Everything We Know About Game Of Thrones Season 7 So Far

We still have many months to go before season seven of Game of Thrones, but for some fans, the mid-2017 premiere can't come soon enough—and they can't resist scouring the internet in search of the latest news and spoilers. If this sounds like you, then you're in luck: we've compiled a list of the latest info about all of your favorite characters, plotlines, and what will happen on season seven. Be sure to check back regularly for frequent updates with the latest and juiciest info when it drops. Filming will continue through February 2017, so there will likely be lots of new information in the months ahead.

While agreeing with the /r/freefolk opinion that spoiler tags are for the weak, here's a warning: below the cut, this article contains numerous detailed spoilers for the entire Game of Thrones series—including set photos, slightly dubious leaks and more from season seven—as well as information from the A Song of Ice and Fire book series.

Before we dig into specific plotlines for Game of Thrones season seven, it's worth noting it will be the next-to-last season of Game of Thrones, which will conclude its run after the eighth season in 2018. The upcoming season will premiere on July 16th, 2017, and unlike previous seasons which contained ten episodes, this season will only have seven, while season eight will add six.

Because the words of House Stark are always proven true eventually, winter has finally come to Westeros, and production on the show was moved later in the year to accommodate the colder backdrop into the action. The production of the show has returned to familiar filming locations in Northern Ireland for season seven, as well as adding some new locales in Spain and Iceland, among others. Jeremy Podeswa will direct the season premiere and finale, and he is joined by Mark Mylod, Matt Shakman, and Alan Taylor to round out the directorial team for this season.

It's also worth noting that what purports to be leaked script info from season seven has popped up on Reddit in recent weeks. Without including unconfirmed info from the leaks in the article below, a few of the details have been backed up by recent set spoilers—so take that as you will. If you'd like to read a run-down of what the now-deleted original leaker claimed, check out this thread on Reddit. Now that we've got some basic background information in place, let's take a look at what we know about your favorite Game of Thrones characters for season seven.

Updated 12/16/16: A lot of the new information this month seems to back up many of the points included in the supposed leaks. So for what it's worth, the evidence is beginning to mount that the leak may have been legitimate.

Updated 1/16/17: Liam Cunningham recently revealed to reporters at the Golden Globe awards that filming for season seven will wrap sometime in February, and filming for the eighth (and final) season will start up again around September 2017. Cunningham also confirmed that this season will have seven episodes, while the final season will have only six.

Updated 4/24/17: The first official poster for season seven debuted at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, TX. At an SXSW panel, the writing lineup for season eight was confirmed. Dave Hill and Brian Cogman will each pen one episode, with show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss writing up the remaining four. We've also got a list of the editors and cinematographers for season seven, and which directors they'll be working with.

The first video footage of Season 7 has been released by HBO, in the form of a short teaser for their 2017 offerings. The Game of Thrones section only lasts a couple of seconds, but we still see clips of Jon Snow, Arya, and Sansa.

Alleged Thrones footage of a "dragonfire attack" has surfaced on YouTube. In it, a man dressed in soldier-style clothing appropriate to the show is holding a torch when he's suddenly knocked down by an explosion of flame. A couple of things to note—there's no definitive proof that this is footage from the show, but the background definitely appears to be Malpartida—where the Dothraki/Lannister clash was filmed. But there have been other productions also using the area, so that doesn't mean it's definitely footage for Game of Thrones.

Additionally, the ambush scenes have all been in the daytime so far, and this is shot at night. Finally, this doesn't look much like a dragonfire attack—such as the jets of fire we've previously seen during the Battle of Meereen. It has a loud report and "explosive" quality, which seems more like some sort of incendiary attack. Maybe this is some Children of the Forest hand grenade action, or maybe the Lannisters are experimenting with new weaponry devised by Qyburn and the pyromancers.

Updated 4/24/17: Now that the premiere date is only months away, HBO has started releasing trailers and promotional photos from the show to whet our appetites until July. In early March, they released a short teaser featuring the sigils of the major Westerosi houses, along with dialogue from several main characters. While a lot of this dialogue is from previous seasons, we did get one new bit from Jon Snow: "The same thing is coming for all of us. There's only one war that matters—the great war." Ooh, interesting. Another super-cool fact about this teaser: the sigils are actually miniature graphite pencil sculptures created by Russian artist Salavat Fidai.

On March 30, HBO teased us further with a video featuring Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Cersei Lannister. It's short, but offers us a few tidbits—like costuming details, the new look for Cersei's throne room, and a first glimpse of Dany's throne room upon Dragonstone. Also, Cersei's breath frosts in the air, which lets us know winter has indeed come to King's Landing.

An early April promo featuring characters from multiple HBO shows also gave us a look at many other Thrones characters in their costumes for season seven—including Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, Daenerys, Bran Stark, and more. A few days later, HBO gave us an even better look with three similar promos (1, 2, 3) on their Youtube channel. The jump cuts are fast, but luckily Watchers on the Wall grabbed several screencaps of the characters in their new costumes.

