‘Game Of Thrones’ Creators Tease Shortened Final Seasons; How Will The HBO Series End?

“Game of Thrones” is one of the most popular series in television history, so it stands to reason it’s also one of the most difficult to make. Because of the HBO drama’s stringent shooting schedule, the minds behind it say they’re considering shortening the final two seasons and hyperfocusing on the story’s finale.

By the very nature of the show, with all its twists, turns and major shifts in power, fans constantly have wondered how it will end. With characters moving in and out of favor, it’s anybody’s guess at this point who will wind up on the Iron Throne. But viewers now know they may not have to wait long to find out. With the hit drama premiering the first of 10 episodes this season April 24, fans are going to be closer than ever before to seeing how the saga of the seven kingdoms draws to a close. And co-creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are claiming that the conclusion of the story may come well before the anticipated 20 episodes that would make up the rumored Seasons 7 and 8.

“I think we’re down to our final 13 episodes after this season. We’re heading into the final lap,” Benioff told Variety. “That’s the guess, though nothing is yet set in stone, but that’s what we’re looking at.”

The media outlet went on to explain that the producers don’t believe they can continue to make 10 quality episodes a season for another two years. Instead, they hope to abridge the remaining seasons of the series to allow them to really focus on a wrap-up. However, HBO quickly released a statement assuring fans that the comments made by Benioff and Weiss did not constitute confirmation the future seasons of “Game of Thrones” have been decided, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

“Any conversation about the end of ‘Game of Thrones’ and the number of episodes of future seasons is purely speculative,” an HBO representative said in a statement cited by the outlet. “As is customary, HBO will sit with Dan and David to discuss the details once a decision has been made to go forward with Season 7.”

Fans hoping for a conclusion of this new discussion probably won’t have it any time soon. According to Entertainment Weekly, “Game of Thrones” Season 7 isn’t supposed to begin production until July, meaning HBO, Benioff and Weiss have roughly a year before they would need to let fans know about their plan.

How do you want to see “Game of Thrones” end its run? Comment below or tweet your thoughts on the matter to @TylerMcCarthy.