It is no secret that "Game of Thrones" fans are not happy with the fact that this season only has seven episodes instead of the usual ten. It seems HBO wanted to remedy that fact by making the season premiere the longest since the pilot.
According to the Telegraph, the first episode will premiere on July 16 and will be 59 minutes long. This is just three minutes longer than the 62-minute pilot aired in 2011. Considering that the season six finale was also the longest in the show's history, it does seem appropriate that the season 7 premiere also receives the same treatment.
There are no details regarding the title of the episode as of yet. However, its length has become the subject of speculation on whether this season's episodes will be the longest in the show's history.
The stars of the show also hinted that they worked harder on "Game of Thrones" season 7 than before. Emilia Clarke even mentioned in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that they are filming longer now.
Judging from the trailer, itself boasting a total of 42 scenes, every faction in vying for control of Westeros will get a piece of season 7. However, it appears much of the focus will center on Clarke's character Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister played by Lena Headey.
The North will also get some love given that Littlefinger, the architect of the War of the Five Kings, is currently there weaselling his way to power. More importantly, it will be the site of the climactic battle with the White Walkers.
There are still many who disagree with the decision to end the series, actors included. However, given the fact that the source material has already been exhausted, HBO and the showrunners wisely decided to end it while it is still at the peak of its popularity.
Be sure to catch the "Game of Thrones" season 7 premiere when it airs July 16 on HBO.
