In search of coastal caves & ruined castles, tourists follow 'Game of Thrones' trails

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is making his first visit to Northern Ireland and spoke at a press conference in Belfast Wednesday.

Aamir Khan is in Northern Ireland where major portions of 'Game of Thrones' have been shot

Some 17.4 million Americans watched the first episode of the final season of television`s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-1-was-all-about-reunions-jon-snow-his-dragon-and-thankfully-no-white-walkers-210492">'Game of Thrones' </a>- a record <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-how-fans-in-new-york-prepped-for-the-opening-episode-of-season-8-210631">audience for the medieval fantasy series</a>, cable channel HBO said on Monday. 
 
HBO said Sunday`s live US television audience and viewers on its HBO GO and HBO NOW apps exceeded the previous series high of 16.9 million viewers for the Season 7 finale two years ago. 
 
On social media, Sunday`s premiere was also the most-tweeted-about episode of the show ever, with more than 5 million Tweets, and 11 million mentions throughout the course of the weekend, HBO said in a statement. 
 
All of the top 10 global Twitter trends late Sunday evening were about the episode. 
 
The series set among warring families in the fictional kingdom of Westeros, which began in 2007, has become HBO`s biggest hit. 
 
Season 7 averaged 32.8 million U.S. viewers per episode when delayed viewing was counted and HBO said it expected the Season 8 average to "grow considerably". 
 
'Game of Thrones' is available in over 150 countries worldwide, but HBO said viewing data is not easily retrieved in many of those markets, making a global figure impossible to calculate. 
 
Details of the final season have been kept a closely guarded secret, boosting anticipation.&nbsp; 
 
The most-tweeted moment from Sunday`s show came when popular 'Thrones'&nbsp;character Jon Snow (played by Kit Harington) learned the truth about his parents, and the fact that his love interest, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), is in fact his aunt. 
 
Despite its avid fan base,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-8-episode-2-trailer-jamie-lannister-is-at-daenerys-court-210478"> 'Game of Thrones' </a>is far from the biggest television event in the United States. The annual NFL Super Bowl attracts about 100 million viewers and the 2019 Oscars ceremony in February was watched on television by 29.6 million Americans.

The final episode of 'Game of Thrones' will air on May 19.

Some 17.4 million Americans watched the first episode of the final season of television`s 'Game of Thrones' - a record audience for the medieval fantasy series, cable channel HBO said on Monday.

Some 17.4 million Americans watched the first episode of the final season of television`s 'Game of Thrones' - a record audience for the medieval fantasy series, cable channel HBO said on Monday. HBO said Sunday`s live US television audience and viewers on its HBO GO and HBO NOW apps exceeded the previous series high of 16.9 million viewers for the Season 7 finale two years ago. On social media, Sunday`s premiere was also the most-tweeted-about episode of the show ever, with more than 5 million Tweets, and 11 million mentions throughout the course of the weekend, HBO said in a statement. All of the top 10 global Twitter trends late Sunday evening were about the episode. The series set among warring families in the fictional kingdom of Westeros, which began in 2007, has become HBO`s biggest hit. Season 7 averaged 32.8 million U.S. viewers per episode when delayed viewing was counted and HBO said it expected the Season 8 average to "grow considerably". 'Game of Thrones' is available in over 150 countries worldwide, but HBO said viewing data is not easily retrieved in many of those markets, making a global figure impossible to calculate. Details of the final season have been kept a closely guarded secret, boosting anticipation. The most-tweeted moment from Sunday`s show came when popular 'Thrones' character Jon Snow (played by Kit Harington) learned the truth about his parents, and the fact that his love interest, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), is in fact his aunt. Despite its avid fan base, 'Game of Thrones' is far from the biggest television event in the United States. The annual NFL Super Bowl attracts about 100 million viewers and the 2019 Oscars ceremony in February was watched on television by 29.6 million Americans. The final episode of 'Game of Thrones' will air on May 19.

Game Of Thrones: Record 17.4 million tune in to watch the first episode of the final season

"Game of Thrones" actors may be the few people who know how the show ends, they just don't know how and if they'll be watching the hit series' last episode. For some, the idea of seeing it end, especially in a group setting, is anathema.

'Game of Thrones' stars reveal how they'll be watching last episode

"Game of Thrones" stars gathered Friday for one last premiere in Belfast, one of the show's permanent locations for the last decade. Kit Harington, Sophie Turner and Liam Cunningham were among the actors to step on the red carpet and reminisce about the years they've spent on set of the hit HBO series.

'Game of Thrones' stars say goodbye to Belfast

Winter came early for some fans as a streaming service leaked the first episode of 'Game Of Thrones' Season 8 around four hours earlier than its scheduled time.&nbsp;

The first episode of season 8 landed on the AT&amp;T-owned DirecTV Now around 5 pm ET, instead of its 9 pm ET premiere time on Sunday.&nbsp;The episode was live for some users for hours on DirecTV Now, before it was taken down. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lets-go-down-the-memory-lane-of-game-of-thrones-and-how-they-were-beyond-the-wall-the-last-time-we-saw-210378">Get a quick recap of the series before you start watching season 8.&nbsp;</a>

Besides reports of the first chapter of the last season being live, some users reported that they received a push notification that the episode was ready to be viewed.

"Apparently our system was as excited as we are for 'Game of Thrones' tonight and gave a few DirecTV Now customers early access to the episode by mistake.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/game-of-thrones-where-will-you-see-your-favourite-stars-after-the-series-finale-209926#emilia-clarke-209893"> Also see:&nbsp;Where will you see your favourite stars after the series finale</a>

"When we became aware of the error, we immediately fixed it and we look forward to tuning in this evening," a representative for AT&amp;T said.

Interestingly, AT&amp;T also now owns HBO.

Whether it is hackers getting their hands on future episodes or castings, script summaries and marketing materials of the hit fantasy series, the show has also had a fair share of leaks in the past.

Directed by David Nutter and written by Dave Hill, the episode has a runtime of 54 minutes.&nbsp;

Winter came early for some fans as a streaming service leaked the first episode of 'Game Of Thrones' Season 8 around four hours earlier than its scheduled time. The first episode of season 8 landed on the AT&T-owned DirecTV Now around 5 pm ET, instead of its 9 pm ET premiere time on Sunday.

Winter came early for some fans as a streaming service leaked the first episode of 'Game Of Thrones' Season 8 around four hours earlier than its scheduled time. The first episode of season 8 landed on the AT&T-owned DirecTV Now around 5 pm ET, instead of its 9 pm ET premiere time on Sunday. The episode was live for some users for hours on DirecTV Now, before it was taken down. Get a quick recap of the series before you start watching season 8. Besides reports of the first chapter of the last season being live, some users reported that they received a push notification that the episode was ready to be viewed. "Apparently our system was as excited as we are for 'Game of Thrones' tonight and gave a few DirecTV Now customers early access to the episode by mistake. Also see: Where will you see your favourite stars after the series finale "When we became aware of the error, we immediately fixed it and we look forward to tuning in this evening," a representative for AT&T said. Interestingly, AT&T also now owns HBO. Whether it is hackers getting their hands on future episodes or castings, script summaries and marketing materials of the hit fantasy series, the show has also had a fair share of leaks in the past. Directed by David Nutter and written by Dave Hill, the episode has a runtime of 54 minutes.

First episode of 'Game Of Thrones' season 8 gets mistakenly posted early on a streaming platform

Three hundred die-hard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-1-was-all-about-reunions-jon-snow-his-dragon-and-thankfully-no-white-walkers-210492">Game of Thrones</a> fans laughed, howled and moaned their way through the premiere of the hugely popular fantasy saga's last season in New York on Sunday. 
 
More than an hour before the episode began, a crowd gathered at central Brooklyn's Understudy bar and broke into raucous shouts as the first notes of the famous theme music rang out. 
 
Almost 20 months after season seven finished, 'GoT' &nbsp;aficionados finally got their fix -- and their fill of a Jon Snow cocktail, specially concocted for the occasion in honor of one of the main characters. 
 
The nine most tweeted words Sunday morning all had a link with the world created by author George RR Martin, a sign of the immense popularity of the HBO series. 
 
The name of character Bran Stark took first place, mentioned in more than 500,000 tweets by 0500 GMT. Bookmakers consider him the most likely to wrest power and reign over the seven kingdoms. 
 
A number of masks and get-ups were brought to the Brooklyn screening, with a homemade, Jon Snow-inspired costume with strong fantasy and medieval overtones the clear crowd favorite. 
 
One young woman with peroxide blond hair styled a la strongwoman Brienne of Tarth brought along a gnashing papier-mache dragon hand puppet she had made for the occasion.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-8-episode-2-trailer-jamie-lannister-is-at-daenerys-court-210478">Watch the trailer of the second episode here.&nbsp;</a> 
 
To add a little spice to the night, some fans played a game based on which character would survive the longest in the bloody, deadly world of Game of Thrones. 
 
The ruler with the wind now in her sails, Daenerys Targaryen, was selected by Jean-Louis Baron.&nbsp;"She must die, so she'll be the last to die," he said. 
"The whole world building is absolutely phenomenal," Baron added. "It's a great escape".

Laughter and tears 
Many choose to watch the richly layered series at home so they don't miss any of the nuances, or have the option of watching a single scene multiple times. 
 
But some, like Robin Akyigit, decided to make an exception for the start of the final series and make it "more of an event." 
 
"One of the reasons why I wanted to be here was to get everybody's reaction," he said. "I love hearing the audience." 
 
"Luckily, the sound was great," said Alejandro Hernandez who had come up from Miami. 
 
"I was kind of afraid we were going to miss some of it because of everybody talking but everybody was pretty quiet when they needed to be." 
 
The crowd of connoisseurs largely restrained their reactions -- but there were moments when they burst into laughter, and at times there were tears too.&nbsp;"I would definitely give it an 8 or a 9," said Hernandez after the lights came up, adding: "It was pretty exciting to have them all back after so long.

Three hundred die-hard Game of Thrones fans laughed, howled and moaned their way through the premiere of the hugely popular fantasy saga's last season in New York on Sunday.

