Monday, October 31, 2016
The Game of Thrones directors-episode line-up for season 7!
The directors line-up for Game of Thrones season 7 has offered something of a puzzle, as the official announcement in June provided only names, no details, this year. EW announced that Jeremy Podeswa, Mark Mylod, Alan Taylor and Matt Shakman would be helming episodes for season 7, but fans were left wondering which director would be handling which of the seven episodes. A few days ago, a source came through with a few more details, and today we’re happy to tell you, we’re able to fill out the rest of the list.
Without further ado, here is the director-episode line-up for season 7:
Episode 1: Jeremy Podeswa
Episode 2: Mark Mylod
Episode 3: Mark Mylod
Episode 4: Matt Shakman
Episode 5: Matt Shakman
Episode 6: Alan Taylor
Episode 7: Jeremy Podeswa
As we reported last week, Podeswa, a Thrones veteran, is opening up and finishing out the season. That means there’s two episodes for the new guy Shakman (who I still think of as J.R. Lubbock but I’m hoping season 7 will change that), and two for returning Thrones director Mark Mylod, who handled two episodes apiece in seasons 5 and 6.
Alan Taylor, who helped develop GoT‘s visual style with his incredible work in “Baelor,” in the season 1 finale “Fire and Blood,” and in four episodes throughout season 2 is taking on just one episode. However it’s the ever-important second-to-last episode of the season.
Thoughts on the line-up this year?
The post The Game of Thrones directors-episode line-up for season 7! appeared first on Watchers on the Wall.
Via http://watchersonthewall.com
Surprising Actors Arriving in Seville To Film Game of Thrones Season 7
Filming for Game of Thrones Season 7 rolls from one Spanish location to the next, as a surprising arrival in Seville suggests spoilers may be true. Though we may have left the far more accessible areas of Zumaia and the surrounding beaches, the next Spanish location of Seville has other useful qualities. Such as being a much larger city, where running into actors and getting pictures is far easier for our intrepid fans. And that includes shots of at least one actor whose appearance in this location suggests rumored spoiler may be coming to life.
Turn back now if you don’t want to know these things.
I knew the moment had arrived
For spoiling the show and coming back to life
I took a heavenly ride through our spoilers
I knew the waiting had begun
And headed straight into the shining sun
To hell with your spoilers.
The first major arrival in Seville this week for filming come to us via ABCSeville. And though the rumors that the filming in this area, which includes the Ruins of Italica which stand in for The Dragon Pit in King’s Landing, is that the scene would feature Dany returning home, it’s not Emilia Clarke who fans got a picture with.
It’s Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, AKA Jaime Lannister.
DIOS QUE ME MUERO ME ACABO DE ENCONTRAR CON NIKOLAJ ACÁ JAIME LANNISTER ESTOY EN COMA pic.twitter.com/vuXNpVirqW
— badland$ (@tonsmidgetcake) October 30, 2016
NCW is big into posing with fans–he did it a lot during the Season 5 filming in the same city.
Nikolaj en Sevilla
pic.twitter.com/EYDHbbw6i0
— Juego de Tronos™ (@JuegoDeTronosTM) October 30, 2016
So does that mean the rumors are wrong? Is this scene in King’s Landing about the lannister clan? Well, one might think that, if it weren’t for other actors spotted as well:
@Los7Reinos algunos de los actores están en Sevilla, foto tomada ayer de Iain Glen. pic.twitter.com/pn9jb3VJ36
— Emilio Diaz (@EmilioDiaz87) October 30, 2016
Yup, that’s Iain Glenn. Which suggests that the rumored spoiler that Dany’s crew and the Lannister crew are going to meet here. The quest then remains: are the rest of the rumors true? Will Dany and Tyrion, plus Brienne and Davos and Jon Snow’s team also show up? Is this really the big “all the main characters together at least” moment?
We don’t know for sure. But we do have pictures of them all at the Bilbao airport leaving Zumaia together….and supposedly heading to the same destination.
So we've got Emilia, Nathalie, Kit, Colenth, Alfie and Liam all leaving Bilbao today. Destination, Sevilla pic.twitter.com/mhMmNOdvLu
— dragon's daughter (@yeahclarke) October 30, 2016
We were only a few metress from them but we didn't bother them. So sad they're leaving
pic.twitter.com/IXjIlSKMdk
— +DanielitaDragons+ (@insanejenn_) October 30, 2016
IS IT REALLY ALL HAPPENING?! Feel free to start freaking the hell out in the comments.
Via http://winteriscoming.net/2016/10/31/surprising-actors-arriving-seville-film-game-thrones-season-7/
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Game of Thrones Season 7 Wraps in Zumaia, Preps for Malpartida
Good morning! It’s Game of Thrones final day on the beach, filming in the Zumaia area. For those in Spain who can get down there, today is the day that tourists can visit the set of Dragonstone close up, once the crew clears out. We’re looking forward to those pictures. you guys! Tag us!
Meanwhile, yesterday was the last full day of filming, and The Daily Mail was there! You know what that means: Sunday morning spoilers, coming down.
On a Sunday morning sidewalk,
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was spoiled.
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a fangirl feel alone.
And there’s nothing short a’ dying
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalk
And Sunday morning spoilers coming down.
The spoilers taste funny
Are you sure you want to see? Ok, grab your coffee and bagel and let’s get to it.
New images of Dany and her crew from The Daily Mail! pic.twitter.com/jHuprtpk2t
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
These pictures actually look to be from a couple of days back, the serious takes after Emilia Clarke and company stopped fooling around and dancing on the set.
