Game of Thrones showrunners talk about the future and share series ending updates

Game of Thrones season 5 showrunners recently spoke about the show's future and revealed that while the popular HBO drama is far from over, they do have an idea about when the series will come to an end.

"We see the light at the end of the tunnel," Benioff told Entertainment Weekly. "We still have a long way to go and things to figure out but we definitely know where we're heading and the major end-beats.

"We don't want people to finally see the end and say, 'Thank God that's over'. We know basically how many hours are left in this story. We don't want to add ten hours to that. It's about finding that sweet spot so it works for us and for HBO and, most of all, it works for the audience."

Earlier reports suggested that the makers of the show are looking at wrapping up the series in season 7. However, no confirmation on that front has been made as yet. But, if left to HBO programming president - Michael Lombardo, the show could go on for ten years!

"We started this journey with David and Dan. It's their vision. Would I love the show to go ten years as both a fan and a network executive? Absolutely," Lombardo said, adding that an honest conversation that explores all possible avenues will be necessary.

"If they weren't comfortable going beyond seven seasons, I trust them implicitly and trust that's the right decision – as horrifying as that is to me.

"What I'm not going to do is have a show continue past where the creators believe where they feel they've finished with the story."

For now, fans should be pleased to know that major cast members recently had their contracts renewed through to a possible seventh run, so long as their characters are not killed off before reaching that stage, reports The Independent.

Game of Thrones season 5 premieres on 12 April 2015 on HBO.