Three hundred die-hard Game of Thrones fans laughed, howled and moaned their way through the premiere of the hugely popular fantasy saga's last season in New York on Sunday. More than an hour before the episode began, a crowd gathered at central Brooklyn's Understudy bar and broke into raucous shouts as the first notes of the famous theme music rang out. Almost 20 months after season seven finished, 'GoT' aficionados finally got their fix -- and their fill of a Jon Snow cocktail, specially concocted for the occasion in honor of one of the main characters. The nine most tweeted words Sunday morning all had a link with the world created by author George RR Martin, a sign of the immense popularity of the HBO series. The name of character Bran Stark took first place, mentioned in more than 500,000 tweets by 0500 GMT. Bookmakers consider him the most likely to wrest power and reign over the seven kingdoms. A number of masks and get-ups were brought to the Brooklyn screening, with a homemade, Jon Snow-inspired costume with strong fantasy and medieval overtones the clear crowd favorite. One young woman with peroxide blond hair styled a la strongwoman Brienne of Tarth brought along a gnashing papier-mache dragon hand puppet she had made for the occasion.Watch the trailer of the second episode here. To add a little spice to the night, some fans played a game based on which character would survive the longest in the bloody, deadly world of Game of Thrones. The ruler with the wind now in her sails, Daenerys Targaryen, was selected by Jean-Louis Baron. "She must die, so she'll be the last to die," he said. "The whole world building is absolutely phenomenal," Baron added. "It's a great escape". Laughter and tears Many choose to watch the richly layered series at home so they don't miss any of the nuances, or have the option of watching a single scene multiple times. But some, like Robin Akyigit, decided to make an exception for the start of the final series and make it "more of an event." "One of the reasons why I wanted to be here was to get everybody's reaction," he said. "I love hearing the audience." "Luckily, the sound was great," said Alejandro Hernandez who had come up from Miami. "I was kind of afraid we were going to miss some of it because of everybody talking but everybody was pretty quiet when they needed to be." The crowd of connoisseurs largely restrained their reactions -- but there were moments when they burst into laughter, and at times there were tears too. "I would definitely give it an 8 or a 9," said Hernandez after the lights came up, adding: "It was pretty exciting to have them all back after so long.

Game Of Thrones: How fans in New York prepped for the opening episode of season 8

'Grave of Thrones': Spooky graves to honour characters who have died ahead of season 8

If you are a "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=game+of+thrones">Game&nbsp;of&nbsp;Thrones</a>" fan and appreciate the element of surprise, stop reading now.

Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an application to predict which character has the best chance to claim the coveted Iron Throne in the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families.&nbsp;

They have taught the application to scour the web for information about each of the characters, which is then processed by artificial intelligence algorithms to assess their survival chances.&nbsp;

"We scraped the results from different Wiki pages and Wiki-like pages about the books and TV show and we took out data like gender and age of the characters," said student Christian Dallago. "We put all this together to train the algorithm to tell us when this character is going to die."&nbsp;

There is a good chance the application will get it right.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-peter-dinklage-claims-he-correctly-guessed-tyrion-lannisters-fate-in-finale-without-reading-the-script-209815">Peter Dinklage claims he correctly guessed Tyrion Lannister's fate in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-peter-dinklage-claims-he-correctly-guessed-tyrion-lannisters-fate-in-finale-without-reading-the-script-209815">finale</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-peter-dinklage-claims-he-correctly-guessed-tyrion-lannisters-fate-in-finale-without-reading-the-script-209815"> without reading the script</a>

Back in 2016, an algorithm created by computer science students at the same university in the southern German city shortly before the start of Season 6 accurately predicted that Jon Snow would resurrect.

If you're still reading, clearly you're not a fan of plot twists and turns.

So here you go, AI says that Daenerys Targaryen has the best chance of survival in the final season, which starts on Sunday.

If you are a "Game of Thrones" fan and appreciate the element of surprise, stop reading now. Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an application to predict which character has the best chance to claim the coveted Iron Throne in the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families.

If you are a "Game of Thrones" fan and appreciate the element of surprise, stop reading now. Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an application to predict which character has the best chance to claim the coveted Iron Throne in the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families. They have taught the application to scour the web for information about each of the characters, which is then processed by artificial intelligence algorithms to assess their survival chances. "We scraped the results from different Wiki pages and Wiki-like pages about the books and TV show and we took out data like gender and age of the characters," said student Christian Dallago. "We put all this together to train the algorithm to tell us when this character is going to die." There is a good chance the application will get it right. Also Read: Peter Dinklage claims he correctly guessed Tyrion Lannister's fate in finale without reading the script Back in 2016, an algorithm created by computer science students at the same university in the southern German city shortly before the start of Season 6 accurately predicted that Jon Snow would resurrect. If you're still reading, clearly you're not a fan of plot twists and turns. So here you go, AI says that Daenerys Targaryen has the best chance of survival in the final season, which starts on Sunday.

Don't like surprises? Artificial intelligence predicts who survives 'Game of Thrones'

Game Of Thrones: Where will you see your favourite stars after the series finale

American linguist David J. Peterson may have built up the unique and ancient languages for the television series 'Game of Thrones'&nbsp;but when it comes to who speaks Valyrian best, there`s no contest. 
 
"The best is Jacob Anderson," Peterson told Reuters. "He plays Grey Worm on `Game of Thrones` and he`s so good, he`s so good. He is head and shoulders better than me." 
 
"When I heard him the first time speak the Valyrian language I just said, `wow.` I went back and re-watched it," he said. 
 
Peterson, a co-founder of the Language Creation Society, started off by building on a few keys words and phrases created by George R.R. Martin in his "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels that form the basis of the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families.

"I didn`t reference any other languages. After I included all of (Martin`s) material I built it up in a way that I thought book readers and George R.R. Martin himself would expect and appreciate." 
 
When Peterson got the scripts for the TV show, producers tagged all the lines he had to translate into Valyrian or Dothraki. 
 
He then broke up the language syllable by syllable for the actors, and recorded it for them. 
 
"I record really slow so they can hear exactly how it`s pronounced, and then I record the English for reference," Peterson said. 
 
Although the final season of 'Game of Thrones'&nbsp;starts on Sunday, the languages will go on living. 
 
Peterson has developed a course on the Duolingo foreign language app where fans can learn to speak Valyrian for free. According to the Duolingo app, there are currently over 800,000 active Valyrian learners - more than those learning Norwegian or Hindi. 
 
"I also do all the recordings so that`s my voice that you`re hearing when you use the app. And I also take it myself because it`s nice to brush up," Peterson said.

American linguist David J. Peterson may have built up the unique and ancient languages for the television series 'Game of Thrones' but when it comes to who speaks Valyrian best, there`s no contest.

American linguist David J. Peterson may have built up the unique and ancient languages for the television series 'Game of Thrones' but when it comes to who speaks Valyrian best, there`s no contest. "The best is Jacob Anderson," Peterson told Reuters. "He plays Grey Worm on `Game of Thrones` and he`s so good, he`s so good. He is head and shoulders better than me." "When I heard him the first time speak the Valyrian language I just said, `wow.` I went back and re-watched it," he said. Peterson, a co-founder of the Language Creation Society, started off by building on a few keys words and phrases created by George R.R. Martin in his "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels that form the basis of the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families. "I didn`t reference any other languages. After I included all of (Martin`s) material I built it up in a way that I thought book readers and George R.R. Martin himself would expect and appreciate." When Peterson got the scripts for the TV show, producers tagged all the lines he had to translate into Valyrian or Dothraki. He then broke up the language syllable by syllable for the actors, and recorded it for them. "I record really slow so they can hear exactly how it`s pronounced, and then I record the English for reference," Peterson said. Although the final season of 'Game of Thrones' starts on Sunday, the languages will go on living. Peterson has developed a course on the Duolingo foreign language app where fans can learn to speak Valyrian for free. According to the Duolingo app, there are currently over 800,000 active Valyrian learners - more than those learning Norwegian or Hindi. "I also do all the recordings so that`s my voice that you`re hearing when you use the app. And I also take it myself because it`s nice to brush up," Peterson said.

For the ultimate 'Game of Thrones' fan: How to speak Valyrian

It`s the kind of manoeuvring that might make the Game of Thrones` shrewdest operator Tyrion Lannister feel right at home.&nbsp;As streaming giants Amazon, Netflix and Hulu prepare to splash out on their next fantasy blockbusters and dystopian dramas, Central European countries are slugging it out to get a grab a slice of their bumper production budgets. 
 
Experienced crews, lower labour costs and generous production incentives have long attracted international filmmakers to the Czech Republic and Hungary but other countries in the region are now getting into the game. 
 
The Czechs and Hungarians are both considering raising their incentives after Romania approved a production rebate of up to 45 percent in 2018 and Poland introduced a 30 percent cash rebate in February to keep pace with its neighbours. 
 
A new European Union directive due to come in this year is also expected to spur investment as it will require video-on-demand platforms selling to European audiences to ensure at least 30 percent of their catalogues are European works.&nbsp; 
 
"This is a new era," said Agnes Havas, chief executive of the Hungarian Film Fund told Reuters, noting that the Netflix series "The Crown" and Amazon Prime Video`s "Hanna" were shot in Hungary.&nbsp; 
 
"What we see is we started at 30 percent (incentives) and now we are looking at the other countries in Europe and we will evaluate the situation and see whether we should potentially think about raising it again in the future." 
 
BITG media analyst Rich Greenfield estimates Amazon will spend $5 billion to $6 billion in 2019 on content with Netflix laying out about $15 billion - and a significant portion of the Netflix budget will flow overseas.&nbsp; 
 
"We are aware there is a shift in global production and you can`t ignore the big streaming companies," Anna Dziedzic of the Film Commission Poland told Reuters. In 2018 Netflix filmed "1983" in the country, the company`s first original Polish Netflix series. 
 
"They are one of the biggest players now. You have to adjust to the changing environment and you have to have them in mind," Dziedzic told Reuters. 
Amazon and Netflix declined to comment on their plans in the region. 
 
GAME OF THRONES EFFECT 
 
A landscape dotted with castles and rolling countryside makes central Europe a versatile setting for increasingly popular historical and fantasy shows looking to cash in on the success of series such as "Game of Thrones". 
 
"The types of shows being shot have dramatically changed," said David Minkowski, head of production at Stillking Films, which co-produced Amazon`s neo-noir fantasy "Carnival Row" and Hulu`s historical series "Das Boot", in the Czech Republic.

 
"Call it the Game of Thrones effect. A lot of it is fantasy or historical that naturally gravitates to this part of the world," he told Reuters, adding that the company was now working on fantasy drama "The Witcher" for Netflix. "The typical production centres are bursting at the seams." 
 
Dziedzic at the Film Commission Poland said she has also received requests from international companies wanting to use post-Soviet locations and brutalist Communist architecture for science fiction series. 
 
This has helped push international investment in regional production to record highs, leaving studios booked a year in advance and crews forced to turn away work, industry professionals say. 
 
