Game of Thrones Creators Give Season 8 Update

Screen Rant

Game of Thrones Creators Give Update on Season 8

By Matthew Erao

Published Jun 28, 2017

The Game of Thrones showrunners discuss how far along they are with season 8 and whether it will arrive on HBO in 2018 or 2019.

With season 7 of Game of Thrones right around the corner, the series' showrunners say they're nearly done crafting season 8. In just a few weeks, the return of HBO's hit adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series will arrive. It's been a longer wait than usual, but it hasn't been without some insight into the coming season. From photos to promos, fans have been given plenty of tastes of the action to come. Even better, viewers have been treated to two different trailers, with the latest trailer for Game of Thrones revealing a number of new looks at the characters.

In the meantime, more and more information has been coming out about the series. We've learned that Jessica Henwick will reprise her Sand Snake role after her recent run on Marvel's Iron Fist. Meanwhile, a future meet-up between Arya and Littlefinger was teased with the recent reminder of an old fan theory. And though not many concrete details could be culled from the trailers, the brief bits of action we've seen so far have many fans convinced that Cleganebowl is finally on its way.

More good news has come in the form of an interview EW conducted with Game of Thrones showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff. When asked about the progress they've made writing season 8 of the show - the final one of the series - the two offered a bit of an update.

Benioff: It’s nearly completed. Well, I shouldn’t say 'nearly.'

Weiss: I wouldn’t go that far. It’s exciting but there’s always pressure. You don’t ever want to drop the ball.

A recent rumor emerged stating that rather than 2018, we won't be seeing season 8 until 2019. Given the bigger production value of the final two seasons and the delayed completion of the upcoming one, the theory could prove true. Asked whether there was any update on when we can expect to see the final season, Benioff stated it was still unclear:

"We honestly don’t know yet. There’s been a lot of back and forth about air dates. That’s a long way off from being settled."

The news that writing is moving along will be welcome, as it means the show is that much closer to completion. Still, the scope of the final season could see it delayed longer than usual. While fans will be disappointed, it will likely be in service to the best version of the show. Plus, maybe by then Martin will finally finish The Winds of Winter.