Game of Thrones may reach eight seasons

The Seven Kingdoms may have more than seven seasons.

Despite the showrunners’ assertions that they intend to wrap up the epic saga in two more seasons, there may be a chance that we’ll get more than 70 hours in Westeros (and Essos.)

Entertainment Weekly’s report of the Television Critics Association’s press tour covered the comments by HBO programming president Michael Lombardo on the future of the series. When asked by a reporter whether the show would end after the seventh season, Lombardo replied:

“Seven-seasons-and-out has never been the [internal] conversation. The question is: How much beyond seven are we going to do? Obviously we’re shooting six now, hopefully discussing seven. [David Benioff and Dan Weiss] feel like there’s two more years after six. I would always love for them to change their minds, but that’s what we’re looking at right now.”

While Lombardo’s comments aren’t tantamount to an official season eight renewal (with the show currently renewed only until season six), this is a promising prospect.

On the subject of a prequel series, considering the incredibly detailed and complex world George R. R. Martin has introduced audiences to, Lombardo had this to say:

“I would be open to anything that Dan and David wanted to do – about Game of Thrones, or any subject matter. It really would depend fully on what they wanted to do. I think you’re right, there’s enormous storytelling to be mined in a prequel, if George and Dan and David decide they want to tackle that. At this point, all the focus is on the next few years of the show. We haven’t had any conversations about that at this point.”

And on the huge question of Jon Snow’s survival, Lombardo firmly reiterated the stance of the rest of the show’s team: “Dead is dead is dead,” he said, “He be dead. Um, yes. Everything I’ve seen, heard and read, Jon Snow is indeed dead.”

Game of Thrones season six has recently begun production and will be out next year.