Game of Thrones season 6: 'Hardhome' director to helm final two episodes

The name Miguel Sapochnik will spark excitement among viewers

Miguel Sapochnik directed the 20-minute long epic 'Battle of Hardhome' in Game of Thrones season five (HBO)

Game of Thrones has barely left our living rooms after a dramatic season five and already, fan chat is geared towards what we can expect from season six.

There's been all sorts of speculation about the fate of Jon Snow (is he really dead or will he come back to life?) and we've been promised some massive dragons but the latest exciting news to be revealed is the list of directors for each episode.

There are two new names on the line-up including Lost's Jack Bender, as well as three Thrones favourites, namely Miguel Sapochnik, whose "Hardhome" episode proved arguably the best of last series.

Each director is on board to helm two episodes each and the plan is laid out below, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly. Don't expect any hints from this lot though - they'll likely be banned from sharing any upcoming plot details.

Episodes 1 & 2 - Jeremy Podeswa

Podeswa from Boardwalk Empire and Tudors directed two season five episodes - "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken" (the one with Sansa's horrific rape) and "Kill The Boy". So expect drama by the bucket-load for the start of season six.

Episodes 3 & 4 - Daniel Sackheim

Sackheim is a newbie but he's far from inexperienced. He was an associate producer on Miami Vice in the Eighties and has directed episodes for The X-Files, House and most recently The Americans.

Episodes 5 & 6 - Jack Bender

Bender is another newcomer but after directing 38 episodes of ABC hit Lost, it's safe to say that Thrones is in safe hands.

Episodes 7 & 8 - Mark Mylod

Mylod is known for the likes of Showtime and Entourage as well as directing two season five episodes - "High Sparrow" and "Sons of the Harpy".

Episodes 9 & 10 - Miguel Sapochnik

Sapochnik's 20-minute long epic "Battle of Hardhome" last season has been praised as the best episode of season five, and rightly so - it did take a "solid month" to film after all. He directed "The Gift" too. It's sounding likely that they'll be another awesome battle lined-up for the finale but we'll just have to wait and see.

Thrones has now caught up with George RR Martin's novels and it remains to be seen whether his sixth book The Winds of Winter will be out ahead of season six. It is looking probable that the TV series will expand beyond Martin's material.