'Game of Thrones' season 7 release date, plot news: New promotional photos released

HBO has released a new set of promotional photos to tease fans about the upcoming seventh season of "Game of Thrones."

One photo shows Sandor Clegane, also known as The Hound (Rory McCann), riding a horse amid a wintery setting. Behind him are what appear to be mounted armored men. Independent theorizes that this could indicate that he has decided to join the Brotherhood Without Banners, which invited him to join them.

Another image shows Jon Snow (Kit Harington) seemingly in the Stark crypt with a pensive look on his face. Ser Davos (Liam Cunningham) seems to continue his service to the new King of the North, with him decked in a winter fur coat in a different photo. Meanwhile, in another image, Jon's friend Samwell Tarley (John Bradley) appears to be writing something while Gilly (Hannah Murray) is reading a book.

Last season's scene stealer Lyanna Mormont (Bella Ramsey) will again join the cast in the seventh season. She is shown in a familiar setting: speaking in front of several men from the North. However, what is ominous about the photo of her is that Lord Petyr Baelish, also known as Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen), at the background with a smirk on his face. He is also shown in another photo with Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), with the two looking at something below them.

Another photo is that of Meera Reed (Ellie Kendrick) looking tired as she drags a sled with Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) across a snowy field. Given that the two seem to be alone again, it might mean that Benjen Stark (Joseph Mawle) has left them once again, which can prove dangerous given the presence of White Walkers and other threats behind the Wall. Meanwhile, Bran's sister, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), is shown in a tavern with an expression that seems to indicate that she is listening to someone. Express speculates that she could be hearing Ed Sheeran's character playing.

Twins and lovers Cersei (Lena Headey) and Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) Lannister have finally been reunited, but it does not seem that either one is pleased with their reunion, given the photo they are in. On the other hand, their grim expressions may also be due to what they are looking at.

Fans of the Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju) and Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) pairing will be pleased to know that the two will be sharing a scene once again in season 7. Tormund seems to be looking up at Brienne with a smile on his face. Brienne has her back against the camera, so it is unclear if she is as happy as the Wildling in seeing him again.

Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is also shown in one of the promotional photos. What is notable about her photo is her clothes, which are much thicker than what she is usually seen wearing, indicative that she is already in Westeros and feeling the effects of winter. She is seen standing in the hall, which might be the throne room at Dragonstone. Varys (Conleth Hill) is similarly attired in another photo.

Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) is also shown in another photo with an unreadable expression. He is wearing the sign of the Hand. Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) is also shown in a different promotional image.

Season 7 of "Game of Thrones" will premiere on July 16 on HBO.

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