"There is now an ever increased premium on local crew relationships and good access to infrastructure and studios which need to be planned up to 12 months in advance of production," added Stillking`s Managing Director Matthew Stillking. 
 
"It`s a boom time ... likely to last several years as the sector becomes more competitive with a perfect storm of increased consumer viewing demand and more platforms needing content to compete for customers."&nbsp; 
 
`IT WILL ROCKET` 
 
Foreign investment in the Czech film industry leapt nearly 1.2 billion crowns to a record 4.8 billion ($210 million) on 1,072 shooting days for 38 foreign series and films in 2018, according to the Czech Film Commission. 
 
Investment is expected to remain at that level or higher this year, though Czech plans to increase cash rebates on offer for film makers from 20 percent now could be a game changer. 
 
"It will rocket once the incentives are raised," Pavlina Zipkova, head of the Czech Film Commission, told Reuters. "The government has not increased it yet but we strongly believe it will happen later this year." 
 
In Hungary, spending on a total of 333 productions last year amounted to 110 billion forints (385 million), with 84 percent of the investment coming from international productions including Hollywood blockbusters "Terminator: Dark Fate" and "Gemini Man." 
 
This was up from 108 billion in 2017, when "Red Sparrow" and "Colette" were made in Hungary but Havas at Hungary`s Film Fund expects the new EU rules to accelerate the streaming-fuelled production boom.

The rise of streaming services has also shifted the types of productions in the region. Hungary attracts more blockbuster films these days while episodic series tend to gravitate towards the Czech Republic, said Tomas Krejci, founder of Milk and Honey Pictures and Prague Studios. 
 
This helped Prague Studio`s turnover jump more than 50 percent in 2018 - and Krejci predicts demand will remain strong as top notch crews shooting historical shows are more than a third cheaper than in rival countries such as Spain. 
 
"The demand for historical shows is getting stronger," Krejci said whose company has produced "Haunted" for Netflix and Amazon`s "Patriot" and the second season of "Lore." 
 
"Here it`s not just the phenomenal historic architecture but also the vast amount of props, costumes and local talent that make it cheaper and easier to make these kinds of shows." 
&nbsp;

It`s the kind of manoeuvring that might make the Game of Thrones` shrewdest operator Tyrion Lannister feel right at home. As streaming giants Amazon, Netflix and Hulu prepare to splash out on their next fantasy blockbusters and dystopian dramas, Central European countries are slugging it out to get a grab a slice of their bumper production budgets.

It`s the kind of manoeuvring that might make the Game of Thrones` shrewdest operator Tyrion Lannister feel right at home. As streaming giants Amazon, Netflix and Hulu prepare to splash out on their next fantasy blockbusters and dystopian dramas, Central European countries are slugging it out to get a grab a slice of their bumper production budgets. Experienced crews, lower labour costs and generous production incentives have long attracted international filmmakers to the Czech Republic and Hungary but other countries in the region are now getting into the game. The Czechs and Hungarians are both considering raising their incentives after Romania approved a production rebate of up to 45 percent in 2018 and Poland introduced a 30 percent cash rebate in February to keep pace with its neighbours. A new European Union directive due to come in this year is also expected to spur investment as it will require video-on-demand platforms selling to European audiences to ensure at least 30 percent of their catalogues are European works. "This is a new era," said Agnes Havas, chief executive of the Hungarian Film Fund told Reuters, noting that the Netflix series "The Crown" and Amazon Prime Video`s "Hanna" were shot in Hungary. "What we see is we started at 30 percent (incentives) and now we are looking at the other countries in Europe and we will evaluate the situation and see whether we should potentially think about raising it again in the future." BITG media analyst Rich Greenfield estimates Amazon will spend $5 billion to $6 billion in 2019 on content with Netflix laying out about $15 billion - and a significant portion of the Netflix budget will flow overseas. "We are aware there is a shift in global production and you can`t ignore the big streaming companies," Anna Dziedzic of the Film Commission Poland told Reuters. In 2018 Netflix filmed "1983" in the country, the company`s first original Polish Netflix series. "They are one of the biggest players now. You have to adjust to the changing environment and you have to have them in mind," Dziedzic told Reuters. Amazon and Netflix declined to comment on their plans in the region. GAME OF THRONES EFFECT A landscape dotted with castles and rolling countryside makes central Europe a versatile setting for increasingly popular historical and fantasy shows looking to cash in on the success of series such as "Game of Thrones". "The types of shows being shot have dramatically changed," said David Minkowski, head of production at Stillking Films, which co-produced Amazon`s neo-noir fantasy "Carnival Row" and Hulu`s historical series "Das Boot", in the Czech Republic. "Call it the Game of Thrones effect. A lot of it is fantasy or historical that naturally gravitates to this part of the world," he told Reuters, adding that the company was now working on fantasy drama "The Witcher" for Netflix. "The typical production centres are bursting at the seams." Dziedzic at the Film Commission Poland said she has also received requests from international companies wanting to use post-Soviet locations and brutalist Communist architecture for science fiction series. This has helped push international investment in regional production to record highs, leaving studios booked a year in advance and crews forced to turn away work, industry professionals say. "There is now an ever increased premium on local crew relationships and good access to infrastructure and studios which need to be planned up to 12 months in advance of production," added Stillking`s Managing Director Matthew Stillking. "It`s a boom time ... likely to last several years as the sector becomes more competitive with a perfect storm of increased consumer viewing demand and more platforms needing content to compete for customers." `IT WILL ROCKET` Foreign investment in the Czech film industry leapt nearly 1.2 billion crowns to a record 4.8 billion ($210 million) on 1,072 shooting days for 38 foreign series and films in 2018, according to the Czech Film Commission. Investment is expected to remain at that level or higher this year, though Czech plans to increase cash rebates on offer for film makers from 20 percent now could be a game changer. "It will rocket once the incentives are raised," Pavlina Zipkova, head of the Czech Film Commission, told Reuters. "The government has not increased it yet but we strongly believe it will happen later this year." In Hungary, spending on a total of 333 productions last year amounted to 110 billion forints (385 million), with 84 percent of the investment coming from international productions including Hollywood blockbusters "Terminator: Dark Fate" and "Gemini Man." This was up from 108 billion in 2017, when "Red Sparrow" and "Colette" were made in Hungary but Havas at Hungary`s Film Fund expects the new EU rules to accelerate the streaming-fuelled production boom. The rise of streaming services has also shifted the types of productions in the region. Hungary attracts more blockbuster films these days while episodic series tend to gravitate towards the Czech Republic, said Tomas Krejci, founder of Milk and Honey Pictures and Prague Studios. This helped Prague Studio`s turnover jump more than 50 percent in 2018 - and Krejci predicts demand will remain strong as top notch crews shooting historical shows are more than a third cheaper than in rival countries such as Spain. "The demand for historical shows is getting stronger," Krejci said whose company has produced "Haunted" for Netflix and Amazon`s "Patriot" and the second season of "Lore." "Here it`s not just the phenomenal historic architecture but also the vast amount of props, costumes and local talent that make it cheaper and easier to make these kinds of shows."

The 'Game of Thrones' effect: Central European film industry on a roll

Perhaps one of the most pertinent question that's running on everyone's mind these days is that who will finally grace the iron throne in the finale of 'Game Of Thrones'. And while it is a closely guarded sequel, listening to a Spotify playlist might just give fans some generous hints.&nbsp; 
 
The series creators David Benioff and DB Weiss created the playlist called `Game of Thrones: The End is Coming` and told For the Record, Spotify`s new site, that the playlist will answer all the questions related to the show`s ending.&nbsp; 
 
"The answer to the ending is one hundred percent hidden in the playlist choices. No one will believe us, but it`s true," they said."We were looking for songs that made us feel the way the show made us feel. There`s variety in there -- Rage is not Johnny Cash. But they both have a deep inherent power," the creators added. 
 
The titles of the songs feature a whole bunch of references to wolves, lions, winter, fire, and war, which makes a lot of sense. There are at least five songs about wolves alone, which comes as a hope that the Starks will prevail in some way. There are also a couple of references to mother, which could refer to Dany as the mother of dragons, or as the mother of Jon Snow`s baby, as many theorise will happen or it could refer to Cersei, who`s allegedly pregnant with Jaime`s baby?&nbsp; 
 
`Crown on the Ground` also sticks out, probably giving a hint that no one will end up on the throne at all. We`re also wondering if `Here`s Your Future` means we might see a few glimpses into the future of the character. 
 
`Her Black Wings` sounds like a dragon reference by title, but the track is more about death or a demon coming and seducing someone.&nbsp;Now that you know which playlist to listen to, dive into it and maybe by the references you know the ending of the series!`Game of Thrones` is set to return with its final season on 14th April on HBO.&nbsp;

Perhaps one of the most pertinent question that's running on everyone's mind these days is that who will finally grace the iron throne in the finale of 'Game Of Thrones'.

Perhaps one of the most pertinent question that's running on everyone's mind these days is that who will finally grace the iron throne in the finale of 'Game Of Thrones'. And while it is a closely guarded sequel, listening to a Spotify playlist might just give fans some generous hints. The series creators David Benioff and DB Weiss created the playlist called `Game of Thrones: The End is Coming` and told For the Record, Spotify`s new site, that the playlist will answer all the questions related to the show`s ending. "The answer to the ending is one hundred percent hidden in the playlist choices. No one will believe us, but it`s true," they said."We were looking for songs that made us feel the way the show made us feel. There`s variety in there -- Rage is not Johnny Cash. But they both have a deep inherent power," the creators added. The titles of the songs feature a whole bunch of references to wolves, lions, winter, fire, and war, which makes a lot of sense. There are at least five songs about wolves alone, which comes as a hope that the Starks will prevail in some way. There are also a couple of references to mother, which could refer to Dany as the mother of dragons, or as the mother of Jon Snow`s baby, as many theorise will happen or it could refer to Cersei, who`s allegedly pregnant with Jaime`s baby? `Crown on the Ground` also sticks out, probably giving a hint that no one will end up on the throne at all. We`re also wondering if `Here`s Your Future` means we might see a few glimpses into the future of the character. `Her Black Wings` sounds like a dragon reference by title, but the track is more about death or a demon coming and seducing someone. Now that you know which playlist to listen to, dive into it and maybe by the references you know the ending of the series!`Game of Thrones` is set to return with its final season on 14th April on HBO.

'Game of Thrones' Season 8: Want to know who gets the Iron throne? Listen to the Spotify playlist!

