Because HBO's "Game of Thrones" diverged from the storyline of its source material, author George R.R. Martin's book series "A Song of Ice and Fire," fans have no idea about what is coming to the show's eighth season. However, there are some hints that may satisfy the curiosity of some.
Each season of "Game of Thrones" came out in consecutive years — for the first seven seasons, at least. Season 8, the show's last season, was thus expected to come out this year. However, the production delayed the season's release, with HBO announcing that the show will return in April 2019 with six episodes.
The show's first six seasons had 10 episodes each, and season 7 had seven episodes.
HBO executive Casey Bloys told Entertainment Weekly that the show's last season will feature big battle scenes that require special effects. Thus, the production decided to allocate more time to filming and editing to make sure that they produce their best work.
It indeed looks as though the production is including big battle scenes in season 8. The website Watchers on the Wall, which tracks the "Game of Thrones" production, published photos of the locations used in the production. It seems that one location, which represents the castle of Winterfell on the show, was the site of a huge and deadly battle. Another location, meanwhile, may be the site of a fiery clash, because controlled tests reportedly took place there.
Although this upcoming season is the show's last, it was also revealed that the show will introduce new characters. According to Watchers on the Wall, HBO was casting for seven new roles in the show.
One role might be that of a mercenary called Harry Strickland, who in the books was the leader of a mercenary group called the Golden Company. At the end of last season, it was revealed that Queen Cersei (Lena Headey) commanded Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk) to bring the Golden Company to Westeros in a bid to augment her military might.
While these roles are new, they are likely quite small. Thus, they probably will not impact the tide of the story so far. However, it may be interesting to see how the addition of mercenaries to Cersei's army will help her in her efforts to seize control of Westeros once and for all.
Even though the popular show is ending, HBO may have some good news for "Game of Thrones" fans. There are reportedly five "Game of Thrones" spinoff shows in the works, which HBO may release a year after the original series ends.
