'Game of Thrones' season 7 release date, spoilers rumors: Premiere date would depend on publication of next book in 'Song of Ice and Fire' series

After the much anticipated "Battle of the Bastards" episode that aired last Sunday, "Game of Thrones" will be airing the season 6 finale titled "Winds of Winter." However, even before the finale airs, fans of the critically acclaimed series are already eager to find out details about the seventh installment, particularly when it will start airing on HBO.

There are speculations that the last book in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series would be the basis for much of season 7's storyline. Martin is still penning the book, which is also titled "The Winds of Winter," but apparently, it is on its way to completion. Martin is purportedly in the last chapter of the book, and he is eyeing its release date anytime before the year ends.

According to Movie News Guide, the writers and directors of "Game of Thrones" are in constant contact with Martin because inasmuch as they can write the plot for season 7 with an unfinished book, they want to keep true to the series. With the book publishing before yearend, changes can be made to the script that's been written thus far.

Should that be the case, then "Game of Thrones" season 7's premiere date would hinge greatly on the publication date of "The Winds of Winter."

Meanwhile, casting has apparently started for the upcoming season. In particular, a young boy and a young girl, both Caucasians, will be cast and would appear in various scenes with the lead characters. It is assumed that these two characters will be featured in flashbacks seen through Bran's visions.

The true parentage of Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) is expected to be revealed in the seventh season of "Game of Thrones". Moreover, the flashbacks would purportedly be relevant in exploring major events in the past that have a bearing on the present.

While the official premiere date for the seventh season is yet to be announced, fans are anticipating that it would be one of the most explosive seasons to date.

"Game of Thrones" season 6 episode 10 airs at 9 p.m. EST on Sunday, June 26, on HBO.