As the popular U.S. television series 'Game of Thrones' comes to an end, the creator of the show's unique languages - Dothraki and High Valyrian - is helping fans learn key phrases.

For the ultimate 'Game of Thrones' fan, how to speak Valyrian

The creators of global smash television series 'Game of Thrones' say they knew how they would end the show five years ago, and are anxious that fans will like it. 
 
"We want people to love it. It matters a lot to us," said DB Weiss, who along with David Benioff created the series that is based on the novels of George RR Martin. 
 
"We also know that no matter what we do, even if it`s the optimal version, that a certain number of people will hate the best of all possible versions," Weiss told Entertainment Weekly in an interview that was published on Tuesday. 
 
The final six episodes of HBO`s award-winning medieval fantasy series set among warring families in the fictional kingdom of Westeros launches on Sunday and concludes on 19th May.&nbsp; 
 
Weiss said he and Benioff had "known the major beats for at least five years" of how the show would end. 
 
Season 7, which was broadcast in 2017, saw the characters head toward a great battle over the Iron Throne while a zombie army of White Walkers, led by the undead Night King, march south to destroy humanity. 
 
The two executive producers said it has grown harder and harder to keep details of the plots secret. Although based on Martin`s series of novels 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' the show has long gone beyond Martin`s books. 
 
"We won’t be relieved until the final episode airs without a leak. We’re certainly happy we got through production without a leak. But there have been issues that have happened in post-production, or a week before an episode airs. So we’re entering the most dangerous time," Benioff told Entertainment Weekly.&nbsp;Weiss and Benioff said they plan to go offline when the finale is aired in May. 
 
"We`ll be in an undisclosed location, turning off our phones and opening various bottles," said Weiss. 
 
"I plan to be very drunk and very far from the internet," added Benioff.&nbsp;'Game of Thrones' has won multiple Emmy awards and is HBO`s biggest hit ever with some 30 million viewers in the United States and an army of devoted fans worldwide.

The creators of global smash television series 'Game of Thrones' say they knew how they would end the show five years ago, and are anxious that fans will like it.

The creators of global smash television series 'Game of Thrones' say they knew how they would end the show five years ago, and are anxious that fans will like it. "We want people to love it. It matters a lot to us," said DB Weiss, who along with David Benioff created the series that is based on the novels of George RR Martin. "We also know that no matter what we do, even if it`s the optimal version, that a certain number of people will hate the best of all possible versions," Weiss told Entertainment Weekly in an interview that was published on Tuesday. The final six episodes of HBO`s award-winning medieval fantasy series set among warring families in the fictional kingdom of Westeros launches on Sunday and concludes on 19th May. Weiss said he and Benioff had "known the major beats for at least five years" of how the show would end. Season 7, which was broadcast in 2017, saw the characters head toward a great battle over the Iron Throne while a zombie army of White Walkers, led by the undead Night King, march south to destroy humanity. The two executive producers said it has grown harder and harder to keep details of the plots secret. Although based on Martin`s series of novels 'A Song of Ice and Fire,' the show has long gone beyond Martin`s books. "We won’t be relieved until the final episode airs without a leak. We’re certainly happy we got through production without a leak. But there have been issues that have happened in post-production, or a week before an episode airs. So we’re entering the most dangerous time," Benioff told Entertainment Weekly. Weiss and Benioff said they plan to go offline when the finale is aired in May. "We`ll be in an undisclosed location, turning off our phones and opening various bottles," said Weiss. "I plan to be very drunk and very far from the internet," added Benioff. 'Game of Thrones' has won multiple Emmy awards and is HBO`s biggest hit ever with some 30 million viewers in the United States and an army of devoted fans worldwide.

'Game of Thrones' creators on finale: We want people to love it

Former 'GOT' cast reflect on their time on the series and its popularity

It is a question that has been on everyone's mind for the last two years. Who will finally get the iron throne at the end of 'Game Of Thrones'. As fans across the world gear up for the premiere of 'Game Of Thrones' Season 8 on 14th April, multiple theories are making rounds of the internet on who would finally get the throne.&nbsp;

To answer a few fan questions, actor Kit Harington recently hosted the latest episode of `Saturday Night Live` and, during his monologue, he was joined by his `Game of Thrones` co-stars Emilia Clarke, John Bradley, and wife Rose Leslie.

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𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 <a href="https://t.co/MWp8pxdBw9">pic.twitter.com/MWp8pxdBw9</a>
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/1114735442195357696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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His co-stars also seem too just have one question to ask- "How does `Game of Thrones` end?".&nbsp;

In the very starting of Kit`s monologue, he made it clear that he will not reveal the ending of GOT. However, he was instantly interrupted by Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen in the series."But could you just give us a general sense of how it ends?" Clarke stood up in the audience and asked. When Kit pointed out that she is in the show, the actor said, "Well yeah but I forgot. It`s been so damn long since the last season, plus a lot of my scenes are talking to a dragon, which is just a tennis ball on a green pole. I have no idea what`s actually happening."

Maintaining the big secret, Kit said she will have to wait and see the ending in a couple of weeks then.

Soon after Clarke, Bradley got up and admitted that he was clueless of what goes down with his own character, Samwell Tarly, in the final season and asked if Kit knows what happens because "they only let me see two pages of the script and all my character says is, `Arhhhh`."

"What did it say in the script before that?" Harington asked."Dragon opens mouth," Bradley replied innocently. Kit again mentioned that he will have to wait for the final season to know what happens. Bradley then asked Kit if they would still be friends and hang out, after the show. To which Harington said 'Yes'. However, when Bradley asked if he can come by next Tuesday, Harington said he is busy. To this Bradley said, "Wow. You`ve changed". 
To make thing more interesting, `SNL` cast member Pete Davidson featured in the audience, dressed as the Night King and asked Harington if people hate him "because it really feels like people hate me". "I mean, yeah, you are the night king, everyone you touch turns into an ice zombie," Harington replied. Davidson then asked if they would still be friends after the show. Harington replied by pointing out that they "were never friends".

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Kit is 𝐍𝐎𝐓 revealing how <a href="https://twitter.com/GameOfThrones?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GameofThrones</a> ends. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SNL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SNL</a> <a href="https://t.co/cVyUmFbsGT">pic.twitter.com/cVyUmFbsGT</a>
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/1114743365185286144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The next person to join the question-answer session was his wife Leslie, who said that she is not interested in the show because she is "not a nerd". 
"My question is, what are we going to do for money now?" she inquired."We didn`t save anything, and you kept telling me, `Oh I`m the King of the North, we can order UberEats every night," she added.&nbsp;

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Rose Leslie has some questions for Kit. 👀&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SNL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SNL</a> <a href="https://t.co/KIQ1bdyZI4">pic.twitter.com/KIQ1bdyZI4</a>
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/1114738475729866762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It seemed like Harington had it all figured out as he said, "Don`t worry, we will be okay, I will make my jewelry."

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Thank you Kit Harington, <a href="https://twitter.com/SaraBareilles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaraBareilles</a>, Jason Sudeikis, Emilia Clarke, <a href="https://twitter.com/johnbradleywest?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@johnbradleywest</a>, Rose Leslie, <a href="https://twitter.com/Mariska?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mariska</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/FINALLEVEL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FINALLEVEL</a>! Goodnight! 🌙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SNL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SNL</a> <a href="https://t.co/ahOEBO6Syx">pic.twitter.com/ahOEBO6Syx</a>
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcsnl/status/1114758717172588544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The much anticipated eighth and final season of the show is scheduled to premiere on 14th April.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It is a question that has been on everyone's mind for the last two years. Who will finally get the iron throne at the end of 'Game Of Thrones'. As fans across the world gear up for the premiere of 'Game Of Thrones' Season 8 on 14th April, multiple theories are making rounds of the internet on who would finally get the throne.

It is a question that has been on everyone's mind for the last two years. Who will finally get the iron throne at the end of 'Game Of Thrones'. As fans across the world gear up for the premiere of 'Game Of Thrones' Season 8 on 14th April, multiple theories are making rounds of the internet on who would finally get the throne. To answer a few fan questions, actor Kit Harington recently hosted the latest episode of `Saturday Night Live` and, during his monologue, he was joined by his `Game of Thrones` co-stars Emilia Clarke, John Bradley, and wife Rose Leslie. 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 pic.twitter.com/MWp8pxdBw9 — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) April 7, 2019 × His co-stars also seem too just have one question to ask- "How does `Game of Thrones` end?". In the very starting of Kit`s monologue, he made it clear that he will not reveal the ending of GOT. However, he was instantly interrupted by Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen in the series."But could you just give us a general sense of how it ends?" Clarke stood up in the audience and asked. When Kit pointed out that she is in the show, the actor said, "Well yeah but I forgot. It`s been so damn long since the last season, plus a lot of my scenes are talking to a dragon, which is just a tennis ball on a green pole. I have no idea what`s actually happening." Maintaining the big secret, Kit said she will have to wait and see the ending in a couple of weeks then. Soon after Clarke, Bradley got up and admitted that he was clueless of what goes down with his own character, Samwell Tarly, in the final season and asked if Kit knows what happens because "they only let me see two pages of the script and all my character says is, `Arhhhh`." "What did it say in the script before that?" Harington asked."Dragon opens mouth," Bradley replied innocently. Kit again mentioned that he will have to wait for the final season to know what happens. Bradley then asked Kit if they would still be friends and hang out, after the show. To which Harington said 'Yes'. However, when Bradley asked if he can come by next Tuesday, Harington said he is busy. To this Bradley said, "Wow. You`ve changed". To make thing more interesting, `SNL` cast member Pete Davidson featured in the audience, dressed as the Night King and asked Harington if people hate him "because it really feels like people hate me". "I mean, yeah, you are the night king, everyone you touch turns into an ice zombie," Harington replied. Davidson then asked if they would still be friends after the show. Harington replied by pointing out that they "were never friends". Kit is 𝐍𝐎𝐓 revealing how @GameofThrones ends. #SNL pic.twitter.com/cVyUmFbsGT — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) April 7, 2019 × The next person to join the question-answer session was his wife Leslie, who said that she is not interested in the show because she is "not a nerd". "My question is, what are we going to do for money now?" she inquired."We didn`t save anything, and you kept telling me, `Oh I`m the King of the North, we can order UberEats every night," she added. Rose Leslie has some questions for Kit. 👀 #SNL pic.twitter.com/KIQ1bdyZI4 — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) April 7, 2019 × It seemed like Harington had it all figured out as he said, "Don`t worry, we will be okay, I will make my jewelry." Thank you Kit Harington, @SaraBareilles, Jason Sudeikis, Emilia Clarke, @johnbradleywest, Rose Leslie, @Mariska, and @FINALLEVEL! Goodnight! 🌙 #SNL pic.twitter.com/ahOEBO6Syx — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) April 7, 2019 × The much anticipated eighth and final season of the show is scheduled to premiere on 14th April.

