Monday night was the premiere for Season five of HBO's critically acclaimed series "Game of Thrones" at the Memorial Opera House in San Francisco.

Cast members at the premiere included Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Mara Raphael (Theon), Sophie Turner (Sansa), Dean Charles Chapman (Tommen Baratheon), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) and many more.

The author that inspired the series, George R.R. Martin was also at the premiere. "I absolutely loved it," he said after the screening, "Seeing it on the big screen like that, goodness, it was just breathtaking. I think fans will be very pleased. Very pleased."

The "Game of Thrones" show has caught up with Martin's books. He is currently working on the sixth book so that the creators will have more source material to lean on.

Creators Davin Benoiff and D.B. Weiss took to the stage before the screening to say a few words. Both said that if it weren't for this show, Benoiff would still be a personal assistant to Glenn Frey of the Eagles and Weiss would still be teaching seventh-grade English.

"We try to imagine what our lives would be like without your books, and the thought is even more terrifying than the things that happen in your books," Weiss said to Martin.

The premiere involved the usual photographs and interviews with fans lining up outside to snap pictures of their favorite characters and holding signs to show their love for the creators. However, it also featured a replica of the Iron Throne, a musical performance, and a lavish after party across the street at City Hall.

The fifth season of "Game of Thrones" airs on HBO and HBO Now on April 12.