Jon Snow nowhere in sight! Instead they are down on the beach, heading…where? pic.twitter.com/8Tg4D9fMAk
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
I know they film scenes out of order…so frustrating! pic.twitter.com/Q0nIPqwb8A
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
It is! But that doesn’t mean that watching the video isn’t worth it.
Emilia Clarke with Peter Dinklage filming Game of Thrones in Spain https://t.co/5CpyFuDCpl
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
Moving on to the new stuff! Someone is having a bad day. Like, Daniel Powter oughta write a song about it level bad day.
Meanwhile, Theon's bad day continues…. pic.twitter.com/8QhjNAK7as
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
First we saw him being manhandled by Jon…. now… Ouch! pic.twitter.com/jAz46RR4Ig
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
Yep, that’s the sight of Ironborn beating the crap out of Theon Greyjoy, not unlike we saw last in Season 2. Of course, we know how that turned out for the Ironborn who thought handing him over to Ramsay Snow would get them a ticket home. For the sake of those following Dany, let’s hope this beating Theon is taking doesn’t bring similar results for the Ironborn involved.
(Don't worry, it's not actually Alfie, I'm pretty sure it's his stunt double.) pic.twitter.com/cQFM6naohf
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
Why are the Ironborn beating him? Where is Yara? Could he have left her to die?!? pic.twitter.com/MlaBAzB1Iu
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
So why is Theon taking a beating? And why isn’t Yara there to protect him? Well, the rumor is that “a Greyjoy” will be captured by Euron in a naval battle. Further speculation on reddit suggests it’s Yara who is taken, and that Theon basically jumps overboard and saves himself, rather than go down honorably with the ship, or face further capture and torture.
Theon is having a *very* bad day pic.twitter.com/DnlbwTr58p
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
We know how the Ironborn feel about dishonor. They’re rather Klingon-y in that department. Such a move would disgrace Theon even further than his um, circum….stances, have done in the eyes of Yara’s men.
See the white haired guy on the way left? That's Jeremy Podeswa! He's rumored to be directing S7 premiere&finale… guessing this is latter! pic.twitter.com/QDxCkoyK1r
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
This is a very interesting note, as it is heavily rumored that Podeswa is directing the first and last episodes this season. I would have assumed this to be a mid season scene, if it wasn’t for that. Personally I’m not sure it’s the finale either…could Yara’s ship go down so early on though?
Meanwhile, as the October ends and November shooting begins, the production will next head to the ruins of Italica (through November 12th), followed by a two day stint filming what’s rumored to be a battle scene at Malpartida de Caceres (November 14th&15th). Los Siete Reinos has a picture from the set up for that potential battle (or ambush) scene.
Via @LosSieteReinos! Love these behind the scenes pics! pic.twitter.com/HeJTcxUaBQ
— Purrbot (@PurrbotKitty) October 30, 2016
And lest we forget! While all this excitement is happening in Spain, filmings is still grinding away up in Ireland too!
@WiCnet Recent set construction in Moneyglass, Northern Ireland. pic.twitter.com/kOlbN0CxgW
— Darren McElvogue (@DarrenMcElvogue) October 29, 2016
Moneyglass, as we know, has stood in for Winterfell for season after season. And that looks very Winterfell-ish if you ask us….
Via http://winteriscoming.net/2016/10/30/game-of-thrones-season-7-wraps-in-zumaia-preps-for-malpartida/
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Game of Thrones in Southern Spain — A Pre-Filming Dates & Spoilers Roundup
Itálica’s amphitheater in Santiponce, Seville
As filming wrapped up today in Zumaia and the entire Basque Country, the juggernaut that is the Game of Thrones production moves south to Seville, Córdoba and Cáceres. Many in the community have been asking questions about the relevant dates. In this report, we provide you with any and all information we have on these shoots, including a few new pieces of information, all gathered together for your convenience, and warm you up for filming in the sunny side of Spain, which takes off on Tuesday, November 1st.
There is a lot of overlap between location dates, but production doesn’t equal filming. Consequently, our best estimates as to where and when actual filming commences down there would be on November 1st, continuing for half a month, in Andalusia. Extras will be needed between the 1st and 12th, all of them men —That is, all of them soldiers.
The Dragonpit of King’s Landing depicted by Franz Miklis for Fantasy Flight Games
Taking only part of the weekend and Monday off to prepare, this coming Tuesday filming will likely begin in the amphitheater of Itálica, shown in all its glory at the top of the article. We are pretty sure of its purpose, which is something we cannot claim for any other location. In all likelihood, the remains of this almost 2000-year old gladiatorial arena will depict the ruins of the formerly great Dragonpit in King’s Landing. The Targaryen dragons lived here for many years —Until they all came to a horrific end.
Photograph by @GuiArteSVQ
These ancient ruins, near modern Santiponce, have been closed down for two weeks now and will remain shut until November 12th, and that is because preparations were extensive. So extensive, in fact, that there were more than 400 technical staff involved. Aside from the hundreds of props brought in to make the ruins look even more ruinous, the production built a platform over the wide central opening in the amphitheater, used in ancient times to harbor the “entertainers” before they ascended to the arena. The narrow channels that lead to this underground area remain open, though staircases have been put in place there leading to the new elevated central podium.
Adjunct to Itálica there will be a brief shoot in the nearby city of Seville, in particular at the “Atarazanas Reales” or Royal Shipyards, which will also perform as the Dragonpit.
