Winter is here as the world famous “Game of Thrones” is all set to return on July 17.
Since it premiered worldwide in 2011, the HBO original series has penetrated pop culture and generated a legion of hardcore fans across the globe including Filipinos.
As we approach the Season 7 premiere, seven facts have emerged about the production that will surely pump up the excitement.
1. IT CLAIMS TO HOLD THE RECORD OF SETTING A LOT OF STUNTMEN ON FIRE.
One of the reasons why “Game of Thrones” has a large and loyal army of followers is because of its grand action scenes.
Showrunner David Benioff revealed to EW that the upcoming season has set many stuntmen on fire simultaneously–a record-breaking feat ever done by an entertainment production.
According to Entertainment Weekly, 20 stuntmen were engulfed by fire together in one shot for a battle scene, which teases that viewers should expect an unforgettable war that will air on television.
2. THE NEW SEASON WILL RUN AT A FASTER PACE.
The upcoming season will run at a quicker pace compared to previous seasons because of the war, according to D.B. Weiss and David Benioff.
The two showrunners shared to EW that the story is moving faster because the war is finally happening after years of many conflicts including the Night King’s army that poses a huge threat to the Seven Kingdoms.
3. WINTER IS HERE FOR A REASON.
Some fans got upset last year when HBO announced that “Game of Thrones” will premiere in summer 2017 rather than its usual premiere in April.
HBO president of programming, Casey Bloys explained in a press release that both Benioff and Weiss decided to delay season 7 so they can start production just in time when the weather is changing.
In short, fans should expect cold weather, snow, and grey skies in season 7 so the series can live up to its famous adage –winter is here.
4. ED SHEERAN WILL MAKE A CAMEO APPEARANCE.
Keep your eyes peeled as British musician Ed Sheeran is set to appear on the upcoming season. Benioff and Weiss spilled the details last year during an SXSW panel for “Game of Thrones” that they wanted Ed to appear on the series to surprise Maisie Williams who is a big Ed Sheeran fan.
Expect a few more details to emerge as the season opens.
5. HARRY POTTER’S PROF. SLUGHORN WILL BE PART OF SEASON 7.
A lot of “Harry Potter” stars have been part of the “Game of Thrones” cast like Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark), Natalia Tena (Osha), and David Bradley (Walder Frey), among many others.
For the new season, another recognizable face from the Potter franchise, Jim Broadbent who played Prof. Horace Slughorn, will be joining the GOT family.
Although he did not disclose his role, fans speculate that Broadbent will play Maester Marwyn, a character that is strongly associated with Sam Tarly who was last seen pursuing his dreams to become a maester in season 7.
6. CHANGE IS COMING FOR JON SNOW.
Kit Harrington shared with TIME that Jon Snow, who is one of the most loved characters of the show, will experience a ‘huge seismic shift.’
He teased, “I’m more happy with Jon that I’ve ever been before. This year there is this huge seismic shift where all of what he’s learned over the years, suddenly…He’s still the same Jon, but he grows up.”
7. SEASON 7 WILL COME IN TWO PARTS.
Everything ends even for an epic fantasy series like “Game of Thrones.”
According to Variety, the upcoming season will have two parts where seven episodes will air this July, while the remaining final episodes will air in either 2018 or 2019. No other details have been revealed, but the showrunners are reported to have ‘full outlines’ for the show’s final episode.
Who will win the game and claim the Iron Throne? Find out on “Game of Thrones” season 7 airing worldwide on July 17 at 9 A.M. via HBO on SKYcable and SKYdirect.
Livestream the “Game of Thrones” season 7 premiere and upcoming episodes anywhere via HBO GO that is exclusively available to One SKY (all-in broadband, mobile internet, HD cable TV plans) and SKYmobi (mobile internet) subscribers in the Philippines. As the cable and broadband unit of ABS-CBN, SKY Cable’s introduction of One SKY and SKYmobi also complements ABS-CBN’s transition into a digital company.
Meanwhile, fans can also channel their inner Jon Snow, Daenerys, or Cersei and experience sitting on the coveted Iron Throne during the SKY Alive! mall tour at SM Bacoor’s Event Center on July 7-9. SKY Alive! will also feature fun activities from Travel Channel, Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV, and special performances from Kapamilya star Marlo Mortel (July 8, 4PM) and Kiana Valenciano (July 9, 4PM).
For more information, visit mysky.com.ph and follow SKY on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MySKYCable), Twitter (@myskyupdates), and Instagram (@myskyupdates).