'GoT' star Kit Harington gets grilled by Emilia Clarke, John Bradley and wife Rose Leslie on 'Saturday Night Live'

Exciting news for all the `Game of Thrones` fans! Just like all of us, even HBO can`t get enough of the show.&nbsp;In a treat to the show`s loyal fans, following the final season, HBO is releasing `Game of Thrones: The Last Watch`, a two-hour feature documentary that chronicles the making of the final season, reported E! News. 
 
After the series finale of the show on May 19, you can still get a peek into the making of the season in the documentary, which will be aired on May 26.&nbsp; 
The post-finale documentary will be helmed by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay, drawing on Finlay`s experiences while embedded on the set for a year.Finlay captured "the creation of the show`s most ambitious and complicated season," HBO said in a press release as cited by E! News. 
 
'Game of Thrones: The Last Watch' delves deep into the mud and blood to reveal the tears and triumphs involved in the challenge of bringing the fantasy world of Westeros to life in the very real studios, fields and car-parks of Northern Ireland," the press release read. 
 
The film will tell its viewers the story of the cast and crew as they battled extreme weather, tough deadlines, greatest mysteries and a fandom ravenous for inside information and spoilers.Described as "much more than a `making of` documentary, this is a funny, heartbreaking story, told with wit and intimacy, about the bittersweet pleasures of what it means to create a world--and then have to say goodbye to it," HBO said. 
 
Finlay`s other credits include `Seahorse`, `The Great Hip Hop Hoax` and `Goth Cruise`.&nbsp;

Exciting news for all the `Game of Thrones` fans! Just like all of us, even HBO can`t get enough of the show. In a treat to the show`s loyal fans, following the final season, HBO is releasing `Game of Thrones: The Last Watch`, a two-hour feature documentary that chronicles the making of the final season, reported E!

Exciting news for all the `Game of Thrones` fans! Just like all of us, even HBO can`t get enough of the show. In a treat to the show`s loyal fans, following the final season, HBO is releasing `Game of Thrones: The Last Watch`, a two-hour feature documentary that chronicles the making of the final season, reported E! News. After the series finale of the show on May 19, you can still get a peek into the making of the season in the documentary, which will be aired on May 26. The post-finale documentary will be helmed by filmmaker Jeanie Finlay, drawing on Finlay`s experiences while embedded on the set for a year.Finlay captured "the creation of the show`s most ambitious and complicated season," HBO said in a press release as cited by E! News. 'Game of Thrones: The Last Watch' delves deep into the mud and blood to reveal the tears and triumphs involved in the challenge of bringing the fantasy world of Westeros to life in the very real studios, fields and car-parks of Northern Ireland," the press release read. The film will tell its viewers the story of the cast and crew as they battled extreme weather, tough deadlines, greatest mysteries and a fandom ravenous for inside information and spoilers.Described as "much more than a `making of` documentary, this is a funny, heartbreaking story, told with wit and intimacy, about the bittersweet pleasures of what it means to create a world--and then have to say goodbye to it," HBO said. Finlay`s other credits include `Seahorse`, `The Great Hip Hop Hoax` and `Goth Cruise`.

'Game of Thrones' documentary to air soon after series finale

House of Khan: Pakistani waiter a Lannister doppelganger

It is finally out! After teasing fans with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-season-8-new-posters-reveal-that-everybody-including-the-night-king-will-sit-on-the-iron-throne-200389"> glimpses</a>, teasers of the final season of 'Game Of Thrones', HBO dropped the trailer of the show on Tuesday late night and it is just how one has anticipated it to be fantastic.

Preparing the viewers of the ultimate doom, the trailer opens with an injured Arya Stark running through dark alleys of winter fell as she can be heard saying, "I know death, it’s got many faces. I look forward to seeing this one."

Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen and her army of Unsullied are shown arriving at Winterfell. While Sansa is stunned to see the Daenerys' dragons, Arya seems fascinated by the giant creatures. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/its-game-over-for-daenerys-targaryen-jon-snow-tyrion-lannister-from-game-of-thrones-in-final-season-201344">Also see:&nbsp;&nbsp;It's 'game over' for Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow&nbsp; and Tyrion Lannister&nbsp;</a>

The trailer gives a glimpse of all the key characters of the series and all preparing for the final battle for the iron throne. One of the most important characters of the final season, the Night King makes an appearance towards the end of the trailer.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rlR4PJn8b8I" width="560"></iframe>

The eight and the final season of 'Game Of Thrones' is all set to air from 14th April onwards. Based on George RR Martin's books, the show is one of the most popular fantasy fictions of our times and has made its actors overnight stars.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-season-8-new-pictures-have-jon-snow-daenarys-cersei-sansa-others-195782">See the first stills of the season.&nbsp;</a>

The last season will reportedly be the shortest in terms of the number of episodes in the season but will have an hour-long run time. &nbsp;

It is finally out! After teasing fans with glimpses, teasers of the final season of 'Game Of Thrones', HBO dropped the trailer of the show on Tuesday late night and it is just how one has anticipated it to be fantastic.

It is finally out! After teasing fans with glimpses, teasers of the final season of 'Game Of Thrones', HBO dropped the trailer of the show on Tuesday late night and it is just how one has anticipated it to be fantastic. Preparing the viewers of the ultimate doom, the trailer opens with an injured Arya Stark running through dark alleys of winter fell as she can be heard saying, "I know death, it’s got many faces. I look forward to seeing this one." Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen and her army of Unsullied are shown arriving at Winterfell. While Sansa is stunned to see the Daenerys' dragons, Arya seems fascinated by the giant creatures. Also see: It's 'game over' for Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister The trailer gives a glimpse of all the key characters of the series and all preparing for the final battle for the iron throne. One of the most important characters of the final season, the Night King makes an appearance towards the end of the trailer. The eight and the final season of 'Game Of Thrones' is all set to air from 14th April onwards. Based on George RR Martin's books, the show is one of the most popular fantasy fictions of our times and has made its actors overnight stars. See the first stills of the season. The last season will reportedly be the shortest in terms of the number of episodes in the season but will have an hour-long run time.

'Game Of Thrones' season 8 trailer is finally out and it prepares us for the final battle

As the world was pretty busy with the first Hollywood awards of the year, Golden Globes 2019; there’s something that HBO pulled up in the meanwhile. The show makers revealed what can be called the first footage of season 8 of their hit show ‘Game of Thrones’.&nbsp;

Barely a few months left for the final season to roll out (it’s happening in April this year), makers revealed footage featuring three important characters -- Sansa Stark, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. The self-proclaimed queen of the seven seas, the ‘Mother of Dragons’ is shown being greeted by Sansa as they set foot in the northernmost kingdom, Winterfell.&nbsp;

Sansa is seen greeting her and says: “Winterfell is yours, your grace”, but not too convincingly. It looks like she disapproves of the thought but does it as Jon was earlier declared to be King of the North. While Daenerys gives her an approving look, Jon doesn’t look too sure about what will follow.

Then shown are characters Brienne of Tarth and Ser Jorah Mormont.

Another bit from the trailer also shows the Night King riding zombie dragon, Viserion. Check out the clips here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y7vrjkheBt8" width="825"></iframe>

It took the makers two tears to make the final season. The final season will feature six episodes of almost 1.5 hours run time.&nbsp;

As the world was pretty busy with the first Hollywood awards of the year, Golden Globes 2019; there’s something that HBO pulled up in the meanwhile. The show makers revealed what can be called the first footage of season 8 of their hit show ‘Game of Thrones’.

As the world was pretty busy with the first Hollywood awards of the year, Golden Globes 2019; there’s something that HBO pulled up in the meanwhile. The show makers revealed what can be called the first footage of season 8 of their hit show ‘Game of Thrones’. Barely a few months left for the final season to roll out (it’s happening in April this year), makers revealed footage featuring three important characters -- Sansa Stark, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. The self-proclaimed queen of the seven seas, the ‘Mother of Dragons’ is shown being greeted by Sansa as they set foot in the northernmost kingdom, Winterfell. Sansa is seen greeting her and says: “Winterfell is yours, your grace”, but not too convincingly. It looks like she disapproves of the thought but does it as Jon was earlier declared to be King of the North. While Daenerys gives her an approving look, Jon doesn’t look too sure about what will follow. Then shown are characters Brienne of Tarth and Ser Jorah Mormont. Another bit from the trailer also shows the Night King riding zombie dragon, Viserion. Check out the clips here: It took the makers two tears to make the final season. The final season will feature six episodes of almost 1.5 hours run time.

Game of Thrones: Sansa Stark gives Winterfell to Daenerys Targaryen in season 8 first footage

The news that we all have been waiting for. It is official. The much anticipated final season of 'Game Of Thrones' will be premiering on April 2019. On Tuesday, HBO dropped a new video that gave a hint to what fans on what to expect from season 8 by taking them back in time.&nbsp;

A montage of all the important events that have taken place so far, the video attempts to highlight how all of it culminates into the ultimate battle for the throne.&nbsp;

The network did not reveal a specific date for the final season`s premiere, which will run for six episodes. The final season may have the least number of episodes but each episode will run for nearly 80 minutes, several media publications have reported.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0MGnIUn30FU" width="560"></iframe>

'Game of Thrones,' which has won multiple Emmy awards, is HBO`s biggest hit ever with some 30 million viewers in the United States and an army of devoted fans worldwide.

The series is based on novels by George R.R. Martin in a series called 'A Song of Ice and Fire.'&nbsp;

The news that we all have been waiting for. It is official. The much anticipated final season of 'Game Of Thrones' will be premiering on April 2019. On Tuesday, HBO dropped a new video that gave a hint to what fans on what to expect from season 8 by taking them back in time.

The news that we all have been waiting for. It is official. The much anticipated final season of 'Game Of Thrones' will be premiering on April 2019. On Tuesday, HBO dropped a new video that gave a hint to what fans on what to expect from season 8 by taking them back in time. A montage of all the important events that have taken place so far, the video attempts to highlight how all of it culminates into the ultimate battle for the throne. The network did not reveal a specific date for the final season`s premiere, which will run for six episodes. The final season may have the least number of episodes but each episode will run for nearly 80 minutes, several media publications have reported. 'Game of Thrones,' which has won multiple Emmy awards, is HBO`s biggest hit ever with some 30 million viewers in the United States and an army of devoted fans worldwide. The series is based on novels by George R.R. Martin in a series called 'A Song of Ice and Fire.'