So, what events should we expect in this famous King’s Landing ruin? We don’t know much about what will happen, but we are certain that many if not most of the main characters of Game of Thrones will be present in this fateful scene, including the likes of Dany, Missandei, Davos, and Brienne. We can confirm there will be many others.
Almodóvar del Río Castle, in Córdoba, Andalusia
Next off, in Andalusia we find the Almodóvar del Río Castle, in Córdoba, which will be closed from November 4th to the 16th, though filming will only take place for a week, possibly between the 9th and the 15th. This may be the most confusing location yet: The interior (which is where they will actually shoot) is quite cramped, and there is a mixture of architectural styles, some of them modern. Whatever this Muslim-built castle may end up being in the story, we suspect it may be a recurring location. Three directors visited the site: Jeremy Podeswa (director of the premiere and the finale), Mark Mylod (who directs episode two at least) and Matt Shakman (in charge of episode five.) Remember: This season will only have seven episodes directed by four men.
Production will travel west from Andalusia to Extremadura, in the Cáceres province. The initial casting call for extras required them to be available in Cáceres city, Trujillo or Malpartida from November 14th to December 15th. However, a newer call for extras sought people for the longer period between October 31st and December 12th. The discrepancy may exist because this month and a half of filming appears to apply to the entire province, while the shorter period may exclusively be about Malpartida. Interestingly, Cáceres is the only region asking for women too, which means we’ll see some civilians as well as soldiers in Cáceres city and perhaps Trujillo.
Plaza de las Veletas in Cáceres city, Cáceres
The Medieval Old Town of Cáceres doesn’t look unlike Malta, Dubrovnik or Girona, all of which depicted the capital. In all likelihood Cáceres City is King’s Landing. The locations are the Plaza de las Veletas and the Plaza Mayor, including its towers. These streets will admit 450 extras, which points to a populated King’s Landing sequence.
Plaza Mayor in Cáceres city, Cáceres
Torre de Bujaco in Plaza Mayor, Cáceres city
Torre de los Púlpitos in Plaza Mayor, Cáceres city
Game of Thrones will be at Trujillo Castle from the 7th to the 17th, though cameras will only roll for three days, at least according to an earlier report. Plans might have changed and the scene extended. The cast will shoot with 100 extras on the castle’s courtyard:
Courtyard at the Castillo de Trujillo, Cáceres
Now, let’s finish off with Malpartida, the most intriguing location of them all. It’s not only the last to be invaded by the series but it will also undergo the longest shoot. A municipality in the province of Cáceres, Malpartida is best known for its natural monument, Los Barruecos. The dreamlike lake will be involved, but to a lesser extent than previously thought. Los Siete Reinos retracted their report that a main character would fall into the water. Apparently, that was about a different show altogether.
Los Barruecos de Arriba, Malpartida, Cáceres
In fact, the large majority of the one-month filming at Malpartida will actually take place in the nearby, privately-owned, much less visually striking land of Las Breñas:
Las Breñas in Malpartida, Cáceres
Game of Thrones will put 500 extras to work in Malpartida, which is only rivaled by the award-winning Battle of the Bastards, which also underwent a month-long production. There is a reason for the Las Breñas shoot to be the longest, despite it being just an empty field. Remember Saintfield, where the Battle of the Bastards was filmed? Expect the sequence at Las Breñas to be the equivalent large battle in season seven.
Are you hyped yet? If not, there is plenty more to know. The battle will be an ambush. The aggressors seem to be the Targaryens —In particular, this attack will be led by Daenerys and at least one of her dragons, followed by her Dothraki horde, judging by the casting call and the search for horses. Considering where we left off the story last season, the army under attack have to be the Lannisters, and indeed we know one of them will be present, probably Jaime. The Lannisters will be returning home with wagons full of goods that they grabbed from a castle, which of course will be inserted in the background via the usual VFX magic. As for what stronghold this will be, that has not been confirmed yet, but the look of area points to somewhere in Dorne or the Reach. Yesterday, Los Siete Reinos gave us an exclusive look at some of the rickety wagons:
Photograph by Francis Villegas for Los Siete Reinos
When will we get to watch this impressive-sounding battle? Thankfully, Mark Mylod was spotted scouting the area. As well as the second episode, he may also be involved in either episode three or four, neither of which we have been able to attach a director to yet. So, unconventionally, this southern battle will take place in the mid-season.
If you have somehow survived this roundup of conflicting dates and weird-sounding names, congratulations! Just in case, here is a recap on the production dates:
Andalusia: November 1 – November 12 (for extras)
- Itálica: October 17 – November 12 (Filming only for the final week.)
- Almodóvar del Río Castle: November 4th – November 16th.
- Seville’s Royal Shipyards: Specific dates unknown.
Cáceres: October 31st – December 12th (for extras)
- Old Town of Cáceres: Specific dates unknown.
- Trujillo Castle: November 7th – November 17th (Filming only for three days.)
- Malpartida: November 14th – December 15th.
Now, I am aware this report will welcome speculation and comparisons to possible leaks, but please limit yourselves to healthy speculation based on the spoilers reported on Watchers on the Wall and move any leak-related discussion to the forums.
The post Game of Thrones in Southern Spain — A Pre-Filming Dates & Spoilers Roundup appeared first on Watchers on the Wall.
Via http://watchersonthewall.com
“A girl has many names on her lips”: Can Arya abandon her quest for revenge?
CAUTION: This post contains SPOILERS for Game of Thrones Season 7
“I have a hole where my heart should be, she thought, and nowhere else to go.”
