We've been salivating at every teeny-tiny breadcrumb dropped about Game of Thrones season 7 — a cryptic teaser here, a vague set report there. But we've finally got our hands on something good. Something real. Something freaking amazing, in fact.
HBO has finally (mercifully) released a first official look at the upcoming season. On Thursday, the network shared 15 brand new photos, all stills from the action next season. The good news is we've got all the major characters in play, here. There's Arya Stark; Jon Snow; Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish; Cersei and Jaime Lannister; and the Daenerys Targaryen crew including Missandei, Tyrion, Varys, and Grey Worm.
The photos are gorgeous and illuminating, and they're making us even more excited for season 7. They reveal just enough to let us know our favourite characters are alive and kicking, but not enough to make it obvious exactly where they all are or what they're all up to. At least one burning question has also been answered by the pictures — it looks like a certain queen made it to where she was going. (We think.) The only bad news here is that we really learn nothing new: we still have to wait until July 16 to know what, precisely, all these photos mean in the context of the plot lines yet to unfold. Until then, we'll just be wildly speculating. Now that we're nearly into May, the idea of counting down to July 16 isn't that ridiculous anymore... right?
Click through to see the snaps, and get ready for an epic TV event come July, people.
Cersei & Jaime Lannister(Lena Headey & Nikolaj Coster-Waldau)
That would be Cersei sitting on the Iron Throne, with her lover-brother by her side. She's looking pretty comfortable up there.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Samwell Tarly & Gilly (John Bradley & Hannah Murray)
Aw, he's teaching her to read! Tender Maester.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Jon Snow (Kit Harington)
Did bae get a new fur cape? Is Jon really "The Prince That was Promised"? So many questions.
P.S. Cute man bun.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Tormund Giantsbane & Brienne of Tarth (Kristofer Hivju & Gwendoline Christine)
Making sexy eyes at your lady love again, eh, Tormund? We are so happy to see this flirt fest continue.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Petyr Baelish & Sansa Stark(Aidan Gillen & Sophie Turner)
You know what I love about this picture? The fact that Sansa is higher up than Littlefinger, looking down on him.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Daenerys Targaryen(Emilia Clarke)
I'd say Khaleesi looks royal, but when does she not? The locale here is unclear; it doesn't particularly strike me as a scene from King's Landing.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel)
That looks like dry ground that Daenerys' most loyal servant is standing on...
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Tyrion Lannister(Peter Dinklage)
Yep, the Targaryen fleet has clearly hit ground, with Khaleesi's new unlikely ally safe and sound.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Missandei, Tyrion, Varys, Daenerys, & Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson)
Yeah, this definitely looks like the seaport at King's Landing. Have Khaleesi & co. finally made it?
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Arya Stark(Maisie Williams)
Looks like she's thinking about who to cross off her list next.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Lady Lyanna Mormont(Bella Ramsey)
The little Lady of Bear Island is back to boss everyone around.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Meera Reed & Bran Stark (Ellie Kendrick & Isaac Hempstead Wright)
Just keep pulling, Meera.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
The Hound (Rory McCann)
Somebody looks ready to take on those White Walkers!
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Ser Davos Seaworth(Liam Cunningham)
The man who proclaimed Jon Snow King of the North is looking as stern and fur-clad as ever.
Photo: Courtesy of HBO.
Lord Varys (Conleth Hill)
Varys found his new queen in Khaleesi, but the Spider is looking more manipulative than obedient here.
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