Final season of 'Game of Thrones' delayed again

The show might not hit screens till June or July next year

Earlier this year, it was announced the final season of the hit TV series Game of Thrones would air in April 2019. However, recent news reveals that the show will not be released in the first half of 2019, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

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HBO's president of programming Casey Bloys had initially stated that the show would premiere during the first six months of 2019. In order for a show to qualify for the Emmy Awards 2019, it should be aired between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2019. Therefore, for the final season of Game of Thrones to be nominated in next year's Emmy's it would have to air before the end of May.

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Speaking to the publication, Game of Thrones visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer discussed the Emmy nominations of the show. He said, "In two years, we will be eligible for the season eight work, which we're just beginning."

This means that the series finale will only be eligible for the Emmy Awards in 2020 - implying that the six-episode season will hit screens after the May 31, 2019, deadline.

"We are going to be toiling away on season eight until May of 2019, so it’s eight or nine months away. But the prequel is starting to shoot in February - at least the pilot," Bauer added.

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He also stated that he has blocked his schedule till May next year for the show's "effects work". Bauer continued, "The situation changes every week. I know I'm not doing anything else except Game of Thrones until May next year."

While discussing the delay in the release date, Bauer also talked about the end of the show. He said, "The ending is very true to what Game of Thrones is, and knowing how it ends, I don’t actually see how it could end any other way. There will be divisions because people have grown to feel for various characters, so everybody has their version of how they want it to end. But looking at it objectively, I think the way it ends is the way it must end."

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It's safe to assume that most of Game of Thrones' season eight will not go on air till May 31, 2019. Bauer and his team will be working on the effect in May the same year which means that the series will premiere at a later date.

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However, fans are hoping for the show to - at least - be released in June or July as season seven premiered in July 2017.

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