Game of Thrones executive producers/writers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss discussed how long it would take to adapt future books in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series to television during a panel discussion today at the San Diego Comic-Con 2011.

While the first season was able to adapt the entirety of the first book, that formula may have to change.

“If we’re lucky enough, if we have a season three, that’s when it won’t start corresponding so deeply to the books,” Benioff said. “Storm of Swords [the third book in the series] is just too big to do as one season. We don’t know yet whether it’ll be one and a half seasons, maybe it’s three seasons.”

The 10-episode second season, however, may be able to match up with the second book, according to the producers.

Production on season 2 of Game of Thrones is set to begin on Monday, while a season premiere date has not yet been announced. Though it’s safe to assume the show will return around Spring 2012.

Moderated by Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin, the panel features first season cast members Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Ser Jaime Lannister), Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Kit Harington (Jon Snow) and Jason Momoa (Khal Drogo).

Check out our panel video embedded below (broken up into the panel and Q&A portions for your convenience).

Panel Videos