‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 7 Premiere: When Will Fans Learn What Happens After ‘The Winds Of Winter’?

Impatience is already setting in following Sunday’s exhilarating “Game of Thrones” Season 6 finale. After watching “The Winds of Winter” for the eighth time — and reading as many recaps and theory articles as possible — fans will now have to wait until next year for Season 7, and the wait will feel longer than winter.

The likely “Game of Thrones” Season 7 date is mid-April, with April 16 or April 23 being ideal candidates. “Game of Thrones” Season 6 premiered April 25, the latest date yet for the series. “Game of Thrones” Season 3 had the earliest debut when “Valar Dohaeris” aired March 31, 2013.

“Game of Thrones” Season 7 casting is underway, with shooting expected to begin in the second half of 2016, according to Watchers on the Wall. Casting calls for actors and actresses to play Northern children have begun, the site reported. Filming for those scenes would begin in September or October.

Fears of Brexit affecting the shooting schedule for “Game of Thrones” Season 7 were quickly eased by HBO. In a statement addressing such concerns over the loss of tax credits that could affect production, the network said the series has not taken any money from the European Regional Development Fund for several seasons.

“Game of Thrones” Season 6 may have been the last full season of the show if series creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have their way. There will be at least two shortened seasons, according to comments made by Benioff and Weiss. Season 7 would have only seven episodes while Season 8 would have just six episodes to reveal the fate of Westeros.

Considering the incredible popularity of the series, HBO would clearly want as many episodes of “Game of Thrones” as possible. There could be work-around solutions such as extended episodes or HBO delivering large sums of money to Benioff and Weiss to change their opinion.

The road map for Season 7 speculation begins in the fall as casting calls and shooting take place. There could be a “Game of Thrones” panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July that reveals information about the upcoming season. The Season 7 premiere date could be announced in December or January, based on past announcements from HBO.