In late April, HBO released the first official still photos from the set, an exciting album of 15 pictures showcasing some of our favorite characters. You can see the full set here.

After some scenes in the North, our favorite King in the North will make his way to Dragonstone sometime early in the season to meet with the Dragon Queen—his aunt Daenerys. He will be greeted on the shores of Dragonstone by Missandei, Tyrion, and some Dothraki, and will exchange a formal handshake with the Hand of the Queen. Jon and Queen Daenerys will later have a scene walking together along the battlements of Dragonstone. When the Ironborn arrive on Dragonstone, there will be a tense meeting between Jon and Theon Greyjoy—one in which Jon grabs Theon roughly by the lapels and shakes him, before stalking off in a huff.

At some point after arriving on Dragonstone, Jon will also have a scene with Daenerys on a beach near some oceanfront caves, where they talk, and he meets and pets at least one of her dragons. Judging by the color of the reference head used, the dragon will be Rhaegal—who is named for Jon's father, Rhaegar Targaryen. Excuse me while I puke from the excitement!

Jon will also be present in a scene set at the Dragonpit in King's Landing, in which he and Daenerys—under a temporary flag of truce—display a wight to Cersei as proof of the White Walker threat. This scene—we'll just call it the Dragonpit scene—could possibly involve up to 17 of the major cast members, including Jon, Cersei, Jaime, the Mountain, Qyburn, Bronn, Euron, Daenerys, Tyrion, Jorah, Missandei, Varys, Theon, Davos, Brienne, Podrick, and the Hound.

Updated 12/16/16: Kit Harington has been spotted filming in furs at the Wolf Hill Quarry location, which is obviously set in the North. The location looks like an iced-over lake, with some sort of island or rock in the middle. Also spotted at Wolf Hill: Iain Glen (Jorah), Rory McCann (Sandor Clegane), and Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantsbane). Additionally, 300 extras dressed as wights have been used for the shoot. All of this backs up leaked info from /r/freefolk, as well as other set leaks, that Jon will capture a wight to bring to King's Landing. Director Alan Taylor was also present at the quarry, which essentially confirms that the events taking place there will happen in episode six.

Updated 1/16/17: Kit Harington has been spotted in social media photos hanging out around Iceland, which appears like it'll be used for outdoor scenes representing the journey north of the Wall. This wight-capturing leak is beginning to look more and more like the real deal.

Updated 4/24/17: While primary filming was still taking place, Kit Harington was spotted at the quarry set (among others) in Iceland, along with the actors for Jorah, The Hound, Davos, Gendry, Beric, and Tormund. That's a big ol collection of some of our favorite characters, all ready to take on this crazy wight expedition. As far as what Jon will be up to this season, Harington claimed in an interview with Huffington Post that "I certainly did more this season than I've ever done. I think every actor on it did more action, had more action, had more scenes." It also looks like we're going to get some Ghost action this season; the white wolf who plays Ghost was doing some filming recently along with another mysterious gray-and-brown wolf.

What appears to be a legitimate piece of leaked concept art depicts a scene supposedly from the season seven finale: Tyrion, Bronn, Jon Snow and a Lannister soldier all stand in front of what can only be the entrance to the Dragonpit. Harington also let slip in another interview with Moviefone that he's "eagerly" awaiting the script for season eight, and that "next season, [Jon Snow] might go through a big change." This is exciting news, because it pretty much verifies that Jon Snow will survive this season, unless Harington is lying in his interviews (as he has been known to do). Finally, the promo stills show us Jon staring sorrowfully up at something in what looks like the crypts of Winterfell. Because of the Boltons' depredations, Ned probably doesn't have a statue yet there. Is it too much to hope that Jon is looking up at Lyanna's likeness in this scene? If so, that implies that he learns his true identity, and soon.

Daenerys will arrive on her birthplace of Dragonstone with her Unsullied and her advisors in the season premiere. Notably missing at this first landing are Theon, Yara and the rest of the Ironborn complement. Theon, at least, will show up later. The Dragon Queen will also be involved in an ambush-style attack on a Lannister army with at least one of her dragons and part of her Dothraki horde.

Dany will meet with Jon on the long stairs of Dragonstone sometime after he arrives, and the pair will have several other scenes throughout the season—including one where Jon meets Rhaegal, one where they walk together along the battlements, and another where she bids farewell to Jon as she sends him, Jorah, Davos and Gendry off on some sort of mission. Daenerys herself will also be present at the Dragonpit scene in King's Landing, where she and Jon Snow show Cersei a captured wight.

Updated 12/16/16: A new set built Titanic Studios in Belfast reveals Daenerys' awesome new throne room, which is located in her home's ancestral seat of Dragonstone.

Updated 1/16/17: After a break for the holidays, Emilia Clarke was on set in Belfast in early January, so it seems likely we'll probably get some scenes featuring the Dragon Queen in her spiffy new throne room.

Updated 4/24/17: There have been some pretty awesome revelations regarding Daenerys' dragons recently—a fan passing by the Game of Thrones Belfast studios got some photographs of what appears to be a VFX shoot in progress involving Dothraki extras and what looks like a dragon green-screen prop with a neck larger than a full-size SUV. (Director Matt Shakman backs that idea up with his Entertainment Weekly interview, in which he revealed that this year, the dragons are as large as 747s!) The promo stills and first trailer from HBO also revealed some amazing images of Daenerys' new throne and wardrobe for the coming season.

Tyrion will arrive on Dragonstone with Daenerys and the rest of her retinue, and will later greet Jon Snow when he arrives on the island. As his group climbs the stairs up to the castle, Jon and Davos will be startled by a dragon flyover, and Tyrion will help Jon to his feet after he stumbles in surprise.

Later, Tyrion will go on a mission to King's Landing with Ser Davos. While Davos goes to retrieve Gendry, Tyrion will go off on his own for unknown purposes. As the trio attempt to escape in their boat, a couple of Gold Cloaks recognize Tyrion and try to apprehend him. Luckily for him, Gendry takes out a giant warhammer and kills the two guards in short order. Scroll down to the section on Gendry for more completely awesome details.

When Daenerys sends Jon, Jorah, Davos and Gendry off from Dragonstone, Tyrion remains with her on the island. He will later have a scene with Varys, and he will also be present at the monumental Dragonpit scene, along with his estranged siblings—both of whom would like to see him dead.

Updated 4/24/17: We don't have any new plot info regarding Tyrion, but the HBO promo stills showed him wearing some new duds and his pin as Hand of the King.

There's not a lot of solid news on the Mad Queen thus far, but we have heard that following Euron's battle with Daenerys at sea, he will seek an alliance with Cersei—which begs the question of what plans two of the craziest characters in Game of Thrones might be able to hatch. At some point, a representative from the Iron Bank of Braavos will appear to demand that Cersei repay the crown's debts. How Cersei handles that situation will cause some serious ramifications, we've heard. Cersei will be present at the Dragonpit scene.

Updated 12/16/16: In the last few days, Cersei has done some filming in King's Landing alongside Jaime. Cersei's wardrobe is still black, and still very much on point. Jaime is wearing his traditional Lannister armor. These photos also give us our first full glimpse of Cersei's new Queensguard: Their armor is also black, awesome, and has an image of Cersei's crown emblazoned on the chestplate. Those helmets are pretty darn cool, too. The traditional Kingsguard white cloak is conspicuously missing, though. Personally, I think that Queensguard actor looks too pretty to be a nameless extra. Book-readers: do you think we could we be getting an Osney Kettleblack this season? In addition to the new armor, Cersei has drastically redecorated the Red Keep throne room—getting rid of the seven-pointed star stained glass, and replacing it with some pretty severe iron spikes adorned with a lion.

Updated 4/24/17: The "Long Walk" promo trailer showed us Cersei in her new throne room. Notably, the windows have been redecorated to have the Lannister lion, while the spiky Targaryen-era braziers around the pillars remain. In other news, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau dropped an accidental hint as to what the future holds for Cersei's love life in an interview with The Daily Beast: "...there are no other suitors [besides Jaime.] Well, that's not true... but he has to step up and take his father's place. Wow, I was about to reveal something from Season 7 and thought, 'What am I doing?'" Take that as you will, but it seems that maybe our theory about Euron Greyjoy attempting to seduce Cersei this season may come to bear some twisted fruit.

Jaime will be involved in a battle, perhaps as he is on the way back from a supply raid in Highgarden lands. From all appearances, the Lannister army will come under attack by the Targaryen army (and maybe a dragon), perhaps in the vicinity of Dorne or Highgarden. He will also be present at the Dragonpit scene.

Updated 12/16/16: Jaime and Bronn were spotted filming the sack of Highgarden; Lannister flags are placed on the battlements, bloodied Tyrell soldiers have been on set, and supply carts are filled for the long haul back to King's Landing. One eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fan noticed that the sword Jaime Lannister is wielding this season during the taking of Highgarden is none other than "Widow's Wail," one of the two swords Tywin had made with the melted down Stark greatsword Ice. Widow's Wail was given to Joffrey by his grandfather, and hadn't been seen on-screen since his death—until now.

Tons of new photos have emerged of the ambush and subsequent aftermath between the Lannisters and Daenerys' Dothraki. A significant number of Lannister soldiers lay dead on the scorched battlefield, mixed with the occasional Dothraki. More importantly, the field is strewn with the smoking remnants of supply carts, which probably means the reports of at least one dragon involved in the battle are true. Additionally, new photos reveal that Tarly soldiers will be fighting alongside the Lannisters during the battle.

Updated 4/24/17: The official promo stills from this season prove that the sword Jaime carries this year is indeed Joffrey's old sword, Widow's Wail. As part of the melted Stark greatsword Ice and the counterpart to Brienne's sword Oathkeeper, it's an interesting development that Jaime is choosing to carry it now. In his interview with The Daily Beast, Coster-Waldau addressed that complicated relationship with Brienne: "It's built out of contempt, which has turned into real respect, and love—not that they would ever use that word. I think they feel very strongly for each other. I have no idea if they would ever be able to act on it, and I don't think they would. It's all been about Cersei his whole life." In another interview with Huffington Post, the actor also dumps if not a bucket, then a good-sized cup of cold water on the valonqar theory—that Jaime will kill Cersei in the end—with this answer: "It's a theory ... but it has a beautiful, romantic, tragic thing [to it]...it's probably too obvious."