– Arya Stark, A Feast for Crows
Arya Stark was once named by George R.R. Martin as one of five key characters originally intended to survive to the end of A Song of Ice and Fire. Considered alone, that doesn’t mean much. The series was once meant to be a trilogy, according to Martin’s original outline. Sansa was set to have Joffrey’s child. Arya herself was to be the center of a love triangle between Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. Things have changed since Martin started writing the books, and it’s possible that this information no longer holds true.
However, the show has now pulled ahead of Martin’s novels. The four other characters who were supposed to live to the end—Bran, Jon, Tyrion, and Daenerys—have become crucial to the overarching story. In fact, all of them are currently more important to the plot than Arya, who’s on a very personal revenge mission. But there’s still time, and Arya, as one of Martin’s original key players, will likely have a bigger role to play than that of the lone assassin.
Recent photographs taken on the set of Season 7 show actress Maisie Williams wearing a new costume reminiscent of the clothes Eddard Stark used to wear. The general consensus is that Arya will return to Winterfell at some point next year. Mine is that she will give up on her desire for vengeance to do so, and that vengeance itself is a pit stop on the road to a higher purpose.
The Stark Identity
There’s a lot more to Arya Stark than tomboyish tendencies, a big mouth, and excellent kill-stats. When pondering her future plans, it’s vital to note that revenge was not always her priority. Her decisions are usually informed by emotion, but she also holds high ideals of justice and truth, as the Starks generally do. As Arya has grown, her ideals and identity have been damaged by trauma, but she has demonstrated a strong moral center even in more recent times. The girl who left Winterfell is not the same girl who killed Walder Frey, but she is not entirely lost, either.
Throughout the series, Arya has demonstrated a lack of tolerance for liars. She frequently calls others out for dishonesty and hypocrisy without fear. Sansa, Joffrey, Beric Dondarrion, Melisandre, and the Hound have all borne the brunt of Arya’s outrage after falling short of her standards. In Joffrey’s case, Arya angrily abused him in front of his parents even though the consequences of insulting a royal are generally grave. (“The Kingsroad.”) This indicates that Arya possesses a reckless kind of bravery, but also proves how much she values honesty, a Stark ideal. Even though she can lie to protect herself, her general inclination is to be upfront. Falseness, in short, does not suit her.
Arya is also a compassionate person. We see this best in Season 2, when Jaqen H’ghar offered to kill any three people she named. Arya could have sought vengeance against any number of parties, but her first action was to save the captives of Harrenhal from further torture at the hands of the Tickler. Her instinct is generally to protect innocent victims or avenge them if she fails. As we see with characters like Mycah and Lommy, that urge to protect carries on long after the victim is gone.
Finally, Arya is a character who loves her family. Finding them was once her top priority, so much so that she turned down Jaqen H’ghar’s original offer to join him in Braavos. (“Valar Morghulis.”) She is often moved by a desire to protect her loved ones, as seen when she rushed to protect her father at his execution with little concern for her own safety, and tried to do the same for her mother and brother at the Red Wedding. Even when she was furious with Sansa for failing to tell the truth about Joffrey, she still defended her when Cersei ordered the execution of Lady. This protectiveness also extends to characters like Gendry, whom Arya adopted as a surrogate brother. Her desire for family is so strong that she looks for it in people she meets on her travels. These are not the actions of a heartless person.
Both the books and the show explore the theme of identity. They have plenty of opportunity when it comes to Arya, a character who goes by many names. “Your name is?” Robert Baratheon asks upon meeting her for the first time. (“Winter is Coming.”) This question, posed only to her, set her season-to-season arc in motion. Six seasons in, and Arya’s identity as a Stark is still the driving force behind her decisions.
The Hound
The events of the Red Wedding sent Arya into a downward spiral of blood-soaked retribution. Sandor Clegane, her captor at the time, oversaw this transition, and acted as both a negative and positive influence.
Assuming the role of a (somewhat inept) father, the Hound introduced Arya to a more brutal world. He actively encouraged her to enjoy killing, often imparting his own brand of pessimistic wisdom during violent situations. This back-and-forth evolved into a strong familial bond, with Arya taking advice from him and even tending to a wound on his neck. On Sandor’s part, he continued to protect her even after he stood no chance of selling her to a relative.
Arya: “I don’t need saving.”
The Hound: “No, not you. You’re a real killer, with your water dancing, and your Needle.”
The Hound says this to Arya after Brienne badly wounds him in their fight. There’s a striking amount of affection in there. He was, after all, dying of wounds sustained during a fight for her safety. Offered the chance to finally finish him off, Arya left him to succumb to his injuries.
Arya’s decision at this point speaks to her true nature. The Hound had killed her friend Mycah, and logic dictated that she would avenge him. She decided against it because the bond she and the Hound had formed meant more to her than his place on her list. And yet, in her mind, leaving him there to die fulfilled her obligation to Mycah while staying true to her own code. Family—even surrogate family—took precedence over vengeance.
To Braavos
After saying goodbye to Jaqen in the finale of Season 2, it took Arya another two seasons—and two more dead relatives—before she hopped on a ship to Braavos. The implications of her leaving Westeros were clear—she was giving up hope of finding her siblings and making revenge her primary focus. Where before, her desire to go home had driven her, the lust for vengeance brought her to the House of Black and White. Honesty and protectiveness had given way to the desire to cause pain.
By that point, all Arya cared about was her list, and what she could do to improve her chances of completing it. In short, she had forgotten what was truly important. Considering this, it’s no surprise that Jaqen ordered her to discard her identity upon arrival.