'Game Of Thrones' season 8 to premiere in April 2019, new video takes you back in time

It's confirmed! HBO has ordered its first ''Game of Thrones'' prequel.

The network has ordered a prequel drama of its most-watched original from writer Jane Goldman (`Kingsman: The Secret Service`, `X-Men: First Class`, `Kick-Ass`) and author George R.R. Martin.

The pilot will take place "thousands of years before the events of ''Game of Thrones''," the network said in a statement, as reported.

"The series chronicles the world`s descent from the Golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour," HBO added."And only one thing is for sure: From the horrifying secrets of Westeros&nbsp;history to the true origin of the White Walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend. it`s not the story we think we know."

Meanwhile, the eighth and final season of "Game of Thrones"&nbsp;is expected to launch in 2019.&nbsp;

The network has ordered a prequel drama of its most-watched original from writer Jane Goldman

It's confirmed! HBO has ordered its first ''Game of Thrones'' prequel. The network has ordered a prequel drama of its most-watched original from writer Jane Goldman (`Kingsman: The Secret Service`, `X-Men: First Class`, `Kick-Ass`) and author George R.R. Martin. The pilot will take place "thousands of years before the events of ''Game of Thrones''," the network said in a statement, as reported. "The series chronicles the world`s descent from the Golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour," HBO added."And only one thing is for sure: From the horrifying secrets of Westeros history to the true origin of the White Walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend. it`s not the story we think we know." Meanwhile, the eighth and final season of "Game of Thrones" is expected to launch in 2019.

'Game of Thrones' prequel series is officially happening

Winter has arrived at the King's Landing. Or so the leaked pictures from sets of Game Of Thrones Season 8 seem to suggest.&nbsp; 
 
Shared by GoT fan accounts on Twitter, the pictures show under-construction sets in Belfast. One only gets a bird's eye view of the set but it clearly shows a thick sheet of white that appears to have been sprayed outside the walls of King's Landing.&nbsp;

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So, this came in today from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfThrones?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOfThrones</a> set in Belfast. 
Snow in King’s Landing! 
 
ctto <a href="https://t.co/F3ThN3GBxt">pic.twitter.com/F3ThN3GBxt</a>
— Yan® (@Ako_Si_Yan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ako_Si_Yan/status/987548828050997248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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From Belfast Live: <a href="https://t.co/4QaphnC8o1">https://t.co/4QaphnC8o1</a> <a href="https://t.co/38FqjuoFza">pic.twitter.com/38FqjuoFza</a>
— Crown_For_A_King (@Crown_ForAKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Crown_ForAKing/status/987580101318541312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The photos have gotten the fans very curious with most suggesting that the evil White Walkers have made their way to Cersei Lannister’s kingdom. This was teased at the end of the Season 7 in fact, when the Night King and his army of undead soldiers broke into The Wall.

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From Belfast Live: <a href="https://t.co/4QaphnC8o1">https://t.co/4QaphnC8o1</a> <a href="https://t.co/nonIEVfYfB">pic.twitter.com/nonIEVfYfB</a>
— Crown_For_A_King (@Crown_ForAKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Crown_ForAKing/status/987580173972328448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Confirmation Army Of The Dead makes it to Kings Landing <a href="https://twitter.com/WiCnet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WiCnet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WatchersOTWall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WatchersOTWall</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/a_red_priestess?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@a_red_priestess</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DavynightorrOrr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavynightorrOrr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfThrones?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameOfThrones</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BattleOfKingsLanding?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BattleOfKingsLanding</a> <a href="https://t.co/QTLlYvnU8X">pic.twitter.com/QTLlYvnU8X</a>
— Joe Weaver (@jorywea) <a href="https://twitter.com/jorywea/status/987477982263595008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The highly popular show will return for its eighth and final season in 2019. &nbsp;The cast and crew have been tight-lipped about the plot but it is being predicted that there will a massive war to end all wars as every kingdom in Westeros fights to win the throne.

The army of the dead has marched to Cersei Lannister's kingdom.

Winter has arrived at the King's Landing. Or so the leaked pictures from sets of Game Of Thrones Season 8 seem to suggest. Shared by GoT fan accounts on Twitter, the pictures show under-construction sets in Belfast. One only gets a bird's eye view of the set but it clearly shows a thick sheet of white that appears to have been sprayed outside the walls of King's Landing. So, this came in today from the #GameOfThrones set in Belfast. Snow in King’s Landing! ctto pic.twitter.com/F3ThN3GBxt — Yan® (@Ako_Si_Yan) April 21, 2018 × From Belfast Live: https://t.co/4QaphnC8o1 pic.twitter.com/38FqjuoFza — Crown_For_A_King (@Crown_ForAKing) April 21, 2018 × The photos have gotten the fans very curious with most suggesting that the evil White Walkers have made their way to Cersei Lannister’s kingdom. This was teased at the end of the Season 7 in fact, when the Night King and his army of undead soldiers broke into The Wall. From Belfast Live: https://t.co/4QaphnC8o1 pic.twitter.com/nonIEVfYfB — Crown_For_A_King (@Crown_ForAKing) April 21, 2018 × Confirmation Army Of The Dead makes it to Kings Landing @WiCnet @WatchersOTWall @a_red_priestess @DavynightorrOrr #GameOfThrones #BattleOfKingsLanding pic.twitter.com/QTLlYvnU8X — Joe Weaver (@jorywea) April 20, 2018 × The highly popular show will return for its eighth and final season in 2019. The cast and crew have been tight-lipped about the plot but it is being predicted that there will a massive war to end all wars as every kingdom in Westeros fights to win the throne.

GoT Season 8: Leaked images from the set show winter has arrived at King's Landing

HBO’s “Game of Thrones”’ production team will now be given the BAFTA Special Award at this year’s British Academy Television Craft Awards.

BAFTA said that the award is to recognise the efforts of the production team of the hit series that has pushed boundaries while making the fantasy epic drama.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/game-of-thrones-and-its-british-connection-7699">Also Watch:&nbsp;Game of Thrones and its British connection</a>

The award also recognises the support that “Game of Thrones” has provided for high-end TV production in the UK, BAFTA said. The show has been filmed across various locations in Northern Ireland and set up a production headquarters at Titanic Studios in Belfast, the Northern Irish capital, which has been a base for the series since the pilot.

Hannah Murray and John Bradley from the hit series are said to attend the ceremony to collect the award on behalf of the team.&nbsp;

Currently, the team is busy filming the eighth and final six-episode season of “Game of Thrones,” which will<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-hbo-confirms-for-first-time-game-of-thrones-to-return-in-2019-28632"> air in 2019</a>. HBO is working on several potential spinoffs of the series so as to avoid any leaks like that of its previous season.&nbsp;

Speaking on behalf of the production team, executive producers D.B. Weiss and David Benioff said in a statement: “Many, many people work insanely hard to create any film or television show. They are creators every bit as much as actors, writers, producers or directors, and deserve to be recognized as such.”

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-there-is-a-ban-on-social-media-on-sets-of-game-of-thrones-reveals-emilia-clarke-27061">Also Read:&nbsp;There is a ban on social media on sets of 'Game of Thrones', reveals Emilia Clarke</a>

“The craft behind what is one of the most popular dramas of our time is nothing short of incredible, from the breath-taking location shots to the intricately designed costumes and set pieces, and not forgetting the level of detail from the makeup and prosthetics team, to name a few,” added Krishnendu Majumdar, chair of BAFTA television committee. “Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

The BAFTA Craft Awards will take place on April 22 in London. The ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube and Twitter.

It is in recognition of the 'GoT' production team's efforts in making the fantasy epic. Currently, the team is filming the eighth and final six-episode season of the hit TV series which will air in 2019.

HBO’s “Game of Thrones”’ production team will now be given the BAFTA Special Award at this year’s British Academy Television Craft Awards. BAFTA said that the award is to recognise the efforts of the production team of the hit series that has pushed boundaries while making the fantasy epic drama. Also Watch: Game of Thrones and its British connection The award also recognises the support that “Game of Thrones” has provided for high-end TV production in the UK, BAFTA said. The show has been filmed across various locations in Northern Ireland and set up a production headquarters at Titanic Studios in Belfast, the Northern Irish capital, which has been a base for the series since the pilot. Hannah Murray and John Bradley from the hit series are said to attend the ceremony to collect the award on behalf of the team. Currently, the team is busy filming the eighth and final six-episode season of “Game of Thrones,” which will air in 2019. HBO is working on several potential spinoffs of the series so as to avoid any leaks like that of its previous season. Speaking on behalf of the production team, executive producers D.B. Weiss and David Benioff said in a statement: “Many, many people work insanely hard to create any film or television show. They are creators every bit as much as actors, writers, producers or directors, and deserve to be recognized as such.” Also Read: There is a ban on social media on sets of 'Game of Thrones', reveals Emilia Clarke “The craft behind what is one of the most popular dramas of our time is nothing short of incredible, from the breath-taking location shots to the intricately designed costumes and set pieces, and not forgetting the level of detail from the makeup and prosthetics team, to name a few,” added Krishnendu Majumdar, chair of BAFTA television committee. “Huge congratulations to everyone involved.” The BAFTA Craft Awards will take place on April 22 in London. The ceremony will be live streamed on YouTube and Twitter.