Exciting news for fans wanting a Stark reunion: Maisie Williams was spotted getting ready to shoot in Northern Ireland, in a makeup trailer alongside the actress who plays Lyanna Mormont. Even more exciting is the fact that Arya appears to be wearing northern-style leather armor for her scene, which is very similar to the outfit that Lyanna Mormont is also wearing. While we don't know exactly what Arya is going to get up to this season, actress Maisie Williams shared an excited string of profanity-laced Tweets after reading the scripts, promising fans that "s— gets REAL." While I personally have a pet theory that Arya will kill more Freys, save her uncle Edmure, and eventually link up again with the Hound this season, there's no confirmation about any of that yet—except that Edmure's actor has been on set filming at least one scene so far this year.

Updated 12/16/16: A short bit of footage from HBO's 2017 teaser shows Arya on horseback, wearing a cloak and staring at something in the distance. The angle, cloak and lack of trees in background makes me think she may be arriving at Winterfell. Additionally, the casting of a new Frey lord for the season premiere points to more action at the Twins before Arya heads for Winterfell. Insider info indicates that not only will Arya return to Winterfell and reunite with Sansa and Bran, but she and Sansa will later clash because of Littlefinger's machinations.

Updated 4/24/17: Like Bran, you can spot Arya in the S7 promo video for HBO, and her costume is clearly Stark-influenced, complete with her own padded armor and Needle. That points toward Arya definitely making her way to Winterfell this season. The promotional photos from HBO reveal Arya in another setting—at an inn where she and the other patrons are intently looking at something beyond the frame. We can't help but notice the lovely baked goods in front of her, though; is it too much to hope for a reunion with Hot Pie? In other news, we learned that the actor who played Walder Frey is set to reappear in season seven, leading us to hope that Arya will make use of his face at some point—perhaps to spring her uncle from his prison. We also learned that Maisie Williams did some filming for the show in Canada recently, and perhaps not coincidentally, Instinct Animals (which has provided wolves for the show in the past) was also filming in Canada at the same time. It seems that not only was Quigley, the white wolf who plays Ghost, involved in the shoot, but also another unknown gray-and-brown wolf. Could this mysterious second wolf be the long-lost Nymeria? We hope so! Maisie Williams also claims that this season will end on a "huge cliffhanger," so we have that to look forward to.

While the Spanish filming locations have been full of set spoilers, the Northern Ireland filming locations have much tighter security. Because of that, we don't have a lot of news about Sansa so far—other than the fact that she has been seen in Northern Ireland on set—and she is not present on any of the Dragonstone scenes, or at the Dragonpit scene in King's Landing. This seems to indicate that Sansa will remain in Winterfell for this season. She was also spotted wearing a nice red wig over her blonde hair in a few set photos, which confirms that she won't be dying her hair for filming this year.

Updated 12/16/16: In a recent Entertainment Weekly interview, Sophie Turner explained that Sansa is "kind of having a bit of a power trip. But she's also becoming more insecure, because there are threats to the power that she holds." This ties nicely into what insider sources have told Watchers on the Wall: Sansa, Arya, and Bran will reunite at Winterfell, and there will be a clash of wills between the sisters—which Littlefinger will try to take advantage of. Additionally, the same source reveals that Sansa is most definitely not pregnant and will not get pregnant—thank the gods!

The HBO 2017 preview teaser contains a short clip of Sansa looking badass as she walks through the Winterfell godswood, away from the heart tree. Wild speculation time: she's walking away from the body of Littlefinger, right after having him executed—perhaps by Arya.

Updated 1/16/17: In an interview with Vulture, Sophie Turner revealed she's finished shooting her scenes for season seven. She also gave some hints about Sansa's complicated relationship with Littlefinger and how it'll evolve this season: "She holds a power over him. And after she confronted him about selling her to the Boltons, he owes her big time. He knows he has to be loyal to her now, and he has to serve her well, because she holds so much over him. It would destroy his reputation if she revealed any of the stuff that she knows about him. It's tricky. She has power, but it's a question of whether people listen to her or not. You'll see more of that in this upcoming season."

Updated 4/24/17: No new plot news regarding Sansa, but the HBO promo shows us Sansa's power outfit for this season, and one of the promo stills reveals Sansa standing with Littlefinger on the covered walkway at Winterfell.

Bran has been spotted filming in Northern Ireland, as has Meera, at what usually serves as the Winterfell set. While we don't have any concrete news yet of a Stark family reunion with Bran and Sansa in Winterfell, there have been reports that Bran filmed a scene alongside Dolorous Edd and other members of the Night's Watch. Given the very low numbers of NW remaining, it seems unlikely that Edd would risk a ranging beyond the Wall, so this scene probably occurs within Castle Black. If Bran still has the mark of the Night King upon him, it will be very interesting indeed to see what happens when he passes beneath the Wall—and the magical spells cast upon it.

Updated 12/16/16: Insider sources reveal that Bran will make it back to Winterfell this season and reunite with both his sisters. Actress Ellie Kendrick gave a few tantalizing hints about what Meera's role will be in season 7 during an interview with MTV: "Meera's main job is the protector. She's not going to storm in there and tell everyone what to do. She's the bodyguard. She's the one who's got Bran's back, and she's making sure that he gets to the places he needs to get to. She sees this as her duty to carry out this mission for him. It's in her blood; the Reeds are fiercely loyal to the Starks, and she'll give everything that it takes to protect Bran." Hmm—"carry out this mission for him"—now what do you suppose she means by that, exactly?

Updated 4/24/17: While we don't have any real news updates about Bran, we wanted to note that his appearance in the HBO promo includes a new wardrobe of what appears to be some clean duds and furs, which had to have been obtained south of the Wall. Exciting! We also got a promo still of Meera pulling Bran on his sled through the snow, which we presume happens before they reach Winterfell.

We've heard many reports that Euron engages Daenerys' fleet in a battle at sea early in the season, capturing Yara and possibly killing at least one of the Sand Snakes. This fits in with what we've seen of the permanent ship set at the Game of Thrones main studios—it appears to have gotten a makeover this season to resemble a black Kraken warship. Additionally, actress Gemma Whelan—who plays Yara—actually injured her back while filming a scene earlier this fall, which required a trip to the hospital for treatment.

Theon and his Ironborn (sans Yara) eventually make their way to Dragonstone, where the youngest Greyjoy is given a very cold welcome by Jon Snow. Later, Theon takes a beating on a beach from other Ironborn men. Neither Yara nor Euron are present in this scene, which will be in either the premiere or the finale, judging by the presence of director Jeremy Podeswa. Euron and Theon will both be at the Dragonpit scene.

Updated 12/16/16: Some of my major theories are being confirmed—Euron has captured Yara, as well as Ellaria and Tyene Sand. In some new major set spoiler photos from episode two or three, we see Euron in some pretty badass armor, riding a horse through the streets of King's Landing. Behind him, he is dragging Yara on a leash, and they are followed by Ellaria and Tyene. The streets of King's Landing are filled with cheering smallfolk, and the entire retinue is flanked by City Watch guards. It seems like my belief that Euron is going to offer the Sand Snakes to Cersei as part of an alliance deal is coming true. We'll see how long they survive, but if my theory continues to hold, Yara and the remaining Sand Snakes will not be long for this world. As for Theon, actor Alfie Allen recently answered some questions at a Con Q&A, which includes his speculation on Theon's emotional state during season seven, and what a reunion with Jon Snow or Sansa might entail.

Updated 4/24/17: Pilou Asbaek told MTV News that his character would be starting some craziness this season, "Enough to get satisfied — good satisfied." We've also learned that the fight scene filmed with Theon on the beach will appear in the season finale.

Both Pod and Brienne were spotted filming in Northern Ireland, heading to the makeup trailer alongside Sansa. So they will probably make it back to Winterfell before Jon departs for Dragonstone. It doesn't appear they will stay in the North, however, because Brienne and Podrick will be present at the Dragonpit scene, and it's reported that Brienne will also get a private scene set at the Dragonpit with Jaime Lannister, as well as an encounter with Daenerys and Davos.

Updated 4/24/17: One of HBO's promo stills reveals Brienne talking with a very amused Tormund in what definitely appears to be Winterfell's courtyard, so we can assume that she (and Pod) make it back safely from the Riverlands.

That's right—bastard blacksmith Gendry is back and better than ever. If you'd like to read my full report on his return and what it might mean, check out this article. Here's the short rundown, with some new added details: Davos and Tyrion will go to King's Landing, and the Onion Knight will retrieve Gendry. Gendry will use his warhammer—which we've learned is decorated with the House Baratheon sigil—to kill two Gold Cloaks who try to stop them. He'll get some fancy new clothes on Dragonstone, before being sent off again in a boat with Jon Snow, Davos, and Ser Jorah to an unknown location.

Updated 1/16/17: Joe Dempsie has been spotted filming in Iceland, which serves as a location beyond the Wall, so it seems that he indeed will set out from Dragonstone and travel to the frozen north with Jon Snow.

Both the Hound and the Mountain will be present when Jon and Dany show Cersei the captured wight at the Dragonpit. It's unclear how Sandor will hook up with Jon and Dany's forces as of yet. There was no fighting at the Italica shoot, so Cleganebowl isn't confirmed yet—also, the Mountain gets a new uniform that looks a lot like Cersei's black coronation dress, so maybe she's established her own personal guard instead of the Kingsguard.

Updated 12/16/16: Cersei has indeed created her own Queensguard, with their own distinctive armor. Rory McCann was spotted filming with Kit Harington at Wolf Hill, so The Hound will be involved in the wight raid.

