HBO has released a new trailer for Game Of Thrones season eight to be intensely dissected until its April release, but what does the new footage show?
The TV phenomena is set to kick off its final ever season next month, with the question looming over who, if anyone, will finally claim the Iron Throne following the battle with the White Walkers.
So as Cersei Lannister, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Sansa Stark and more gear up for their final bow, here’s what we can speculate and confirm from the latest trailer.
What is Arya running away from?
The opening shots of the trailer show Arya Stark seemingly fleeing and running around, what appears to be, the walls of Winterfell. As this plays out, Arya is heard saying over the top: ‘I know death. It’s got many faces, I look forward to seeing this one.’
This obviously refers to her face-swapping skills with the Faceless Men, but considering Arya has become a steel-faced assassin – it must be something of significant threat to cause such a panicked state. The confidence in what she says is also a juxtaposition of what we see, potentially being a before and after of hearing about the White Walkers and seeing them in action.
Her solo panicked run, however, could mark potential doom for Winterfell, if the Night King has somehow taken the castle while Arya is inside.
Cersei finally has her Golden Company army
The trailer also gave our first look at the Golden Company army Cersei has recruited to help defend her throne, seen presumably sailing across the border from Essos. The person running the ship (who looks like a young Jaime) is their leader Harry Strickland played by Marc Rissman.
If you recall in season seven, Cersei told her brother Jaime how ally Euron Greyjoy had sailed across to retrieve the army, leading Jaime to ditch his sister for plotting behind his back.
With King’s Landing in the south on the Westeros map far from Winterfell, it’s likely this army will play a huge part in the final very end battle – which may have been teased at a later point in this trailer.
Tormund and Beric survived the fall of the wall
After the Night King destroyed the Wall in the season seven finale, a number of characters were left with their lives hanging in the balance as people tumbled below.
This trailer confirms the return of both Tormund and Beric who were both seen at the Wall during the final moments, so we can rest easy we’ll see the fire sword back in action.
Jon Snow and Daenerys enter Winterfell
Even though this was already confirmed to be happening, we got our best glimpse yet at Jon Snow and Daenerys riding North to Winterfell with her stunning dragons flying overhead.
‘They’re coming. Our enemy doesn’t tire, doesn’t stop, doesn’t feel,’ Jon Snow says.
Interestingly, the shot here cuts to a satisfied-looking Cersei Lannister – indicating she could be more ruthless, or more deadly, than the White Walker armies in the final race.
Will Jon Snow ride a dragon?
A brief shot shows Jon Snow and Daenerys side-by-side approaching her remaining dragons on a winter clearing.
Considering what we now know about Jon Snow’s true Targaryen parentage, could this be his first steps towards riding a dragon alongside his new aunt lover? With two remaining dragons after Viserion fell to the Night King, it would make sense on a logistical (and cinematic) level.
Do we see two major battles at play?
Throughout the trailer, two major battles appear to be teased. The fight for Winterfell with the White Walker armies, shown in the final Helm’s Deep-like shot across Podrick and Brienne Of Tarth, and another seeing Jaime Lannister fighting amid the flames.
A recent description from EW about the battle of Winterfell states: ‘Here fan favourites like Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), and Brienne Of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) are fighting for their lives, impossibly outnumbered against a supernatural army.’
This description indicates Jaime Lannister isn’t part of the battle of Winterfell, leaving a big question mark over what could be the battle where Jaime is screaming surrounded by fire. Could he return to King’s Landing to fight against Cersei as Jon Snow and Daenerys escape south?
Jaime Lannister appears to have ditched Cersei entirely
The end of season seven saw Jaime turn his back on Cersei and flee north, ditching their incestuous romance and fiery friendship.
In the trailer, Jaime can be heard saying: ‘I promise to fight for the living. I intend to keep that promise.’
While it’s unclear who he’s saying it to, it’s likely this could be an encounter with Jon Snow and Daenerys to prove his allegiance. Or potentially, a reaffirmation of his stance against Cersei towards her.
White Walker horse feet are disgusting
The trailer ends with a menacing stomp from what appears to be feet from the White Walker’s horse, as they face Winterfell ahead.
With the Night King atop Daenerys dragon, this could be another key member of the army leading the battle instead. But considering we don’t see undead Viserion flying around Winterfell, could the Night King be occupied by another battle elsewhere?
Game Of Thrones season eight kicks off Sunday 14 April on HBO and Sky Atlantic.
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