‘Game of Thrones’ to receive BAFTA Special Award

Ever since news came out that HBO&#39;s hit TV series Game of Thrones will <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-hbo-confirms-for-first-time-game-of-thrones-to-return-in-2019-28632" target="_blank">not come out as scheduled in 2018 </a>but will take longer, fans of GoT have been waiting for some news to speculate on till then -- and here it is.&nbsp;

Remember the map room on which Cersei Lannister, the commanding Queen of Westeros likes to plot and plan her conquest? It looks like the room serves more than one purpose.&nbsp;

Map of the seven kingdoms of Westeros was painted on the Red Keep&#39;s courtyard on the order of Cersei and now that is where she will&nbsp;for the first time&nbsp;see the doom of her kingdom.&nbsp;

In a new DVD commentary from Season 7 (spotted by Winter is Coming) focuses in on a discussion between&nbsp;the producers about the very specific design requirements for the map room given by showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss. It was pre-decided that the map room had to be roofless and visible to the sky -- setting up a plot point for the upcoming final season.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/game-of-thrones-and-its-british-connection-7699" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;Game of Thrones and its British connection</a>

VFX producer Steve Kullback said that the creators, &quot;Asked us to make [the map room] an exterior location in an upcoming episode, but I can&rsquo;t tell you why... But that&rsquo;ll pay off.&quot;

Further, there was an exchange between features producer&nbsp;Chris Newman, VFX supervisor Joe Bauer, and Kullback:

&ldquo;The courtyard always was thought of as being an exterior courtyard, even before she had the map painted, hence the sunlight,&quot; said Newman to which&nbsp;Bauer replied: &ldquo;It used to be at least a story taller, but there was a need to see the sky in this coverage.&rdquo;Kullback added: &ldquo;Forthcoming coverage.&rdquo;

Does it hint at the prophecy coming true -- where&nbsp;massive dragon wings cast&nbsp;a dark shadow over King&#39;s Landing. But the question is which dragon is this? Is it Dany&#39;s or Night King&#39;s?&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-game-of-thrones-finale-is-unbelievable-reveals-former-cast-member-jason-momoa-25567" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;Game of Thrones&#39; finale is unbelievable, reveals former cast member Jason Momoa</a>

It could also mean that another vision coming true -- Dany saw in Season 2 while visiting the&nbsp;House of the Undying that as she reached the throne room, it is in ruins, burned to a crisp and covered in snow. Dany reaches out and almost touch the Iron Throne &mdash; before being pulled away by the cries of her dragon babies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-game-of-thrones-dragon-got-its-voice-from-mating-tortoises-reveals-sound-designer-28484" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;Game of Thrones&#39; dragon got its voice from mating tortoises, sound designer reveals</a>

This could mean that it&#39;s the Night King who rides to King&#39;s Landing and ruins it and makes Cersei his Night Queen.&nbsp;

Last we saw Cersei in Season 7, her army was fragmented while her brother cum lover Jamie was riding with Jon Snow and party to the North to fight white walkers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Looks like the Season Finale will bring with it a lot of bad news for loved characters of GoT

Ever since news came out that HBO's hit TV series Game of Thrones will not come out as scheduled in 2018 but will take longer, fans of GoT have been waiting for some news to speculate on till then -- and here it is. Remember the map room on which Cersei Lannister, the commanding Queen of Westeros likes to plot and plan her conquest? It looks like the room serves more than one purpose. Map of the seven kingdoms of Westeros was painted on the Red Keep's courtyard on the order of Cersei and now that is where she will for the first time see the doom of her kingdom. In a new DVD commentary from Season 7 (spotted by Winter is Coming) focuses in on a discussion between the producers about the very specific design requirements for the map room given by showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss. It was pre-decided that the map room had to be roofless and visible to the sky -- setting up a plot point for the upcoming final season. Also Watch: Game of Thrones and its British connection VFX producer Steve Kullback said that the creators, "Asked us to make [the map room] an exterior location in an upcoming episode, but I can’t tell you why... But that’ll pay off." Further, there was an exchange between features producer Chris Newman, VFX supervisor Joe Bauer, and Kullback: “The courtyard always was thought of as being an exterior courtyard, even before she had the map painted, hence the sunlight," said Newman to which Bauer replied: “It used to be at least a story taller, but there was a need to see the sky in this coverage.”Kullback added: “Forthcoming coverage.” Does it hint at the prophecy coming true -- where massive dragon wings cast a dark shadow over King's Landing. But the question is which dragon is this? Is it Dany's or Night King's? Also Read: 'Game of Thrones' finale is unbelievable, reveals former cast member Jason Momoa It could also mean that another vision coming true -- Dany saw in Season 2 while visiting the House of the Undying that as she reached the throne room, it is in ruins, burned to a crisp and covered in snow. Dany reaches out and almost touch the Iron Throne — before being pulled away by the cries of her dragon babies. Also Read: 'Game of Thrones' dragon got its voice from mating tortoises, sound designer reveals This could mean that it's the Night King who rides to King's Landing and ruins it and makes Cersei his Night Queen. Last we saw Cersei in Season 7, her army was fragmented while her brother cum lover Jamie was riding with Jon Snow and party to the North to fight white walkers.

'Game of Thrones' finale update: Producers hint at King's Landing ruin, Cersei as Night Queen?

Disney on Tuesday announced it was expanding its &ldquo;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/star-wars-the-last-jedi-tops-1-billion-worldwide-28220" target="_blank">Star Wars</a>&rdquo; universe, hiring the creators behind HBO&rsquo;s massive TV hit &ldquo;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-game-of-thrones-finale-is-unbelievable-reveals-former-cast-member-jason-momoa-25567" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a>&rdquo; to write a new series of films set in the galaxy far, far away.

The Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) said in a statement that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss would write and produce the new series, which will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently announced trilogy being developed by director Rian Johnson.

No release dates or plot details were given.

Shares in Disney, which also reported a quarterly profit that topped forecasts on Tuesday, rose nearly 3 percent in after-hours trading.

Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said in a statement that Benioff and Weiss&rsquo;s &ldquo;command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push &lsquo;Star Wars&rsquo; in ways I find incredibly exciting.&rdquo;

Disney is also developing &ldquo;a few&rdquo; &ldquo;Star Wars&rdquo; television series for an upcoming streaming service from the company, Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a conference call.

In November, Disney had announced that Johnson, director of &ldquo;Star Wars: The Last Jedi,&rdquo; would write and direct the first of a new trilogy of films in the sci-fi franchise that would bring new characters and worlds not yet explored on screen.

&ldquo;The Last Jedi,&rdquo; released in December 2017, has earned more than $1.3 billion at the global box office.

Disney had previously committed to making three standalone &ldquo;Star Wars&rdquo; films outside of the Skywalker saga. They include 2016&rsquo;s &ldquo;Rogue One,&rdquo; and May 2018 release &ldquo;Solo: A Star Wars Story,&rdquo; which follows the origins of the roguish smuggler Han Solo, made famous by Harrison Ford in the original 1977 movie.

Fantasy &ldquo;Game of Thrones&rdquo;, based on novels by author George R.R. Martin, is a huge hit internationally for HBO (TWX.N) and has won multiple awards. The seventh season last year was watched by some 30 million viewers in the United States alone.

The final season is due to be broadcast in 2019, bringing to a close the saga of the warring families in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and their multi-generational struggle for control of the Iron Throne.

Benioff and Weiss said on Tuesday they had long been &ldquo;Star Wars&rdquo; fans.

&ldquo;In the summer of 1977 we travelled to a galaxy far, far away, and we&rsquo;ve been dreaming of it ever since,&rdquo; they said in a statement. &ldquo;We are honoured by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Disney announced that creators behind HBO’s massive hit “Game of Thrones” have been roped to write a new series of films set in the galaxy

Disney on Tuesday announced it was expanding its “Star Wars” universe, hiring the creators behind HBO’s massive TV hit “Game of Thrones” to write a new series of films set in the galaxy far, far away. The Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) said in a statement that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss would write and produce the new series, which will be separate from both the episodic Skywalker saga and the recently announced trilogy being developed by director Rian Johnson. No release dates or plot details were given. Shares in Disney, which also reported a quarterly profit that topped forecasts on Tuesday, rose nearly 3 percent in after-hours trading. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said in a statement that Benioff and Weiss’s “command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push ‘Star Wars’ in ways I find incredibly exciting.” Disney is also developing “a few” “Star Wars” television series for an upcoming streaming service from the company, Chief Executive Bob Iger said on a conference call. In November, Disney had announced that Johnson, director of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” would write and direct the first of a new trilogy of films in the sci-fi franchise that would bring new characters and worlds not yet explored on screen. “The Last Jedi,” released in December 2017, has earned more than $1.3 billion at the global box office. Disney had previously committed to making three standalone “Star Wars” films outside of the Skywalker saga. They include 2016’s “Rogue One,” and May 2018 release “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” which follows the origins of the roguish smuggler Han Solo, made famous by Harrison Ford in the original 1977 movie. Fantasy “Game of Thrones”, based on novels by author George R.R. Martin, is a huge hit internationally for HBO (TWX.N) and has won multiple awards. The seventh season last year was watched by some 30 million viewers in the United States alone. The final season is due to be broadcast in 2019, bringing to a close the saga of the warring families in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and their multi-generational struggle for control of the Iron Throne. Benioff and Weiss said on Tuesday they had long been “Star Wars” fans. “In the summer of 1977 we travelled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since,” they said in a statement. “We are honoured by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.”

New 'Star Wars' films on way from TV's 'Game of Thrones' creators

HBO&#39;s Game of Thrones&#39; actors Kit Harington and Rose Leslie (who died in season 4) had earlier announced their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/a-wedding-is-coming-gots-kit-harington-rose-leslie-engaged-20714" target="_blank">engagement</a> in September 2017.&nbsp;

The two confirmed that they would be tying the knot soon via a formal engagement in London Time&#39;s newspaper. The announcement read: &quot;The engagement is announced between Kit, younger son of David and Deborah Harington of Worcestershire.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/game-of-thrones-and-its-british-connection-7699" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;Game of Thrones and its British connection</a>

But now it seems like we will have to wait for this royal wedding as Rose in an interview recently said that she was trying to &quot;fit in&quot; her wedding with the ongoing hectic schedule of GoT filming. She said, &quot;I haven&rsquo;t tackled it. There&rsquo;s just too much to do.&rdquo;

Earlier, Kit had revealed that he hurried up in his proposal to Rose and messed it up in the process. He was quoted:&nbsp;&quot;I did have some plans to do it; I was going to string up some lights in some trees and do all the romantic stuff, but we were in the country and we were under this beautiful night sky and had a log fire burning and red wine, and...I popped my question a bit early.&quot;

Meanwhile, there is another royal wedding in the pipeline as Prince Harry will get <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-wedding-date-has-been-officially-announced-26857" target="_blank">married</a> to Meghan Markle in May this year.&nbsp;

The two had announced their engagement last year in September

HBO's Game of Thrones' actors Kit Harington and Rose Leslie (who died in season 4) had earlier announced their engagement in September 2017. The two confirmed that they would be tying the knot soon via a formal engagement in London Time's newspaper. The announcement read: "The engagement is announced between Kit, younger son of David and Deborah Harington of Worcestershire." Also Watch: Game of Thrones and its British connection But now it seems like we will have to wait for this royal wedding as Rose in an interview recently said that she was trying to "fit in" her wedding with the ongoing hectic schedule of GoT filming. She said, "I haven’t tackled it. There’s just too much to do.” Earlier, Kit had revealed that he hurried up in his proposal to Rose and messed it up in the process. He was quoted: "I did have some plans to do it; I was going to string up some lights in some trees and do all the romantic stuff, but we were in the country and we were under this beautiful night sky and had a log fire burning and red wine, and...I popped my question a bit early." Meanwhile, there is another royal wedding in the pipeline as Prince Harry will get married to Meghan Markle in May this year.

