Game of Thrones to run for at least eight seasons, according to HBO showrunners

'The question is: How much beyond seven seasons are we going to do?

Horse play: Unexpected unions are being forged in 'Game of Thrones' (HELEN SLOAN)

Game of Thrones fans have even more reason to rejoice – the drama will extend to eight seasons and possibly beyond if HBO showrunners get their way.

Despite previous comments from producers insisting they only want to make seven seasons of the acclaimed fantasy drama, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo has suggested otherwise, hinting the show could stretch beyond eight series.

“Seven-seasons-and-out has never been the [internal] conversation”, Lombardo said to critics at the Television Critics Association’s press tour, reported by Entertainment Weekly.

“The question is: How much beyond seven are we going to do? Obviously we’re shooting six now, hopefully discussing seven. [Showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss are] feeling like there’s two more years after six.

“I would always love for them to change their minds, but that’s what we’re looking at right now.”

Lombardo said there had been “no discussions at this point” about the possibility of doing a Game of Thrones prequel series, but said he would be open to “anything Dan [Benioff] and Dan [Weiss] wanted to do.”

As for the subject no Game of Thrones fan can stop speculating about – Lombardo put forward his unequivocal take on whether Jon Snow is really dead.

“Dead is dead is dead. He be dead. Um, yes. Everything I’ve seen, heard and read, Jon Snow is indeed dead.”

Read more: Game of Thrones will 'go on ten year's if HBO bosses can convince creators