The premiere date for "Game of Thrones" season 7 has been unveiled - and yes, it is later than most fans have anticipated.
The exact date for the premiere had been shrouded in mystery after HBO executives announced last year that the seventh season will not be premiering in the spring, as it usually does.
However, this build up a lot of anticipation from the fans, and the long wait finally ended with the unveiling of the premiere date for the seventh season.
CBS noted that HBO creatively encased the date in giant slab of ice on a Facebook live stream and encouraged viewers to comment the word "fire." As the comments rolled in, flamethrowers were seen being shot at the block of ice and gradually melting it to reveal the big date: July 16.
But will the wait be worth it? Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow assured fans that it will be, saying that the season has "so much more ambition" as there are less episodes - and more money spent per episode, which scales up production significantly.
As announced last year, there will be seven episodes in this season instead of the usual 10, and in discussing what remains to be seen in the series, Harington said that he wants to see the show go out "with a bang." in a report from ABC News, Harington also said that the last two seasons will take the series "into places TV hasn't been."
The theme of "Fire and Ice" has always been part of the "Game of Thrones" world, considering that the original title of George RR Martin's novels which the series was based on is called "A song of Ice and Fire." However, as the Independent pointed out, this theme of ice and fire was also echoed in the official poster for the season, and points to a battle between Daenerys Targaryen and her fire-breathing dragons and the icy forms of the White Walkers which are invading the North.
The block of ice won't be the only surprise this year, though. Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos) said recently that HBO has more tricks up its sleeve with a launch and "something special" happening for the premiere. Fans will have to wait to know what he means, though.