Former 'GoT' actress Rose Leslie doesn't have time to marry Kit Harington aka Jon Snow

Putting speculations to rest, HBO now confirms that fan rumours were true -- the final season of &quot;Game of Thrones&quot;&nbsp;won&#39;t be back until 2019.&nbsp;

HBO&#39;s flagship hit series &quot;Game of Thrones&quot;&nbsp;is taking longer than the previous seasons to make and will need more than one year to film and release.&nbsp;

The confirmation proves earlier media reports that &quot;GOT&quot;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/red-wedding-winds-of-winter-directors-to-team-up-for-final-got-season-20730" target="_blank">showrunners</a>&nbsp;David Benioff and Dan Weiss plan to spend a year and a half crafting the show&rsquo;s final episodes in an effort to make the final hours as spectacular and satisfying as possible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-game-of-thrones-finale-is-unbelievable-reveals-former-cast-member-jason-momoa-25567" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;&#39;Game of Thrones&#39; finale is unbelievable, reveals former cast member Jason Momoa</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-there-is-a-ban-on-social-media-on-sets-of-game-of-thrones-reveals-emilia-clarke-27061" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;There is a ban on social media on sets of &#39;Game of Thrones&#39;, reveals Emilia Clarke</a>

The filming of the final season is scheduled to start this summer if reports are to be believed.&nbsp;

Also, star Sophie Turner let slip in an interview that she didn&#39;t expect the show to return until next year.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-pictures-the-got-cast-spotted-in-belfast-possibly-for-shotting-season-8-21301" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;In pictures: GoT cast spotted in Belfast, possibly for shooting Season 8</a>

The final season will have six episodes as previously reported -- while some episodes may be longer than usual.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fans have been waiting for the final season of the hit TV series 'Game of Thrones' ever since the last season aired in 2017

Putting speculations to rest, HBO now confirms that fan rumours were true -- the final season of "Game of Thrones" won't be back until 2019. HBO's flagship hit series "Game of Thrones" is taking longer than the previous seasons to make and will need more than one year to film and release. The confirmation proves earlier media reports that "GOT" showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss plan to spend a year and a half crafting the show’s final episodes in an effort to make the final hours as spectacular and satisfying as possible. Also Read: 'Game of Thrones' finale is unbelievable, reveals former cast member Jason Momoa Also Read: There is a ban on social media on sets of 'Game of Thrones', reveals Emilia Clarke The filming of the final season is scheduled to start this summer if reports are to be believed. Also, star Sophie Turner let slip in an interview that she didn't expect the show to return until next year. Also Read: In pictures: GoT cast spotted in Belfast, possibly for shooting Season 8 The final season will have six episodes as previously reported -- while some episodes may be longer than usual.

HBO confirms for first time, 'Game of Thrones' to return in 2019

Most Hollywood celebrities would agree that the film and television industry at present is facing its worst crisis ever with female actors and staff alleging sexual assault against producers, directors and actors.&nbsp;

Most recent would be the ongoing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-london-police-investigating-weinstein-amid-fourth-rape-allegation-22370" target="_blank">rape and sexual harassment case against&nbsp;Harvey Weinstein </a>where now a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/weinsteins-a-predator-not-a-sex-addict-says-actress-emma-thompson-5959" target="_blank"> fourth woman has come forward</a> with her charges. After several actresses came forward to speak against Harvey, another actor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ben-affleck-apologises-for-groping-tv-host-21326" target="_blank">Ben Affleck found himself apologising for groping a TV anchor host</a> and asking her to show her breasts.&nbsp;

Amidst all this, Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa who played the barbarian Khal Drogo posted an Instagram post apologising for making a rape joke in an interview in 2011.&nbsp;

The video, six years old shows actors&nbsp;Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and show-creators DB Weiss and David Benioff during 2011&#39;s San Diego Comic-Con panel.&nbsp;

When someone from the audience asks how he liked working on the hit show<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-pictures-the-got-cast-spotted-in-belfast-possibly-for-shotting-season-8-21301" target="_blank"> &quot;Game of Thrones&quot;</a>, Momoa says he loved it as there are so many things one can&#39;t do in real life like &quot;getting to rape beautiful women.&quot; &nbsp;

Watch the interview:&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FqU2pt1gu5I" width="970"></iframe>

After the video went viral and people criticised Momoa&#39;s distasteful comment, the actor apologised to his fans via an Instagram post:&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BaKqDCfnARp/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I APOLOGISE Aloha j</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on <time datetime="2017-10-12T23:32:19+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 12, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT</time>
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In an Instagram post, Jason said that he was disappointed in himself at the 'insensitivity' of his remarks.

Most Hollywood celebrities would agree that the film and television industry at present is facing its worst crisis ever with female actors and staff alleging sexual assault against producers, directors and actors. Most recent would be the ongoing rape and sexual harassment case against Harvey Weinstein where now a fourth woman has come forward with her charges. After several actresses came forward to speak against Harvey, another actor Ben Affleck found himself apologising for groping a TV anchor host and asking her to show her breasts. Amidst all this, Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa who played the barbarian Khal Drogo posted an Instagram post apologising for making a rape joke in an interview in 2011. The video, six years old shows actors Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and show-creators DB Weiss and David Benioff during 2011's San Diego Comic-Con panel. When someone from the audience asks how he liked working on the hit show "Game of Thrones", Momoa says he loved it as there are so many things one can't do in real life like "getting to rape beautiful women." Watch the interview: After the video went viral and people criticised Momoa's distasteful comment, the actor apologised to his fans via an Instagram post: I APOLOGISE Aloha j A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on Oct 12, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT ×

Jason liked working in GOT as he got to 'rape beautiful women', apologises for comment

Game of Thrones season 7 finale episode premiered on Sunday evening and fans in India will watch the episode today.&nbsp;

Those who have seen the episode will be feeling pretty much like this now:

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How my life will feel like until Game of Thrones comes back. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameOfThronesFinale?src=hash">#GameOfThronesFinale</a> <a href="https://t.co/um74Ai9hmv">pic.twitter.com/um74Ai9hmv</a>
&mdash; Wendy Sunflower (@wendytheflower) <a href="https://twitter.com/wendytheflower/status/902107675659386884">August 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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And those who haven&#39;t, there is still some hope for you but not for long.&nbsp;

Over the seven seasons that have aired on HBO, Game of Thrones has promised to keep its fans on tenterhooks, literally by the edge. Every season we gained some, we lost some. But some characters have continued progressing--their characters have evolved and we picked our favourites. One such character is Jon Snow, who is no more a Snow!

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I have never been this disappointed before. Game of Thrones has delivered in 6 seasons now buy this? This is just poor.
&mdash; Mathias (@MathiasBleng) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathiasBleng/status/902107534944763904">August 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Like all good things that come to an end, he has too. (spoilers)

The erstwhile bastard of the Winterfell, the King of the North can now be called the true heir to the Iron Throne&nbsp;(and we genuinely don&#39;t know how we feel about it). The underdog that we loved is no more an underdog and that somehow takes the charm away from him.

Also, fans feel that his constant failure at keeping up with the challenges, at least on his own is a blot on his character. All episodes until now, he has fought like a hero but has desperately needed a support/ some type of saving--Maester Aemon at Castle Black, Stannis Baratheon, Melissandre, the Lord of Light, Knights of the Vale, Sansa, Daenerys Targaryen, Uncle Ben beyond the Wall.&nbsp;

Some viewers also feel quite passionately about his bending the knee to&nbsp;Daenerys Targaryen, the queen of the dragons as a foul move. She is a queen that most see as an outsider and are troubled by her temper--she burns her detractors.&nbsp;

For the finale, however, fans are happy about the professed romance cum love between the two but it&#39;s not appreciated by all as after all, it is the start of an incestuous relationship.&nbsp;

On the other side, the finale has set the space for the next and final season--The Great Wall being down and white walkers having an ice dragon.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nJoHSMufSKI" width="970"></iframe>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/GameOfThrones">@GameOfThrones</a> I miss you already
&mdash; Taylor Thorne (@TaylorThorne97) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorThorne97/status/902107658563575809">August 28, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Winter is here and how!

(WION)

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The Finale episode aired on Sunday evening

Game of Thrones season 7 finale episode premiered on Sunday evening and fans in India will watch the episode today. Those who have seen the episode will be feeling pretty much like this now: How my life will feel like until Game of Thrones comes back. #GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/um74Ai9hmv — Wendy Sunflower (@wendytheflower) August 28, 2017 × And those who haven't, there is still some hope for you but not for long. Over the seven seasons that have aired on HBO, Game of Thrones has promised to keep its fans on tenterhooks, literally by the edge. Every season we gained some, we lost some. But some characters have continued progressing--their characters have evolved and we picked our favourites. One such character is Jon Snow, who is no more a Snow! I have never been this disappointed before. Game of Thrones has delivered in 6 seasons now buy this? This is just poor. — Mathias (@MathiasBleng) August 28, 2017 × Like all good things that come to an end, he has too. (spoilers) The erstwhile bastard of the Winterfell, the King of the North can now be called the true heir to the Iron Throne (and we genuinely don't know how we feel about it). The underdog that we loved is no more an underdog and that somehow takes the charm away from him. Also, fans feel that his constant failure at keeping up with the challenges, at least on his own is a blot on his character. All episodes until now, he has fought like a hero but has desperately needed a support/ some type of saving--Maester Aemon at Castle Black, Stannis Baratheon, Melissandre, the Lord of Light, Knights of the Vale, Sansa, Daenerys Targaryen, Uncle Ben beyond the Wall. Some viewers also feel quite passionately about his bending the knee to Daenerys Targaryen, the queen of the dragons as a foul move. She is a queen that most see as an outsider and are troubled by her temper--she burns her detractors. For the finale, however, fans are happy about the professed romance cum love between the two but it's not appreciated by all as after all, it is the start of an incestuous relationship. On the other side, the finale has set the space for the next and final season--The Great Wall being down and white walkers having an ice dragon. @GameOfThrones I miss you already — Taylor Thorne (@TaylorThorne97) August 28, 2017 × Winter is here and how! (WION)

Fans review GOT season 7 finale episode: Jon Snow no more the hero we dreamed of!

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