Filming for “Game of Thrones” Season 8 is about to start soon and we know that Maisie Williams is already in Belfast. Her early arrival at the show’s main studio may be a tease at what we can see in the premiere episode. The last time we saw William’s character Arya Stark, she was in Winterfell. Perhaps the opening scene takes us back to the North, where the action last took place in Season 7.

Season 7 finale, ‘The Dragon and the Wolf’ recap

The Season 7 finale brought the threat of the dead army closer to the North. The Night King and the resurrected Viserion knocked down the wall that served as protection from the undead.

With the wall down, the army of White Walkers slowly made their way towards the North.

The destruction of the wall also led to the deaths of members of the Night’s Watch. However, two may have survived. Tormund and Beric were last seen trying to escape. The answer as to whether they made it out alive remains unknown until “Game of Thrones” Season 8 airs. However, they went the opposite direction instead of going down, so it is likely they survived.

Season 8 opening scene in Winterfell

It would be fitting to open “Game of Thrones” Season 8 where Season 7 left off. If Beric and Tormund survived the Night King's attack, then they would head straight for the North to warn the people about the oncoming threat.

The first line of defense is Winterfell, so it is likely that is where they head first.

The Stark siblings Sansa, Arya, and Bran were in Winterfell when we last saw them in the Season 7 finale. As the Lady of Winterfell, