HBO has released the first detailed look at Game of Thrones season 6 — and its increasingly haggard characters — in gorgeous new stills.
The cold winds are still blowing, but the first hint of spring has finally arrived in the bumper-crop of images. The stills cross the entire epic span of Game of Thrones season 6, from Bran’s mystical adventures Beyond the Wall, to a desperate Cersei in King’s Landing, all the way to Tyrion in Meereen and Daenerys in considerable trouble elsewhere in Essos.
Check out all the excitement in detail right here!
Beyond the Wall
HBO has only shared one image of Bran from the upcoming season (though another still was also recently released) but the shot features our first look another crucial character. The Three-Eyed Raven, played by the venerable Max von Sydow, will guide Bran through the strange mysticism of the Children of the Forest — and help him develop powers that may change everything we know about Game of Thrones.
The Wall
Life at the Wall in Game of Thrones season 6 seems about as miserable as it always does, with one notable exception: Jon Snow, last seen totally dead, isn’t around to scowl at the unfairness of the world.
Instead, we get a good look at Davos Seaworth and the baby-burning Melisandre, who’d better have a good reason for having survived this long.
Winterfell and co.
A little further to the south, we have resident psychopaths Ramsay Snow Bolton, and his father Lord Roose. Sadly, the Boltons still appear to be in possession of Winterfell, and seem to be cleaner and more cheerful than anyone else on the show. (Not, of course, that that’s a high bar to cross.)
Appearing significantly more miserable is perpetual survivor Sansa Stark, and her semi-rescuer Theon Greyjoy (a.k.a. Reek). Brienne of Tarth is also still around, and will hopefully get the chance to do some rescuing in Game of Thrones season 6.
King’s Landing
Swooping down south to King’s Landing, we have the continuation of the ongoing Lannister family drama — and always on Game of Thrones, the personal is political. Cersei is still rocking her “shame” haircut, while Jaime has returned successfully with Myrcella’s corpse. And of course, the High Sparrow and his minions of the Faith remain a hawkish presence, especially for poor Margaery Tyrell.
Braavos
Next up, and possibly winning the Most Miserable Award for the start of Game of Thrones season 6, is Arya Stark. Arya was blinded by the Faceless Men at the end of last season, and she appears to be spending her time begging on the streets of Braavos. ?
Meereen and the Dothraki Sea
It’s a brand new day in Meereen, with leadership now in the unlikely hands of Tyrion Lannister, Missandei, and Grey Worm. Or maybe it’s just another, slightly less miserable day; Varys probably knows.
Meanwhile, Daenerys is looking decidedly disheveled (though still pretty badass) with her new captors. Or actually, they’re her old captors, as Dany has been dumped right back into a camp of hostile Dothraki. What goes around?
And the rest!
Just like the Dothraki are returning as a major force in Game of Thrones season 6, it seems like the Iron Islands may be asserting their power as well. Asha Greyjoy will be back in action this season, along with her father Balon. (Seriously, that dude needs to die.)
And since Sam Tarly and Gilly seem to be on a boat, we’ll toss them in with Theon’s family, too. Sorry, guys.
Of course, the new stills from Game of Thrones season 6 have a few gaps in the show’s massive character roster. In addition to Jon Snow, most of the Tyrells are missing, as is Trystane Martell or any other Dornishmen. Petyr Baelish remains a persona-non-grata, and Meera and Hodor are nowhere to be seen.
But hey, it’s February. Winter is still here — there’s plenty of time.
Game of Thrones season 6 premieres on Sunday, April 24 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.
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