While rumors that George R.R. Martin has already set a publication date for the highly anticipated novel, ‘The Winds of Winter,’ his U.S. Publisher Random House released a statement saying that the Amazon France date circulating online is not true.

“As his publisher, we support George RR Martin as he works hard to finish ‘The Winds of Winter.’ Any on-sale dates currently listed online for the novel are incorrect. Once we have a publication date for The Winds of Winter, the world will know,” the publisher stated.

The ‘Winds of Winter’ item had a list date of March 9, 2017, prompting excited fans to think that it will be the release date as well.

As pointed out in recent reports, the award-winning author will simply announce the availability of ‘Winds of Winter’ once he has finished writing the sixth book of the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ epic fantasy novel series.

Meanwhile, as fans await the book as well as the next season of ‘Game of Thrones, ‘ one of the theories that have been gaining steam over the past weeks is the possibility of Gendry returning to the story and playing a major role in the new installment.

Gendry has been absent from the story for three seasons now, prompting some viewers to believe that Joe Dempsie’s character will reappear before the series ends.

Known to be Robert Baratheon’s last surviving child, Gendry was last featured in the ‘Game of Thrones’ season 3 finale in which he successfully escaped from Melisandre with the assistance of Ser Davos Seaworth. This was deemed as a questionable ending for someone who played an important role in the Baratheon storyline.

With clues from the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ books as well as a reported sighting of Dempsie himself at the Belfast airport, fans have gone ecstatic over the possibility of Gendry still playing a key role in future episodes.

After fleeing from Dragonstone using a rowboat, Gendry’s whereabouts have not been disclosed, although the ‘ASOIAF’ books do tell readers that he is well and alive while working as a blacksmith for the Riverlands’ Inn at the Crossroads.

Due to the fact the HBO series has picked up a faster pace than books, it is a possibility for Gendry to make a reappearance in ‘Game of Thrones’ season 7 wherein he could be seen in Oldtown, where Sam arrived to start on his maester training at the Citadel.

“I believe we will cross paths with Gendry again in Oldtown when Sam starts his studies as a Maester,” Reddit user Sethg119 wrote. “I believe that Sam will study the creation of Valyrian Steel and will require a smith. He will then go to the smith that resides in Oldtown who will be no other than Gendry.”

If Gendry is indeed capable of reworking Valyrian steel that can be used for getting rid of the white walkers, to partner with Sam could be a crucial step in making the most of his potential and attaining the ability to create weapons, contributing to the downfall of the white walkers.