Four months before Game of Thrones even debuts, a rumor is swirling that HBO already may be eyeing a second season for the adaptation of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy.

The information comes from the fan site Winter Is Coming, which passes along word that the second season will go into production "very soon after season one wraps": "But why such a quick turnaround? We had heard a while ago that HBO wanted to get an earlier start to production for season two. The assumption was so they would have time to film a 12-episode season to allow for a proper adaptation of the slightly-longer A Clash of Kings. Starting a few weeks earlier this time around, say mid June instead of late July, would allow for that. But now it seems they want to start much earlier than would be necessary if the only reason was to have time to film two additional episodes."

That fits nicely with an earlier report that some of the production's crew was being booked for a second season, creating a strong case for an early greenlight.

With a sprawling cast that includes Sean Bean, Mark Addy, Peter Dinklage, Aidan Gillen and Lena Headey, Game of Thrones premieres in April.

(via Tor.com)