Updated 4/24/17: One of the promo photos shows the Hound on horseback, pulling a cloak close against the blowing snow, which points to the shot being from somewhere far in the North. It's unclear who he's riding with, but the mismatched helmets and armor on the men behind him seem to indicate he's still with the Brotherhood Without Banners.

There hasn't been much information about Littlefinger as of yet for season seven, but we do know he was filming in Northern Ireland earlier this year. He has not been spotted in Spain and it does not seem he will be at the monumental Dragonpit scene, so he may be remaining in the North with Sansa—if she doesn't have him killed first.

Varys is present on Dragonstone with Daenerys and the rest of her crew early in the season. Later, Varys and Tyrion filmed a scene together in Italica, which will likely be seen in the season finale due to director Jeremy Podeswa being on set (he's directing the premiere and the finale of season seven.)

Updated 12/16/16: A source inside the show has told Watchers on the Wall that Littlefinger will attempt to take advantage of a divide between Arya and Sansa, as they clash over what steps to take next. This fits with my theory on Littlefinger's potential plans in season seven, although I thought he'd be attempting to drive a wedge between Jon Snow and Sansa, not Arya and Sansa. Either way, I still believe it's going to end with him dead.

Updated 4/24/17: Littlefinger is still making his presence known at Winterfell, if the promo photos can be believed. He stands with Sansa on one of the covered walkways in one of the pictures, and you can see him leaning on the wall behind Lyanna Mormont in another. Varys appears to be staying on Dragonstone with Dany, as the photos also show him in her throne room and standing with her delegation in another scene.

From the number of Citadel maesters who've been cast for this season, it seems that Sam will remain in Oldtown for his training. It's likely Sam will be involved in healing Jorah before the wayward knight returns to Daenerys on Dragonstone. We don't yet have any news about Gilly and little baby Sam, but presumably they will be somewhere nearby in Oldtown.

Updated 12/16/16: A show insider has revealed that the earlier guesses were true: Jorah and Sam will meet in Oldtown, where Sam will cure Jorah of his greyscale. Sam agrees to help Jorah after learning he is the son of former Lord Commander Jeor Mormont.

In newly leaked set photos from Cáceres, Sam, Gilly, and little Sam have been spotted riding out of Oldtown via a horse and cart. Gilly is looking quite splendid in a very heavily embroidered gown, necklace, and a fur shrug, and Sam is wearing a thick cloak—which isn't black—over his quilted Night's Watch armor. If you check out the close-up shots, you can clearly see what must be Heartsbane—the Tarly ancestral sword—wrapped up in leather and stowed next to Gilly.

Sam is not wearing any sort of Maester's chain, and their strangely warm clothing (when background extras do not have on any sort of cloaks) indicates that they are heading back North—perhaps to Winterfell? Another question to ponder: why is Gilly so richly dressed? If this scene comes in Episode 5 (as indicated by the presence of Matt Shakman), and Randyll Tarly (and Sam's brother Dickon) are among the dead following Dany's ambush on the Lannister/Tarly supply train, that would make Sam the Lord of Horn Hill (presuming he forswears his NW vows.)

Updated 4/24/17: The promo photos revealed something exciting: Sam and Gilly inside what may be the Citadel, working hard at research. Sam has finally exchanged his blacks of the Night's Watch for an acolyte's robe. Either Sam managed to get Gilly's presence accepted by the Maesters, or he's "borrowed" some books and taken them wherever Gilly is staying. Redditor /u/itsjayrr noticed that the text Gilly is reading is taken nearly word-for-word from The World of Ice and Fire compendium, and that the entry has to do with the legend of The Long Night and Azor Ahai.

Ser Jorah is back! He arrives at Dragonstone via longboat at some point early in the season. A few of the scenes he's filmed on the Dragonstone set do not show gloves, so it seems likely he has been healed—perhaps by Sam or another Maester in Oldtown. Unfortunately, although Jorah gets some fancy new duds on Dragonstone, Daenerys sends him off yet again. This time, he departs his lady Queen after a private conversation with her—shoving off in a boat alongside Jon Snow, Davos, and Gendry. Iain Glen has been spotted near the Dragonpit set, so it seems likely he will reunite with Daenerys again before this pivotal scene with the rest of the cast.

Updated 12/16/16: Jorah will be part of the expedition beyond the Wall to capture a wight. Additionally, it's been all but confirmed that Sam will definitely be the one who heals Jorah of his greyscale.

Davos will arrive in Dragonstone with Jon early in the season before being sent on a mission with Tyrion to King's Landing, where he will retrieve Gendry and bring him back to Dragonstone. Davos is later sent off yet again from Dragonstone in a boat, this time in the company of Jon Snow, Ser Jorah, and Gendry. He will be present at the Dragonpit scene.

Missandei and Grey Worm both are present on Dragonstone with Daenerys. While Missandei was spotted during filming for the Dragonpit scene, Grey Worm has not been seen there thus far—which raises questions of what may happen to him before the season finale.

Updated 12/16/16: According to show insiders, Grey Worm will lead the Unsullied in an attack on the Lannister seat of Casterly Rock. Additionally, they also claim that Grey Worm and Missandei will be taking their relationship to the next level, including a sex scene!