The correlation between abandoning both family and identity is difficult to ignore. Although she didn’t forget herself completely—Needle isn’t sitting at the bottom of the bay, after all—focusing solely on revenge meant living in opposition to the Stark way of life. The mutilation of Meryn Trant is an example of this. The man who passes the sentence must swing the sword, but the brutality of his murder went beyond a simple act of justice.
Objectively, blindness seems like a trade-in for the mutilation of Trant’s eyes, but it represents something deeper. Arya had literally lost sight of who she was. The physical handicap Jaqen inflicted upon her was a poetic reflection of the fact.
The Importance of Lady Crane
Lady Crane: “Do you like pretending to be other people?”
Arya: “I have to go, my father’s waiting for me.”
Arya despises liars and hypocrites as fervently as she hates those who harm the innocent. Had she followed through on Jaqen’s order to assassinate Lady Crane, she would have become all three. Ignoring her most dearly held principles would have severed all remaining ties to the Stark ethos of justice and fair play. No task could have proved more difficult.
It makes sense that Jaqen ordered her to do it. At that point, the most Arya had done to become No One was divest herself of material possessions. The actual process is more complicated, and involves a complete shutdown of personality, morals, and emotions. Such an act would have brought Arya closer to actually becoming No One than anything else she had accomplished in Braavos. Faced with such a prospect, Arya chose to do what Arya Stark does as a rule. She chose to expose the scheming Bianca, protecting Lady Crane and throwing herself in the line of fire.
True, when she went against Jaqen’s orders, Arya was aware that she had a particular skill that she could use against the Waif, the woman Jaqen sent to assassinate her. But she had no way of knowing that she would succeed in the fight for her life. The decision she made was brave, worthy of admiration and worthy of the name of Stark. To those who believe that Arya is nothing more than a heartless killer, consider that she could not harm an innocent woman. Consider that she was prepared to face death in order to do the right thing.
The Frey Pie Problem
Upon returning to Westeros, Arya murdered Walder Frey, but not before killing two of his sons and taking Hot Pie’s musings on a full-bodied gravy far too literally.
Killing a man and baking him into a pie is pretty disgusting, and it’s worrying that Arya would do it. However, we recall the story of the Rat Cook, recounted by Bran in the final episode of season three. The Rat Cook was a member of the Night’s Watch who killed the son of a visiting king. He then served the prince to his father in a pie. As both were guests beneath his roof, he acted in defiance of the ancient law of guest right. This breach of hospitality angered the gods more than the murder itself. They cursed the cook, turning him into a giant rat who was only able to eat his young. In Westeros, violating guest right—as Walder had done at the Red Wedding—is unforgivable.
Like Bran, Arya would have heard the story of the Rat Cook as a child. Walder Frey’s last meal was undoubtedly inspired by it. His death, therefore, appears to be an act of justice. Arya is not only punishing him for killing her mother and brother, but for violating a rite held sacred by her family, and her family’s gods.
Walder Frey originally set Arya on her murderous path by orchestrating the Red Wedding. He took two relatives from her, so she took two from him, before swiftly ending his life. By killing him, Arya could simply be bringing a circular plot to its natural end, ending the man who started it, and moving on to bigger and better things.
North over South
Arya has been bearing the cross of bereavement from a young age, but rarely allows herself to grieve. Compare her behavior to her sister’s. Sansa has wept and mourned, which has been mistaken for weakness, but she demonstrates tremendous mental strength, remaining unbroken by her suffering. Arya’s tactic is to channel pain into violence. This has left her emotionally stunted and able to embark on a stomach-churning murder sprees with alarming serenity. If she continued south and eventually crossed every name off her list, what then? Thirteen episodes doesn’t seem enough for her to complete this goal and magically find another calling. With no purpose left and the realization that revenge has not lessened her grief, there would be nothing for her to do but contend with her pain. In terms of the narrative, it would be a weak ending for a strong character.
The answer, for Arya, lies in Winterfell. The loss of her family is what drove her to the darkness, so uniting with them will push her back towards the light. As for her purpose, what better way to leave death behind than to fight for the living? Winter may have brought us a Stark resurgence, but it also brings the White Walkers. Arya left Braavos with advanced skills in swordplay and hand-to-hand combat, as well as the unique ability to fight blind. Those skills may be more befitting an assassin than a soldier, but they can certainly be utilized.
Despite her darkness, Arya remains a character who fights for the innocent. The chance to partake in the wars to come, to protect and be the hero, is one that she would relish. The Starks stand for justice above all else, and her identity is that of a Stark of Winterfell, first and foremost. She told us so herself.
Via http://winteriscoming.net/2016/10/29/a-girl-has-many-names-on-her-lips-can-arya-abandon-her-quest-for-revenge/
Krakens ashore on Game of Thrones’ final day in Zumaia
After the weekend, Game of Thrones filming in Spain will move south to less green pastures in Andalusia and Extremadura. In fact, later today we’ll be bringing you a helpful guide with all the relevant dates and spoilers pertaining to these locations, gathered together in a single report for your convenience. But we’re not there yet, as cameras are still rolling on Itzurun Beach. On the last day of filming in Zumaia and the Basque Country, we are witness to a tense scene involving the Ironborn.
The Daily Mail once again has photos from the day’s filming, containing big spoilers so turn back if you don’t want to be spoiled for Game of Thrones season 7!
As we can see in the new photos, Alfie Allen, as Theon Greyjoy, is taking a beating from the Ironborn men. His sister Yara is still nowhere to be seen. Neither is their uncle Euron. So why are their men turning on Theon? Does Yara’s absence have something to do with it?
