Around this time last year,Game of Thronesfans were busy debating whether or notJon Snow(Kit Harington) was actually dead, or if he would be resurrected by Melisandre (Carice Van Houten). During the excruciating off-season, rumors continued to fly at a rapid pace, although HBO confirmed nothing, not even the new cast members, despite a slew of casting reports surfacing. It seems HBO may be shedding its secretive ways, with the network confirming the directors for Season 7.
Entertainment Weeklyreveals that four directors have come aboard for Season 7,Game of ThronesveteransAlan Taylor,Jeremy PodeswaandMark Mylod, along with series newcomerMatt Shakman. Over the past few seasons, the series would bring in five directors, each of whom would direct two episodes apiece. Earlier this week, showrunnersDavid BenioffandD.B. Weissconfirmed thatSeason 7would be shorter, seemingly confirming rumors that Season 7 would be seven episodes long and the eighth and final season would span six episodes. HBO hasn’t confirmed this plan yet, though.
Alan Taylorwas already an established TV veteran when he started directing forGame of Thronesin the first season, having directed episodes ofMad Menand winning an Emmy for directing an episode ofThe Sopranos. He directed the last two episodes of Season 1, including the shockingBaelorwhere Ned Stark is surprisingly beheaded, and a whopping four episodes in Season 2, including the premiere and the finale episodes. He moved on to the big screen, directingThor: The Dark WorldandTerminator Genisys, but now he is returning toWesterosin Season 7.
Jeremy Podeswareceived an Emmy nomination for directing last season’sUnbowed, Unbent, Unbroken. This particular episode is quite possibly the show’s most controversial ever, featuring the brutal rape ofSansa Starkby her new husband Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon). He also directed the first two episodes of Season 6, includingHome, which featured the resurrection of Jon Snow. He has also directed episodes ofBoardwalk Empire.
Mark Mylodwill return for the third year in a row, after directing two episodes apiece in Season 5 and Season 6. His episodeThe Broken Manre-introduced fans toThe Hound(Rory McCann), who most fans thought was dead after his Season 4 finale encounter with Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie). He also directed this season’sNo One, which featured a thrilling chase sequence in Braavos featuring Arya Stark (Maisie Williams). He has also directed forShamelessandEntourage. The
The final Season 7 director,Matt Shakman, has directed 39 episodes ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is one ofGame of ThronescreatorsDavid BenioffandD.B. Weiss' favorite TV shows. He has also directed episodes ofMad Men,The Good Wifeand Fargo. Production is scheduled to start next month, so stay tuned for more onGame of ThronesSeason 7.