Although she doesn't arrive with Jon's crew on Dragonstone, pictures have surfaced of what can only be Melisandre near the long stairs which go from Dragonstone's castle down to the island beach. How she's made her way to the Dragon Queen is still unknown, but there's no doubt that the Red Woman may now be in Daenerys' employ. It will be very interesting to see how Davos and Jon react to her presence when they find her there.

It seems Bronn will stay close to Jaime through the season. He hasn't been seen on set much, but the previously mentioned large-scale battle sequence being filmed in Malpartida, Spain will likely involve him. Jerome Flynn was spotted eating lunch in a nearby town as rehearsals for extras in the battle got underway.

Anton Lesser (who plays Qyburn) was spotted filming in Italica along most of the main cast members, so he will be present in the dragonpit wight scene. I predict he will be quite excited by the opportunity to study a true undead. One of Qyburn's little birds, played by Annette Hannah, (the one who said she "missed Lord Varys") was spotted in Seville, which indicates she will be included in the finale shoot. She's also been seen in Northern Ireland, so Qyburn and his birds will probably feature in at least two episodes this season.

Updated 4/24/17: In an interview with InStyle UK, Nathalie Emmanuel calls Missandei and Grey Worm a "great couple," and their relationship "very special," which is our first official hint/confirmation that the two characters may be becoming an official couple soon.

Carice van Houten posted a photo on Twitter of what appears to be her in Melisandre "old" makeup, leading to speculation that she'll have another scene in her true appearance this season. While it's possible this is an old photo from the set of season six, a quick comparison of the photo with the season six scene suggests otherwise. The shape of the prosthetic ear in the season six reveal scene doesn't match what is seen in her Twitter post.

A castle which will appear in at least three episodes looks like it may likely serve as a Highgarden filming location, perhaps in close proximity to the Lannister/Targaryen clash I previously mentioned.

Actor Ben Crompton—who plays Dolorous Edd—confirmed in an interview that he was back on set and filming for season seven. A snowy set has been constructed for several scenes, but it's unclear if the location is to serve as somewhere near Castle Black, or perhaps closer to Winterfell.

Updated 12/16/16: Some set filming for King's Landing was done in Dubrovnik involving a snow machine—which means we'll probably see snow start to fall in King's Landing during the season finale.

Confirming earlier speculations, Trujillo Castle will serve as two locations this season—Highgarden and Casterly Rock. Jaime and Bronn will lead a Lannister raid on the Tyrells, while Grey Worm and the Unsullied reportedly will storm the stronghold of the Lannisters.

Updated 1/16/17: A large contingent of the Game of Thrones crew recently spent a couple of weeks near the gorgeous Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. With other primary cast members also spotted in Iceland, it seems we're getting some gorgeous views from beyond the Wall in the upcoming season.

Updated 4/24/17: A black sand beach in Iceland looks like it'll serve as a landing point for the "wight capture" expedition, probably near the Night's Watch castle of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. Additionally, the "Freefolk" subreddit has come through again, with an album of leaked set photos provided by /u/KaySen762. They include pictures of a bedroom interior at Winterfell, a courtyard at what is likely Casterly Rock, Unsullied standing next to Euron's ship The Silence, Lannister soldiers at the same set, a wight, and what looks like a small wildling army with Jon Snow and the Hound ready to attack.

Tobias Menzies—who plays Edmure Tully—was in Belfast filming, which gives us some good indications that he still has a role to play besides rotting in Walder Frey's dungeons—perhaps after Arya rescues him (if my theory holds true).

The precocious (and somewhat scary) Lady Lyanna Mormont returns in season seven, as Bella Ramsey has been spotted on set in Northern Ireland. Lord Yohn Royce will also make a return this season, as does wildling leader Tormund, Lord Glover, Thoros of Myr, and the late Ramsay Bolton's maester at Winterfell: Maester Wolkan.

Updated 12/16/16: Sand Snakes Tyene and Ellaria Sand have been spotted filming in Spain, as part of the spoils of victory Euron parades through the streets of King's Landing on his way to lick Cersei's boots. Presumably, this means that the two Sand Snakes Euron ends up killing are Obara and Nymeria.

It appears that Randyll Tarly and his son Dickon—played by newcomer Tom Hopper—will be leading the Tarly contingent of forces on the side of the Lannisters during the big Dothraki ambush scene.

Updated 1/16/17: Paul Kaye (who plays Thoros of Myr) was spotted alongside Gendry in Iceland by some eagle-eyed fans, so it seems the Brotherhood will definitely make its way north and link up with Jon Snow for his mission beyond the Wall.

Additionally, there was a brief sighting of Joseph Mawle (Benjen Stark) hanging out at a dinner in Belfast with Kit Harington, Iain Glen and Kristofer Hivju. Given that these other three cast members have been filming together for scenes north of the Wall, my bet is that we'll see at least a brief reunion between Jon Snow and his uncle Benjen. This could be considerably exciting stuff, because many fan theories believe that Benjen knows about Lyanna and Rhaegar. Could Benjen be the one to tell Jon about his true parentage?

