HBO Showreel Heralds First Look At Game Of Thrones Season 8

“There’s only one war that matters, and it is here.”

The eighth and final season of HBO’s Game of Thrones may still be gestating in the fiery pits of development, but that hasn’t stopped the network from banging the drum for what will no doubt be one of 2019’s biggest TV events… if not the biggest.

Because after seven seasons and countless hours of fantasy drama, the HBO flagship is ready for its curtain call, and all signs point to a suitably satisfying conclusion for the likes of Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke).

How do we know? Well, in order to promote its new slate of content – think Big Little Lies, Veep and a third season of True Detective starring Mahershala Ali – HBO has premiered its official 2019 showreel, and if you pay close attention, you’ll notice a sliver of footage from Game of Thrones season 8. And it really is a sliver.

There are only three seconds of actual Thrones footage, so you needn’t worry about having season 8 spoiled for you so far in advance. Upon further inspection, it appears Jon embracing his little sister Sansa is a different shot from the one captured in Castle Black during Game of Thrones season 7. Aside from that, there’s also a sneak peek at Daenerys Targaryen preparing for war, while Cersei Lannister (Lena Heady) continues to deceive Jon Snow Aegon Targaryen as she tightens her grip on the Iron Throne. But there’s a storm coming… and a cold one at that.

HBO is yet to announce an official start date for Game of Thrones season 8, but common logic points to a premiere sometime during April 2019. We’ll update you if and when we learn more.