‘Game of Thrones’ Season 7 Has Officially Started Production

As if the major casting of Jim Broadbent weren’t enough of a clue, Game of Thrones is finally ready to go before cameras for Season 7. Production has officially begun, but how long until those ever-telling set photos start popping up online? Should we get the #JonSnowStillLives ready?

Entertainment Weekly confirmed that production has officially begun on the seven-episode seventh season of HBO’s Game of Thrones, having initially rolled cameras in Ireland on Monday. Production typically begins in July, but this year got a later start to accommodate a summer 2017 premiere, and some more wintery weather for exterior shooting.

Also worth noting, those ever-vigilant Game of Thrones sleuths may already have deduced Broadbent’s role in the seventh season, likening the actor to one of the prior casting notices (we’d guess the priest) Oh, and spoilers:

• General, in the age range 40 – 55. He’s a senior military officer, and they’re looking for a white actor who uses the British RP accent. The actor is needed for the week of September 6th.

• Priest, in his 60’s. He’s a venerable priest with moral authority and gravitas. The show is seeking a white actor, using an RP accent, with characterful face for this part. He’s scheduled to shoot one week, from September 22nd.

In fact, many have even gone so far as to speculate that “Priest” might stand in for a Citadel Maester, potentially even Marwyn, who interacts with both Sam and Daenerys in the books. Elsewhere, a list of directors for the year has also been announced, along with some major set pieces, while at least a portion of filming will take place in Iceland.

We’ll learn plenty more in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, check out the first Game of Thrones Season 7 production tease below.