New images have been released for Game of Thrones season 5, revealing Arya’s new look and the Sand Snakes of Dorne.
The images, which come from Entertainment Weekly, suggest that fans should expect new changes and challenges in the upcoming season of HBO’s epic fantasy series.
Arya Stark’s new getup — previously teased in concept art — signifies an enormous change for both the character and actress Maisie Williams.
Williams hasn’t enjoyed a proper costume change in three seasons, as Arya was dragged hither and yon across war-torn Westeros. Now the young actress is looking forward to playing a version of Arya Stark that isn’t caked in blood and grime.
“I have clean hair that actually moves,” Williams enthused. “I came onto the set and nobody recognized me.”
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Speaking of being recognized, three more images from Game of Thrones season 5 begin the introduction of characters fans will definitely want to get acquainted with — the Sand Snakes of Dorne.
The Sand Snakes, as the bastard daughters of Prince Oberyn Martell are known, are set to make a serious splash in the upcoming season. Obara (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Nymeria (Jessica Henwick) and Tyene (Rosabell Laurenti Sellars) each have different mothers, but share their father’s fierce spirit and warrior’s nature.
Castle-Hughes promises that the Sand Snakes will add a dangerous and canny new element to Westeros’ bloody political scene.
“You haven’t seen women who are strong together and who collaborate — which is a dangerous thing,” she says. “We’re three girls who are violent and manipulative, who are thirsty for Lannister blood.”
The complex political landscape of Dorne — the seventh and most reluctant of the kingdoms of Westeros — will be overseen by Alexander Siddig as Prince Doran Martell, Oberyn’s elder brother. Further complicating matters is Doran’s heir Trystane (Toby Sebastian), who is betrothed to Myrcella Baratheon, now played by Nell Tiger Free.
Water is notoriously scarce in the desert kingdom of Dorne — but we suspect the same will not be said of blood come Game of Thrones season 5.
Game of Thrones season 5 will premiere on Sunday, April 12 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.