Dire Wolves So Special to George R.R. Martin?  

Martin’s fascination with dire wolves dates back to a visit to the La Brea Tar Pits, where he saw an exhibit of 400 dire wolf skulls, stirring something profound within him.

He mused, “Maybe I was remembering a past life, when I ran with a pack in the Ice Age,” reflecting on the mysterious pull dire wolves have had on him.

This connection led to the creation of the dire wolves in A Song of Ice and Fire, which he credits with shaping the entire Game of Thrones universe, as the first chapter he wrote in 1991 centered on the Stark children finding dire wolf pups.

Martin noted, “Without them, Westeros might not exist,” underscoring how integral dire wolves are to his creative legacy.

What Does Martin Think About the Broader Impact of De-Extinction?  

Beyond his personal connection, Martin sees the dire wolf revival as a symbol of humanity’s responsibility to the planet, aligning with the views of indigenous leaders like MHA Nation Tribal Chairman Mark Fox.

He celebrated Colossal’s broader mission, expressing excitement for future projects like the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, and dodo, writing, “I can’t wait.”

Martin’s involvement highlights the cultural significance of de-extinction, as he bridges the gap between the fantastical dire wolves of his stories and their real-world return.

His emotional response—crying upon meeting the pups—underscores the profound impact of seeing a creature he once imagined now living and breathing.

What Is the Science Behind the Dire Wolf Revival Martin Celebrates?  

Colossal Biosciences extracted ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils, including a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old inner ear bone, to sequence the genome.

They performed 20 precise genetic edits on gray wolf cells, focusing on traits like a larger body, light thick fur, and stronger jaws, resulting in three dire wolf pups.

The pups are thriving in a 2,000-acre preserve, where they are monitored to ensure their well-being, a setup Martin has praised for its care and vision.

Martin’s excitement is fueled by the scientific rigor, as he leaves the details to “the scientists, who understand the details way better than a fantasist like me.”

How Does Martin’s Involvement Tie into Conservation Efforts?  

Martin’s support extends to Colossal’s conservation efforts, such as the cloning of critically endangered red wolves, which he sees as part of the same “magical” scientific endeavor.

He aligns with the project’s goal to rewild species in secure ecological preserves, potentially on indigenous lands, to restore balance to ecosystems.

Martin’s cultural role at Colossal helps highlight the intersection of science and storytelling, inspiring public interest in biodiversity and conservation.

His words resonate with the project’s broader mission, as he sees the dire wolf’s return as a reminder of our duty to protect the natural world.

Stay tuned to this space for more updates on this incredible development!