11:01am PT by Jethro Nededog
'Game of Thrones' Starts Shooting Season 2 in July

HBO's second -- and more lavish -- entrant to the race has all the elements of a TV version of "Lord of the Rings," including the potential as this year's fantasy spoiler.
The battle for control of the Iron Throne Continues. With just days away from the Season 1 finale of Game of Thrones airing Sunday, HBO announced Friday that the series will begin shooting Season 2 on July 25.
The series based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy book series will continue shooting at the Painthall Studio in Belfast, as well as other locations in Northern Ireland.
Gallery: Who's Who on Game of Thrones
HBO has yet to announce new castings, as well as returning actors, writers and directors or Season 2’s episode order.
The critically acclaimed 10-episode Season 1 earned its renewal after just one week on air. The premiere attracted 2.2 million viewers and a strong 1.2 million viewers to the encore showing. Earlier this week, it earned four nominations from Televisions Critics Association.
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