“Winter is coming.” Indeed, it seems like it. We see bad news amongst the wall: Game of Thrones’ season eight might be delayed until late 2019. HBO’s Game of Thrones first premiered in 2011 as it built a fan base to what we see now as a worldwide spectacle. Based on George R.R. Martin’s series of novels, the fantasy opens us up to dragons, kings, queens, and rivalries. What couldn’t go wrong with all that in the mix? The show’s popularity has created memes and unforgettable cosplays, as well as our favorite actors and actresses. The favorable cast has ventured in some amazing outside projects that could catch anyone’s eyes.

After season seven left us frozen on the edge of our seats, we couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. However, we might have to wait longer than necessary. April 2019 was the expected premiere of the final season based on Maisie Williams’ past interview – who plays Arya Stark. In January, she denied ever saying it.

Just a tweet letting you know this game of thrones release date "quote" I've supposedly given is completely false and taken from an interview I did years ago.

— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) January 30, 2018

Afterward, Casey Bloys, HBO’s president of programming, had also stated the first half of 2019 being the timeline for the show to begin. Of course, we would believe one of the leads of the show and the President himself. It was not until Joe Bauer, visual effects supervisor, crushed our hopes and dreams. Bauer said he’s blocked off his schedule until next May for “Game of Thrones” effects work. “So much of it comes down to timing and all that stuff. The situation changes every week. I know I’m not doing anything else but ‘Thrones’ until May of next year.”

With all the work being put in now, there could be a chance for a premiere date soon enough. “We’re going to be toiling away on Season 8 until May of 2019, so it’s eight or nine months away,” he added. “But the prequel is starting to shoot in February, at least the pilot. So we’ll still have quite a lot to do on Season 8 when they’re beginning.” Let us not forget about the 2019 Emmys deadline. In order for Game of Thrones to be eligible for next year’s Emmys, they need to have episodes in before the May 31st cut off date. If they do not meet this date, they will still qualify for the 2020 Emmys. 

 Game of Thrones has been nominated an impressive 22 times for the 2018 Emmys.

Storming the #Emmys with 22 nominations. Congrats to the cast and crew of @GameOfThrones. pic.twitter.com/BwzG4yzc6t

— HBO (@HBO) July 12, 2018

For now, winter awaits.