Game of Thrones 2019 finale may be delayed for months

The final season of Game of Thrones may be even further away than expected. Photo / Supplied

Fans may wait even longer to see the return of their favorite show.

And while there was speculation Game of Thrones would return to the silver screen in April 2019, visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer revealed that the crew has just now started working on the Emmy-nominated series.

"In two years we'll be eligible for the Season 8 work," he said during an interview with Huffington Post, "which we're just beginning now."

Bauer was referring to Emmy consideration, with a May 31 cut-off date to be eligible for an award at the 2019 telecast, the Daily Mail reports.

"We're going to be toiling away on season 8 until May of 2019, so it's eight or nine months away," he added.

It's noted that the Emmy's have made exceptions for "hanging episodes" which air after the time frame which can still be considered for an award.

In more promising news, Bauer admitted "he's blocked off his schedule until next May" for Game of Thrones work, which will include filming a prequel.

"The prequel is starting to shoot in February, at least the pilot," he said. "So we'll still have quite a lot to do on season 8 when they're beginning.

"So much of it comes down to timing and all that stuff. The situation changes every week. I know I'm not doing anything else but 'Thrones' until May of next year."

Season 7 premiered on HBO on July 16, 2017 with seven episodes, three shy of its usual format.

The eighth and final season of the hit show based on George R. R. Martin writings will have only six episodes.