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Enter Random House’s sweepstakes to win Game of Thrones prize packs!
It’s not quite Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that gifts aren’t in the offing. Random House recently debuted the George R.R. Martin Box, an elaborate gift package that comes in three varieties, all of them stuff with A Song of Ice and Fire-related goodies. In celebration of this item, the publisher is holding a sweepstakes under which entrants stand to win one of three sets prizes. First prize is:
Hound’s Helm and Lannister Shield from Valyrian Steel (Approximate retail value: $550)
The Hound’s Helm and Lannister Shield are official Game of Thrones licensed products recreated from props used on HBO’s hit fantasy epic. The Hound’s Helm includes a display stand and a certificate of authenticity from a limited edition of 2,500. The Lannister Shield includes a wall mount and a certificate of authenticity from a limited edition of 1,000.
Second prize:
Second prize: Daenerys and Drogon Statue from Dark Horse (Approximate retail value: $425)
Dark Horse Deluxe has turned its skills to Daenerys, selecting an iconic moment of her resting with her dragon Drogon to create an elaborately detailed pre-painted statue from a limited-edition of 750.
And finally, third prize:
Third prize: Arya Stark Statue from Dark Horse (Approximate retail value: $225)
This statue of a wary Arya in the autumn woods is a stirring depiction of one of fiction’s most inspiring young women from a limited edition of 1,200.
To enter, just head here and follow the prompts. Unfortunately, only US residents over the age of 18 are eligible. Check out the official rules for more details.
The contest runs through 8:00 am on November 15 at 8:00 am EST, at which time three winners will be chosen randomly. Happy typing.
Via http://winteriscoming.net/2016/10/29/enter-sweepstakes-win-game-thrones-prize-packs/
Aisling Franciosi on playing Lyanna Stark in The Winds of Winter
Robert Aramayo as Young Ned Stark and Aisling Franciosi as Lyanna Stark. Credit: Helen Sloan/ HBO
Fans were absolutely ecstatic when at long last Lyanna Stark made her Game of Thrones debut last season. Her performance, though short, was incredibly moving and worthy of a bouquet of winter blue roses. Since then, Aisling Franciosi has also appeared alongside Gillian Anderson on Netflix’s series The Fall and dropped by Rotten Tomatoes to discuss the newest season and her Game of Thrones experience.
A newcomer to the world of Westeros, Franciosi touches on the secrecy behind her audition and how quick she watched the series:
I binge-watched, and could say it’s excellent, just an amazing series, and I can see why it’s become such a huge success. In a way, I think I would have been really, really nervous, if I had known how — like, say if I had been a fan, like everyone else, from the books and then, seeing the series before auditioning, I think I would have been mad with the pressure playing her. (Laughs.)
She also reminisces bringing the iconic “Promise me, Ned” scene to life with Rob Aramayo:
I tend to believe you can’t please everyone, but most people really liked it. It was a lovely scene and working with Rob Aramayo, as young Ned Stark, as well. He was really lovely, and great fun to work with, and we got on really well. You know, when you instantly have a short scene with someone, but you’re supposed to have this deep connection with, to find that when you arrive on set, that you guys get along really well, it’s always helpful and reassuring. It comes across on screen.
Franciosi even got to know Jon’s fate a little early as Kit Harington visited his TV mom on set!
Actually, it’s funny, when I was filming the scene, that day on set, Kit Harington was there. I don’t know what he was there for, but, you know — my Mom, or something, or my brother, who all knew that I was there — I hadn’t said what part or what scene or anything about it — if they said, “Did you see anyone, from the cast?” I was like, “No! No, I didn’t.” Because, obviously, the question was still there as to whether he was alive or not. (Laughs.)
Head on over to Rotten Tomatoes to read Franciosi delve into her character Katie in The Fall and you can now stream seasons 1-3 on Netflix!
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Friday, October 28, 2016
Celeb Roundup: Lena Headey in custody battle, GRRM talks Wild Cards, and more
As the world turns, we bring you all things Game of Thrones, big and small.
First up, a judge in LA has ordered Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister) to return to the United States with her six-year-old son, Wylie. According to The Sun, the judge found that Headey violated the terms of a custody agreement with her ex-husband, musician Peter Lougrhan, when she enrolled Wylie in an English school without Lougrhan’s permission. We hope the matter gets resolved peaceably.
In lighter news, George R.R. Martin has a new book out: High Stakes, the latest entry in the Wild Cards anthology series, which rounds up a number of interrelated tales by various authors. Edited by Martin and Malinda Snodgrass, Wild Cards is set in a universe where all manner of superheroes, villains, and what-have-you walk the earth. Each volume has a general theme. In High Stakes, it’s all about horror. See Martin and Snodgrass talk about it below.
Wild Cards was recently picked up by NBCUniversal for development as a television series. Although Martin will remain uninvolved with the TV series due to an exclusive contract with HBO, he’ll continue to edit the books.
High Stakes: A Wild Card Novel is available now.
Finally, Paul Kaye (Thoros of Myr) is starring in a new movie called The Comedian’s Guide to Survival, about a journalist who moonlights as an unsuccessful stand-up comic. Check out the trailer:
Kaye is playing said unsuccessful comedian’s editor. Express asked Kaye if he empathized with the lead character.
I don’t actually think of myself as a comedian, because I never did stand-up. I always imagine that is an acid test really – I stumbled into it in my 30s but I never had any ambitions to do it. I don’t have that need to make people laugh… it’s great fun when I get the chance though.
