Just yesterday, we reported that Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent has become the first actor cast in Game of Thrones Season 7, although it wasn't confirmed who he's actually playing. We had already learned that production will start later than usual, and today we have word that filming has in fact gotten under way. Filming started this past Monday at the show's production hub in Northern Ireland, although no details have surfaced from the set quite yet.

Entertainment Weekly reveals that production normally begins each season in July, but it had already been confirmed that filming was pushed because the show requires cooler climates, since winter has finally come to Westeros. The Game of Thrones Season 7 premiere will now air sometime in the summer of 2017, instead of the spring, but an exact premiere date has yet to be solidified.

Last month, a cryptic casting call leaked, revealing details about nine new characters. Out of all these roles, a priest in his 60s is the only role that seems to fit the age range for the 67-year-old Jim Broadbent, who is said to be playing a pivotal role. However, this priest character will only be needed for one week of filming, starting September 22, although many of these casting calls are believed to be misleading, since they are often leaked online.

The Comic-Con trailer that was shown during the series' Hall H presentation teased that they are "in production," although that was likely a reference to the crew members who were seen in the trailer building all of the immense sets for this season. Now that principal photography is fully under way, it may only be a matter of time before the first set photos start arriving. Aside from the Northern Ireland production hub, filming will also take place in Russia and Iceland.

The other new Game of Thrones characters that are being cast are a General between the ages of 40 and 55, a Warrior between the ages of 35 and 45, a Gate Guard in his 20s, a City Guard in his 30s and a Merchant in his 40s. There is also a "Lovely Lady" role, a courtesan who is expected to be fully nude in certain scenes, along with a Young Lord and a Lieutenant, both of whom are in their 20s. Most of these roles required the actors to start filming at some point in September, so hopefully we'll find out who is cast in these roles soon.