Game Of Thrones season 8 has been an extremely long time coming.
But fans can finally catch a glimpse of what’s in store in HBO’s 2019 teaser, released over the weekend.
Featuring snippets from other series – such as Big Little Lies and Veep – the trailer gives GOT enthusiasts clips of Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow and Cersei Lannister going about their business following the collapse of The Wall.
Long time coming: Fans of Game Of Thrones can finally catch a glimpse of what’s in store for season 8, in HBO’s 2019 teaser, released over the weekend
Having been seen disappearing into Daenerys’ cabin at the end of season 7, Jon is seen engrossed in various intense exchanges with the dragon queen, before taking a trip to confront Cersei Lannister.
He is also seen reuniting with Sansa Stark, his half sister – in a moment that will please hardcore fanatics.
There’s sweeping shots of dramatic cliff-edge castles and a scene with a dragon, unleashing its fiery breath on a crew of armour-clad men.
In another clip, a solider falls backwards from some battlements, plunging into a field of fighters.
Drama-fueled: A scene with a dragon, unleashing its fiery breath on a crew of armour-clad men, features in the teaser
What a tease: The trailer gives GOT enthusiasts clips of Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow and Cersei Lannister going about their business following the collapse of The Wall
Snow going back: What will become of Jon’s stake to the Throne?
Threats: The series has been pegged as ‘the bloodiest yet’
Cersei kicks off the entire trailer for HBO by asking Tyrion: ‘Shall we begin?’
Jon is seen asking Daenerys ‘what happens now?’ to which she responds: ‘Something extraordinary.’
‘There is only one war that matters,’ Jon says as he paces before Cersei.
‘We will fact it together,’ she responds.
At which Daenerys is seen simply uttering the word ‘dracarys’ – suggesting she’s set to unleash all manner of hell via her beloved dragons, following the death and transformation to a Wight of Viserion.
Setting the scene: There’s sweeping shots of dramatic cliff-edge castles
Ready to fight? Game Of Thrones is expected to return to screens in early 2019 – although it’s still not clear precisely when
Tragedy: In another clip, a solider falls backwards from some battlements, plunging into a field of fighters
Game Of Thrones is expected to return to screens in early 2019 – although it’s still not clear precisely when.
In the past, the show has been back in March or April, but all bets seem to be off for the last ever run.
But fans may have to wait even longer to see the return of the fantasy drama, after visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer revealed that the crew has just now started working on the Emmy-nominated series.
‘In two years we’ll be eligible for the season 8 work,’ he said during an interview with Huffington Post, ‘which we’re just beginning now.’
Sisterly love: Jon is also seen reuniting with Sansa Stark, his half sister – in a moment that will please hardcore fanatics
Coming soon: In the past, the show has been back in March or April, but all bets seem to be off for the last ever run. There will be just six episodes in season 8.
Bauer was referring to Emmy consideration, with a May 31 cut-off date to be eligible for an award at the 2019 telecast.
‘We’re going to be toiling away on season 8 until May of 2019, so it’s eight or nine months away,’ he added.
It’s noted that the Emmy’s have made exceptions for ‘hanging episodes’ which air after the time frame which can still be considered for an award.
In more promising news, Bauer admitted ‘he’s blocked off his schedule until next May’ for Game of Thrones work, which will include filming a prequel.
Confrontation: Jon takes a trip to confront Cersei Lannister
New bond? Having been seen disappearing into Daenerys’ cabin at the end of season 7, Jon is seen engrossed in various intense exchanges with the dragon queen
‘The prequel is starting to shoot in February, at least the pilot,’ he said. ‘So we’ll still have quite a lot to do on season 8 when they’re beginning.
‘So much of it comes down to timing and all that stuff. The situation changes every week. I know I’m not doing anything else but ‘Thrones’ until May of next year.’
Season 7 premiered on HBO on July 16, 2017 with seven episodes, three shy of its usual format.
The eighth and final season of the hit show based on George R. R. Martin writings will have only six episodes.