Well, Thoros isn’t a particularly funny guy (at not when we’ve known him), so his Game of Thrones role may be a good fit.
Via http://winteriscoming.net/2016/10/28/celeb-stuff-lena-headey-custody-scandal-grrm-talks-wild-cards-maybe-another-thing-shell/
A Note On November and Con of Thrones
We’re in a busy, busy off-season. News and excitement are pouring in more than ever before, and we’ve been hard at work building Con of Thrones. If this isn’t your first bout of limbo (read, purgatory) with Watchers and GOO then you know the drill. The holidays are coming but with it our usual burst of new promotional material and footage may not. We’d like to help with that. Between Con of Thrones and Season 7, next summer is looking to be completely insane.
We’ve enlisted GoT podcaster and Vanity Fair scribe Joanna Robinson to the con’s programming team — someone who is a treat to work with, and whose input has been fantastic. The team at Mischief Management has remained in the trenches with us since launch, and they completely get what we’re building here. I’ve never worked with a team as passionate about the subject material and the ultimate goal based on that love of the story and its community.
I’m here to share something that has left me with broken sleep for weeks. This is the first time I’ve sat to write about this part of the con, and I’d like if we can agree to let me spill this out in one go. Ok? Conventions are a celebration of the thing, and they’re a celebration of you. They’re a blast — an explosion of the collected love, energy, and (for lack of a better word I’ll use) passion shared between those in attendance. We have a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot to unpack at Con of Thrones. A Song of Ice and Fire is an epic tale of high fantasy, and Game of Thrones is a massive hit. I don’t want to do this in the traditional way.
Con of Thrones will not be a three day burst. Our community-wide exploration of Ice and Fire will start in November and will culminate into a three day celebration in an incredible indoor kingdom in Nashville, TN.
We’ve sorted the convention into themes. The topics and structure of the con’s themes will build out and inform its events, programming tracks, and more. Each month will bring a new theme, and we’ll spend the month exploring its depths and reach as a community. This is your con. Exploring and building shouldn’t be limited to a single team of people.
As more schedules and commitments are finalized, guest announcements will begin to funnel into posts here on Watchers and across our social media platforms. Keep an eye out for that. We’re only getting started with community help and involvement, so if interested please stay on the lookout for opportunities on that front as the summer approaches.
We’ll be back with more as the month turns over, but I wanted to drop this note. Thank you for helping us make this a reality!
Earlybird tickets are still on sale. Get them while they’re hot!
By the way..
November’s theme:
THE GREAT HOUSES
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Enter to win limited-edition & collectible Game of Thrones prize packs!
Photo: grrmbox.com
Hot off the heels of our Game of Thrones coloring book giveaway, another fun contest has turned up that we wanted to share with our readers. In celebration of the George R. R. Martin Box (unveiled at New York Comic Con earlier this month) and the 20th anniversary of the publication of A Game of Thrones, Random House is now offering fans the chance to win prize packs with limited-edition and collectible Game of Thrones prizes!
What can you win in the sweepstakes?
First Prize is the Hound’s Helm and Lannister Shield from Valyrian Steel:
The Hound’s Helm and Lannister Shield are official Game of Thrones licensed products recreated from props. The Hound’s Helm includes a display stand and a certificate of authenticity from a limited edition of 2,500. The Lannister Shield includes a wall mount and a certificate of authenticity from a limited edition of 1,000.
Second Prize is a limited-edition Daenerys and Drogon Statue from Dark Horse Comics!
Dark Horse Deluxe has turned its skills to Daenerys, selecting an iconic moment of her resting with her dragon Drogon to create an elaborately detailed pre-painted statue from a limited-edition of 750.
Third Prize is an Arya Stark Statue from Dark Horse Comics!
This statue of a wary Arya in the autumn woods is a stirring depiction of one of fiction’s most inspiring young women from a limited edition of 1,200.
How do you enter? You can enter to win by completing and submitting the entry form as instructed at the GRRMBox website.
The giveaway is open now and runs through November 15th, 8AM ET, with three winners being chosen on that day. The winners will be chosen by random drawing.
Visit the website for the complete rules. Unfortunately, at the moment, entry in the contest is open only to USA residents, and people who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry.
For you non-Americans, stay tuned- Watchers on the Wall will be having several more Game of Thrones worldwide giveaways in November, and as we head into the holidays!
The post Enter to win limited-edition & collectible Game of Thrones prize packs! appeared first on Watchers on the Wall.
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Daenerys Stormborn invades & A main character lands in Zumaia (SPOILERS!)
Photograph by SUD OUEST
Production may be nearing its end in Zumaia but that doesn’t mean this week’s continuous bombardment of spoilers is over. Duck and cover if you want to enjoy a pure experience when season seven airs. If you dare, however, we bring you news of today’s filming at Itzurun beach, as Game of Thrones films two momentous arrivals to Westeros: A royal invasion and a returning character. Also, we clear up yesterday’s furtive shoot.
El Diario Vasco comments on the likely reason that yesterday’s shoot was so elusive: Filming focused in the caves, which we knew they would use, against the cliff that rises from the beach and walls it off. This made spying from the cliff impossible. This morning was not so different: Reporting directly from the location, Javi Marcos from Los Siete Reinos reported there was filming taking place in the caves again.
Now, the Daily Mail releases PAP4U‘s new photos, showing Unsullied and the whole Targaryen crew heading to the cliff area —In a rather hilarious fashion, too. You are awesome, Conleth Hill. Just awesome. What would we do without your funny faces!
