For the past seven years, HBO’s “Game of Thrones” has evolved from being a big budget gamble to an epic hit. As it enters its final season, the series’ remaining actors like Kit Harington (who plays Jon Snow) can’t help but feel emotional over saying goodbye to his TV family.

Filming begins

In an interview with BBC’s "The One Show," Harington opened up about his feelings as the “Game of Thrones” team begins filming for the final season. The actor said that he could not help but tear up over the first read-through of the Season 8 script.

"It's been an institution longer than any other institution I've been in — school, drama school, anything.

And...I get a bit weepy thinking about it," he said. He added that it will be sad to think about filming the final scenes with his fellow cast members since they’ve gotten close to each other after many years of working together.

It was reported earlier that while the surviving characters were called to the set in Belfast, none of the actors were actually sure of their fates in the series because they were not allowed to go through the script before the first read-through. This may have been a new policy devised by HBO to prevent the incidents of leakages and spoilers.

It can be recalled that last season, “Game of Thrones” was besieged by leaked script outlines through an attack on the main HBO server.

Throughout the season, major episodes were also released online days ahead of its scheduled airing. Luckily, fans rallied behind the hard work of the GoT team and the leaks did not affect the ratings of the show.

Life after 'Game of Thrones'

Kit Harington said that he has been asked many times about what he plans to do after the conclusion of the HBO series.

For the past seven years, his contract has prevented him from cutting his hair. This has also become a benchmark for fans in figuring out whether Jon Snow lives or dies for the next season.

Harington has made it no secret that he would like to engage in roles that have nothing to do with swords and horses after “Game of Thrones.” He would also like to change his look if the opportunity arises.

“No more swords, no more horses – and maybe I can cut my hair,” he said in an interview with Guardian. He said he also enjoys playing a "thicko" or a “person who is well-meaning but slightly vacant at times,” for the challenge of it.

Family life

After proposing to long-time girlfriend Rose Leslie, Harington said he plans to invite his “Game of Thrones” family to the wedding. Rose Leslie, who played Ygritte on the show that brought them together, has posed no objections. However, Harington admitted that as far as having a GoT inspired wedding, Leslie would have none of it.

As for raising his future children, Harington shares very normal hopes for his offspring. He said that if they grow up in London, he wants them to be exposed to a multicultural society.

At the same time, he also wants them to enjoy the country so they can enjoy open spaces and fresh air. He believes that finding the balance of these two elements could help them become well-rounded individuals.