Way back in 2012, Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin hinted that he was discussing possibilities for a prequel series, set 100 years before the show, following two characters in Westeros named Dunk and Egg. This potential series would be based on novellas the author has published, but we never heard much further about this show. Last year, these rumors surfaced again, hinting that the network would debut a prequel series after the flagship Game of Thrones series comes to an end. Earlier today, HBO programming president Casey Bloys teased that the network is still in talks to put together a prequel series.

Entertainment Weekly spoke with Casey Bloys today, after the network renewed Westworld, Divorce and Insecure. The programming president revealed that the network is still talking about a prequel series with George R.R. Martin, although nothing is set in stone quite yet. Here's what Casey Bloys had to say about a potential Game of Thrones prequel series.

"I would say it's still kind of preliminary ongoing talks. There are areas we are exploring, but I wouldn't point to any one and say, 'This is what we're going to do.'"

HBO has previously confirmed that Season 8 will in fact be the final season, and that Season 7, which is currently in production, will be shorter than seasons past. The network has stated that Season 7 will span seven episodes, down from the 10-episode seasons of the first six seasons, airing in the summer of 2017. The eighth and final season will follow in 2018, but the episode count hasn't been confirmed for the final season.

There have been reports that the final season will span six episodes, which hasn't been confirmed, at this time. Rumors have also surfaced about the final episodes being released in theaters as a movie, which George R.R. Martin has been lobbying for. However, insiders suggest that HBO is opposed to the idea, since they prefer to cater to their subscribers first. Here's what Casey Bloys had to say about Game of Thrones Season 8 and the theatrical release rumors below.

"I'll take as much as we can get. I want everything I can get for HBO, I'll just leave it at that."

Game of Thrones Season 7 is starting production later than usual, to shoot scenes during the actual winter. This means the show will get a summer premiere next year instead of its usual spring launch date. Production continues on Game of Thrones Season 7 in several locations around the world including Northern Ireland and Spain.