Game of Thrones season 5: Trailer, release date, and what to expect

 
Making a return: what to expect from season five
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Neela Debnath2 April 2015

Just as winter is going and we enter spring, season five of Game of Thrones is coming.

There’s just under two weeks left until the fantasy drama returns to our screens. With promises of bigger stories, bloodier battles and more shocking twists, we thought it was time to put all the speculation and teasers into one handy round up. And beware, there will be spoilers.

1. More Jon Snow

More from Snow: Kit Harington has spent the most time on set

Kit Harington has said that he has been spending more time on set compared to any of the other members of the cast. Evidently the Wall will have a big part to play this year – not least because it serves as the final barrier between Westeros and The Others beyond it. It’s pretty much the frontline of the war – even if everyone in the rest of the kingdom chooses to dismiss the terrifying rumours that they have been hearing about dead things coming back to life. At the end of season four the Wildlings failed to breach the Wall after a lengthy battle and with a little help from Stannis and Melisandre. Expect plenty of drama at the Wall because winter isn’t coming, it’s already here.

2. The “end” Arya

Deadly assassin: Maisie Williams as Arya Stark

As the deadliest member of the Stark clan, Arya is set to get even more fearsome. At the end of last year we saw her make her way to Braavos using a coin she was given by the Faceless Man from season two. Arya’s body count is going to get higher in season five as she arrives in the city and finds herself at a mysterious temple where she will be trained as an assassin. Actress Maisie Williams has also said that this season will mark “the end of Arya” – whatever that may mean.

3. Jaqen H’ghar could be back

The return: Jagen H'ghar could be back for season 5

Remember that bloke that changed his face at the end of season two when he helped Arya, Hot Pie and Gendry escape from Harrenhal? According to a cast list update from HBO, actor Tom Wlaschiha will be making a comeback as Jaqen H’ghar. We have a sneaking suspicion that he could be helping to train Arya to become a killing machine so that she can wreak vengeance on those that murdered her family and friends.

4. Cersei gets her comeuppance

Times up: Cersei looks set to get her comeuppance this season

Cersei is more scheming than ever now that her father is dead and her brother has fled Westeros. Expect attempts to protect her son Tommen from Margaery Tyrell - who is soon to become the queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Lena Headey sparked controversy when she was pictured walking through the streets of Dubrovnik naked for her walk of shame scene which will be an important moment for her character. But that's not all - season five is also set to delve into Cersei’s past.

5. The High Sparrow is a different sort of clergyman

We last saw Jonathan Pryce playing the ailing Cardinal Wolsey in the BBC’s adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. Now Pryce is taking on the role of a very different type of church man in Game of Thrones. Pryce plays the High Sparrow, an ancient holy order of priests that were once armed and pretty dangerous. It’s safe to say that Cersei has met her match.

6. Tywin could be back

We saw him kick the latrine as it were last year when Tyrion took him out with a crossbow. But according to actor Charles Dance, the head of the Lannister family will be making something of a comeback – we’re assuming that he’s not going to be a White Walker. Given that Cersei’s childhood is going to be explored, perhaps Tywin will be making an appearance as a younger version of himself.

7. Theon’s still suffering

In the dog house: Theon is apparently sleeping with the dogs

Will the torture ever end for Theon? When we first met the Stark’s ward, we thought he was just a cocky, egotistical twerp. But after he fell into the clutches of the sadistic Ramsay Bolton (he’s legitimised now) we have nothing but pity for the pathetic creature he has become. Yara’s disastrous attempts to rescue him ended badly as he clung to his prison, afraid that the whole thing was another one of his cruel captor’s japes. And it seems that even in season five there's not going to be much let up for Theon. Alfie Allen has said that he will sort of be sleeping with the dogs. Grim.

8. Sansa and Littlefinger get close

Romance: fans will have to wait and see if anything could happen between Sansa and Littlefinger

Could something happen between Sansa and Littlefinger? He did kiss her passionately in the middle of the Eyrie gardens. And let’s not forget that Petyr Baelish is more than a little bit obsessed with anyone vaguely resembling Catelyn Stark. Her gothic transformation really showed that Sansa is no more, so we’re also expecting her to get tougher now that she is on the road in a new disguise. It will be a welcome change given that she’s been quite naïve and passive up till now. Sansa may finally show some Stark grit. Actress Sophie Turner has also suggested that there will be some bits in season five that will be even more shocking than the infamous Red Wedding. The North never forgets. So prepare for your jaw to drop more than once.

9. Tyrion will have his revenge

Revenge is sweet: Tyrion will get revenge against his family

According to the trailers for season five and Varys’ suggestions, the only likeable Lannister could be joining forces with Daenerys and Team Dragon. We’re certainly hoping that Tyrion will have his revenge against his family, who have nothing for contempt for the “monstrous imp”. Tyrion’s been on the back foot for basically all of this life, as the show’s most loved character we want him to finally win.

10. Dorne never forgets

If the Lannisters always pay their debts, then the Martells of Dorne do not forget. After the grisly death of the Red Viper at the hands of the Mountain, the ruling family of Dorne want revenge for the murder of their prince. We will be meeting the Sand Snakes this year, the daughters of Oberyn, who are baying for blood. Obara, Nymeria and Tyene may just bring the war to King’s Landing if the Lannisters don’t do something to pacify their blood thirst. You may remember that Myrcella Baratheon, who is actually one of Jaime and Cersei’s inbred children, was sent off to Dorne by Tyrion back in season two. She’s now back in the picture and could have a big part to play in the Martells’ attempts to wage war on the Lannisters.

Game of Thrones season five airs on Sky Atlantic on April 13.

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