Updated 4/24/17: Mark Gatiss has confirmed that his character, Iron Bank representative Tycho Nestoris, will return in season seven. This could be an interesting development for Cersei (or Daenerys and Jon if he meets them instead), because as we know, the Iron Bank will have its due. Even more intriguing, Gatiss says, "I've done four episodes now and there's two more they think." Thus far, Tycho Nestoris has been in two previous episodes of Thrones, and Watchers on the Wall says that Gatiss is supposed to appear in two episodes this season. If that's correct, then it seems that Nestoris will not only survive this season, but also play a role in two additional episodes of season eight.

While his onscreen character of Mag the Mighty was already killed by Ramsay Bolton in season six, we'd be remiss in failing to mention the passing of actor Neil Fingleton at age 36. Fingleton played the giant Mag throughout the series, and his contribution to the show cannot be ignored. Our sincere condolences go out to his friends and family.

Archmaester Ebrose—known for his skill in healing—has been added to the cast. It appears likely he will be played by Jim Broadbent, who you may know as Professor Slughorn from the Harry Potter movies. The backs up the idea that Sam, perhaps with the help of Ebrose, will heal Jorah. Philip O'Sullivan will also play a maester at the Citadel during this season. Megan Parkinson will be playing Alys Karstark—daughter of the late Lord Karstark and sister to the Karstark who took up arms for Ramsay Snow during the Battle of the Bastards.

Joseph Quinn joins the cast as a character named Koner—who does not appear in the A Song of Ice and Fire novels thus far, and Irish actor Paul Ward will play an unknown character this season. There have also been several casting calls for a host of other minor characters to appear in important scenes. Contrary to rumors from earlier this year, Angela Lansbury will not be appearing in Game of Thrones...at least not this season.

Updated 12/16/16: Brendan Morrissey will be playing a new Lord Frey, most likely in the season premiere. Irish actor Rory Dignam has also signed on for an as-yet-unnamed role on the series.

Tom Hopper has joined the cast and been subsequently spotted alongside James Faulkner (Randyll Tarly). It seems likely he's a recast for the part of Sam's younger brother Dickon. The original Dickon actor, Freddie Stroma, is currently unavailable because of his work on the new ABC series Time After Time.

Updated 4/24/17: Jim Broadbent gave some more information about his Archmaester role in an interview with ScreenCrush, revealing that he's indeed an archmaester and he appears in five of the season's episodes, sharing his scenes with John Bradley's Samwell Tarly. While we've previously speculated that Broadbent would be playing the healing master Archmaester Ebrose, it's possible that the show has decided to make this character more important, merging him with the eccentric and mysterious Archmaester Marwyn.

Following a tradition of musical acts making Thrones cameos, the band Bastille will make an appearance as wildlings in the season finale. Mastodon frontman Brent Hinds will return to the show for his second cameo as a wilding wight. Ed Sheeran is also making a cameo appearance, which was orchestrated as a surprise for his super-fan Maisie Williams. Sheeran claims that the part only lasts for about five minutes, and that "I don't die in it." Australian actor Brendan Cowell will play a new Ironborn character named Harrag in three episodes. Ben Fox joins the cast as an unknown character. New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard will cameo as a Lannister military officer who "kills someone, or is killed."

So there you have it—everything we know so far about the upcoming seventh season of Game of Thrones. Jon meets Daenerys and her dragons, Davos brings Gendry back to Dragonstone, Ser Jorah returns to the fold, a battle between Lannisters and Dany's army unfolds, and somehow Jon captures a wight and brings it with Daenerys to King's Landing for a meeting with Cersei. A lot of exciting action is definitely in store for viewers this season, so check back often for updates!

Updated 12/16/16: Don't feel like reading? Here's the a tl;dr version of the biggest revelations since our last update:

Jon, Jorah, Tormund, and the Hound are really going to go catch a wight. Jaime and Bronn take Highgarden and are ambushed by Daenerys and her army on the way back to King's Landing. Arya, Sansa and Bran will reunite at Winterfell, and Littlefinger will keep on being Littlefinger. Sam heals Jorah of his greyscale before leaving Oldtown with Gilly, little Sam, and Heartsbane in tow. Grey Worm will lead an attack on Casterly Rock, and somehow manage to get it on with Missandei. Euron will capture Yara and two of the Sand Snakes, then parade them through King's Landing to offer to Cersei. Cersei and Daenerys both get new throne rooms, and Cersei gets a new set of bodyguards.

Updated 4/24/17: Here's a tl;dr of the updates we've had recently: The wight hunt is definitely happening. Arya and Bran both most likely make it back to Winterfell, and Arya may have her direwolf with her. Sam and Gilly are going to research the legend of the Prince that was Promised, and Jon's going to the crypts, maybe to visit his dead mother. The Hound will make it to the North, Euron is going to do some crazy stuff, and Cersei may get a new boyfriend.

That's a lot of information to digest, but the spoilers are coming hot and heavy almost every day now. The wait for summer 2017's premiere will be excruciating.