‘Game of Thrones’: Everything We Know About Season 8’s Epic Battle
Fans have to wait longer than usual for the last season of Game of Thrones and now it’s becoming clearer why. The scale of the show has become bigger and more cinematic. That includes the bloody battles that already impressed fans in the past.
One specific battle is making headlines for how long it took to shoot. But fans have also noticed other interesting things with production, from changes in locations we already know to building new sets for more battles. So what does all of this mean?
We might not have any concrete answers until the new season starts, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop coming up with theories. Here are seven things to know about Season 8’s epic battle and more.
1. The battle took 55 nights to shoot
It’s bound to be an epic battle. | HBO
The show has made headlines for wanting to grow into a much larger scale for its last season. Now it’s doing that through how long it took to film just one battle. According to Deadline, a producer wrote a thank you note after the long shoot was complete. The note read:
This is for the Night Dragons.
For enduring 55 straight nights. For enduring the cold, the show, the rain, the mud, the sheep sh*t of Toome and the winds of Magheramorne.
When tens of millions of people around the world watch this episode a year from now, they won’t know how hard you worked. The won’t care how tired you were or how tough it was to do your job in sub-freezing temperatures.
They’ll just understand that they’re watching something that’s never been done before.
And that’s because of you.
“Says it all. 55 consecutive nights. 11 weeks. 3 locations. You’ll never again see anything like it,” read the caption of the screenshot.
Next: Leaked photos show this place damaged.
2. Leaked photos show Winterfell on fire
What will happen to Winterfell? | HBO
The battle also might reach Winterfell itself. There were leaked photos of the castle on fire. It’s still unknown how much damage the castle will actually take.
Next: This castle is getting a new look next season.
3. Winterfell might get some new additions
The castle is getting an upgrade. | HBO
It looks like in order to adapt to battle, Winterfell is going to get new additions for a defense. According to some leaked photos, the set has a moat and barrier around the castle.
Next: There are reports that this other location will come into play.
4. King’s Landing might be in danger
King’s Landing | HBO
It seems like damage will hit most of the show’s key places. That includes King’s Landing, which has had bigger sets built for this season, leading fans to think the location is about to take a lot of damage.
Next: This character might be part of the battle.
5. Arya might be part of this battle
Arya will show off her fighting skills. | HBO
Chances are most characters will be part of this battle, but we’re thinking Arya will be too. Maisie Williams told Metro that she was in the middle of doing 12 weeks of night shoots.
The production of the show has been filming in fewer locations at the same time this season, so it’s most likely part of the same shoot.
Next: There are theories about what this new set could mean.
6. There was a new set built for another battle
Castle Black | HBO
This war is going to take place across many locations. A new set was built for yet another battle, according to Express. The real location of the production is in Northern Ireland, but many think it will take place in Castle Black on the show.
Next: Reports say these props are predicting a deadly outcome.
7. Many won’t survive the battle
There will be casualties. | HBO
This is probably not a surprise, given the length of the shoots. But it has been reported that one scene included a field full of dead body props in a field, according to Watchers on the Wall. Horses and giants were also among the bodies.
Follow Nicole Weaver on Twitter @nikkibernice.
Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook!