'Game of Thrones' season 7 spoilers, news: Filming picks up in Belfast, Iceland; season 8 begins production in September

(Facebook/GameofThrones)"Game of Thrones" season 7 will premiere in the summer.

It's the new year, which means production for "Game of Thrones" season 7 has picked up again. Emilia Clarke was already sighted in Belfast last week, and it has been revealed that members of the crew are currently in Iceland.

"Game of Thrones" website Watchers on the Wall, which features everything related to the HBO fantasy series, reported last week that Clarke has been seen in a flight to Belfast. It can be recalled that some scenes were filmed in the Northern Ireland location last year, with some characters who have never met seen together in Wolf Hill Quarry. It is unknown where Clarke's exact location of filming is, but it is expected that more news will come soon.

Clarke herself took to her Instagram account to reveal that filming has resumed. The actress was even wearing Daenerys Targaryen's signature silver wig, indicating that she's in character.

Meanwhile, "Game of Thrones" has returned to Iceland for filming. The wintry scenery in Iceland was used previously for locations beyond the wall, and it looks like production is back in town to shoot. It is unknown whether some of the cast will be joining them. However, the crew members that were seen in the area were mostly involved in the costume department, which indicates that actors or extras will be present soon enough.

Filming for season 7 started later than usual this time around since production had to wait for icy weather since winter has finally arrived in Westeros. And a late start-up date means a late wrap-up date. Production is slated to end in February, with post-production taking place after that for a mid-2017 premiere. 

Iain Glen, who plays Sir Jorah Mormont, previously said that more time is also required since everything is bigger this time. And despite season 7 only consisting of seven episodes, it will take the same amount of filming time as previous seasons, which contained 10 episodes each. 

Liam Cunningham, who plays Davos Seaworth, echoed this statement recently. And it looks like 2017 is a big year for the HBO series since September will mark the beginning of production for the season, which will only consist of six episodes.

Truly, the end of "Game of Thrones" is drawing near with each passing day. And while an air date has yet to be announced, season 7 is expected to premiere in summer.

Copyright © 2016 Ecumenical News