Going by the cast and their clothes, this is likely supposed to be Daenerys’ landing in Dragonstone, a scene which continues when she and the others ascend to the castle, which was already filmed in Gaztelugatxe, where the Unsullied were spotted last.
El Diario Vasco also tackled the involvement of the local Telmo Deun rowing club, as well as Mark O’Donovan, who isn’t only a world-class Irish rower —He is also described as an actor, which most likely means he will have a few lines. Why else bring an English-speaking rower all the way from Ireland, when there are so many native oarsmen? Obviously, the club was mainly hired to bring main characters to shore. However, you might have noticed the oarsmen have technically only been working on land, filming arrivals once the boats are already on shore and departures before actually going away. That changed this afternoon, when they filmed Jorah’s arrival in Dragonstone. Again, the Daily Mail provides us with PAP4U‘s juicy ultra-zoom pictures of Iain Glen:
Before jumping into the comments, we remind you all again to take into account those in the community who might have read these spoilers but may not want to know anything about other ones, especially those never reported in Watchers on the Wall. Please, ONLY discuss what is what is revealed, mentioned and linked in this report. Possible leaks MUST be discussed in the forums. Failing that, spoiler-tag properly.
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Game of Thrones Art Gallery Announced to Celebrate The Home Release of Season 6
Photo: HBO
Game of Thrones Season 6 is coming to Blu-ray and DVD November 14th, and to celebrate the home release, HBO is offering a unique opportunity for fans.
From November 10th through the 13th, Game of Thrones will host its own art gallery in London’s Shoreditch. Free of charge, visitors will be able to view a diverse range of artwork inspired by Game of Thrones and its connection to pop culture.
The art will even include work created by fans! An HBO UK-run contest chose, with the help of Isaac Hempstead Wright, art created by ten fan artists to be displayed alongside the other items.
According to HBO, “the exhibition will also feature never-before-seen sketches from the show’s creators, including original storyboards from the series storyboarder William Simpson and costume sketches and jewellery by Michele Clapton, including MEY for Clapton’s line of jewelry and accessories seen on and inspired by Daenerys Targaryen, created in conjunction with renowned UK jewellery brand Yunus & Eliza.” The innovative Game of Thrones artwork will include installations and creations made from a large variety of materials, hinting that the art gallery will be as inventive and unpredictable as Thrones itself.
If you’re in the London area this November, the art gallery is a must-do!
You can stop by the event at 135 Bethnal Green Road, London, during these times:
Thursday, November 10th – Friday 11th Opening Times: Noon – 9pm
Saturday, November 12th – Sunday 13th Opening Times: 10am – 6pm
If you’re lucky enough to be able to attend, report back and tell us what you thought of the gallery! It’ll help us all get pumped up just in time for the arrival of Season 6 on Blu-ray and DVD on November 14th.
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Thursday, October 27, 2016
The Spider spins his web at Itzurun beach & Learn How to Pet Your Dragon (SPOILERS!)
Just as every other single day of filming in the picturesque Gipuzkoan town of Zumaia, the fourth day of the shoot has been photographed from the Santa Klara country house. Its privileged view of Itzurun beach has again been exploited by onlookers to give us a look at a few scenes —One with six of the starring cast, including one who just arrived; and another with two key main characters and perhaps a lesson on dragon-petting.
First, the Daily Mail shows the cast unwinding between takes for this morning’s scene: Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Liam Cunningham, Nathalie Emmanuel and the Master of Whisperers himself, Conleth Hill, who arrived to Zumaia yesterday:
This morning’s report is not as stirring as it was in previous days, in which our insatiable hunger for learning more was indulged beyond belief. Still, it’s good to be sure that Varys will be on Dragonstone‘s shores with Dany, Jon, Tyrion, Davos and Missandei. We saw him at Gaztelugatxe, which also acts as Dragonstone, so it’s not a big shock.
In the afternoon, however, things got more interesting, as photographs surfaced in an Emilia Clarke fansite gallery of these same characters —Jon, Daenerys, Tyrion, Davos, Missandei and Varys— in the shores of Dragonstone… And perhaps they weren’t alone! The cast and crew were spotted holding a few different dragon heads. The small painted head is used as a reference for the VFX team, so that in the future they know exactly how the dragon’s colors and texture should look like in a particular environment. Meanwhile, the large grey head is usually used for contact with the actors, so that the human performer is really touching something resembling what the creature will look like, instead of miming in the air, which usually ends up looking incredibly fake.
We can’t know what the sequence entails for sure, but it sure seems to involve a conversation between monarchs and Jon petting a dragon —And going by the colors of the reference head, it would be Rhaegal. That would be a pretty big deal, wouldn’t it?
Still, they are shown goofing around with the heads in many pictures, so we should consider this might just be one of the producers’ ways of messing with the paparazzi. Even with that prudent warning present, one has to wonder if they would go to such highly technical and time-consuming trouble just to confuse us. There is also the fact that we can also see a sequence being filmed in which Daenerys is looking up at the sky.
In the end, both of today’s would-be-scenes could be one and the same, as they shared a cast of characters (well, not counting the dragon.) Admittedly, we have little to go on, especially for this morning, but feel free to theorize on the comment section below!
However, before going on our traditional speculation frenzy in the comment section, please let’s consider that those who might have read this particular spoiler may not want to be aware of other spoilers, especially those which have gone unreported in this site. Please, ONLY discuss what is what is revealed, mentioned and linked in this report. Other spoilers MUST be discussed in the forums or, failing that, properly tagged.
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