X

Scouring the 'Game of Thrones' Season 5 trailer for clues (pictures)

The trailer has landed! And after a bit of freaking out, we've dissected some noteworthy shots. Who's that bearded wonder? And is that another dragon?!? Caution: possible major spoilers ahead.

Caitlin Petrakovitz
Caitlin Petrakovitz studies the Marvel Cinematic Universe like it's a course in school, with an emphasis on the Infinity Saga years. As an audience expert, she rarely writes but when she does it's most certainly about Star Trek, Marvel, DC, Westworld, San Diego Comic-Con and great streaming properties. Or soccer, that's a thing she loves, too.
Caitlin Petrakovitz
candles.jpg
1 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Lannister twins

Warning: spoilers ahead for those who want to go into the new season of "Game of Thrones"  completely...unsullied.

The official HBO trailer for Season 5 of "Game of Thrones" dropped Friday, so of course we had to go through it screen by screen, over and over again. Here are just a few scenes that caught our eye, along with some impressions and guesses from CNET copy editor and "Game of Thrones" nerd Caitlin Petrakovitz.

The trailer opens with Cersei and Jaime standing, presumably at Tywin's funeral, as a voice (Brienne of Tarth) says, "Nothing is more hateful than failing to protect the one you love." A weird mashup and one that makes me hope and wish for a Brienne-Jamie reunion sooner rather than later.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

sansa.jpg
2 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Be strong, Sansa

"There's no justice in this world unless we make it," Littlefinger tells a crying Sansa Stark. "Avenge them." But where are the duo? How come Sansa isn't hanging out in the Eyrie as the de facto Lady of the Vale? And what about that epically enticing interview by actress Sophie Turner?

"There was one scene that I did do which was super, super traumatic, and I love doing those scenes," the actress said. "It was just really kind of horrible for everyone to be on set and watch."

I can't wait to feel terribly uncomfortable when the new season of "Game of Thrones" starts on April 12.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

whip.jpg
3 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Nymeria Sand

One of our first looks at Jessica Henwick as Nymeria Sand -- and with a whip! That girl looks dangerous, and I could not be more excited to glimpse Dorne this season.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

wedding.jpg
4 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Another weddding

In front of King's Landing (and a very unhappy Cersei) Tommen Lannister and Margaery Tyrell marry.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

varystyrion.jpg
5 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Varys and Tyrion: A buddy comedy

"You could help another climb those steps and take that seat," Varys tells Tyrion. Hopefully this means we'll hear more about the prophecy of...well, any of them.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

beard.jpg
6 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Tyrion as kinslayer, Kingslayer

After Tyrion travels across the Narrow Sea, we expect to see him make his way toward the Mother of Dragons, however that may happen. Can we still expect to see Griff, Young Griff and the gang?

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

forest.jpg
7 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Two girls in the forest?

OK, at first I thought this could be Margery and a handmaid, but why, and where could they be? Then I realized: What if we're seeing a flashback to Jeyne Poole and Sansa Stark? This seems more in line with the Bolton storyline and the quick glimpse we catch later of Reek (or is he Theon again?).

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

gladiator.jpg
8 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Jorah Mormont

Looks like Jorah Mormont is...fighting in the Pit? As a gladiator?

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

cobrathingie.x-ms-bmp
9 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Sand snakes

A message from Dorne -- or perhaps a reminder to play nice while the Martells "host" Myrcella Lannister.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

fire.jpg
10 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Funeral pyre

Melisandre lights up a pyre. Is this her burning Mance Rayder??

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

doors.jpg
11 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

House of Black and White

Arya Stark, after saying the words to a Braavosi ship captain, finally makes it to Braavos and the House of Black and White. She picks up Needle, and we can't wait to see what happens next.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

xx.jpg
12 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

X marks the men

Look at all those flayed men in the North! Our newest father-son team Ramsay and Roose Bolton must be preparing for war.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

maskedfighting.jpg
13 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Shavepates?

Are these the Brazen Beasts of Meereen?!?!? Those gold masks (are those locusts?) coupled with the fact that they sure are sacking the city like it's their job, makes me think they are.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

fight.jpg
14 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Daznak's Pit

See Daenerys in the center? Could this be our return of Drogon in Daznak's Pit?

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

statue.jpg
15 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Bronze harpy

The bronze harpy at the top of the pyramid of Meereen is pulled down...perhaps by the Sons of the Harpy??

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

dragon.jpg
16 of 16 HBO screenshot by Leslie Katz/CNET

Drogon!

The prodigal son returns! The mother of Dragons will be so happy...for a bit.

Related article: Lust! Betrayal! First full trailer for Season 5 of 'Game of Thrones' is now official

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos