Game of Thrones
The cast and crew of HBO's "Game of Thrones" pose backstage with their Outstanding Drama Series award during the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California September 20, 2015. Reuters/Mike Blake

According to “Game of Thrones” director Jack Bender, Season 7 will only comprise of seven episodes. It will be the first time for the long-running HBO series to have a season under 10 episodes.

Rumors of a shorter Season 7 and 8 for “Game of Thrones” ("GOT") started in April 2016 when showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss shared that they expect two more seasons, which will roughly be composed of only 13 episodes in all, to finish the story.

Vanity Fair cites Bender in saying that he is still uncertain whether he will return to direct Season 7, but he cited that there will only be seven episodes and the regulars will be present, who have been doing it for a long time. He continued that he had a wonderful time on the show and know that the showrunners are excited about the story and how “Game of Thrones” is faring. He said that he will be working on a new series early in 2017, which may put him away from the HBO series until its conclusion.

Variety also says that Bender’s statements seemed to confirm the showrunners’ previous statements that there will be seven episodes in 2017 and the last six to air in 2018. According to Weiss and Benioff, a shorter season would allow them to focus more on each episode.

The Independent reports that HBO has not yet confirmed Bender’s recent update. However, author George R.R. Martin may have a say in the next two seasons or prepare for a good substitute, once “Game of Thrones” is officially off the air.

According to Michael Lombardo, HBO programming president, the showrunners intend to conclude the series in the next two years. He also mentioned that as a television executive, he wished that they would go on for at least another six seasons. Season 7 is set to begin production in July 2016.

Overall, the news by Bender, Lombardo, Weiss and Benioff most likely confirms that “Game of Thrones” is nearing its definite end. Fans will not be too happy to know that they are already seeing the last of their favorite characters.

“Game of Thrones” will air next on June 5, 2016 on HBO. More updates and details are expected soon.

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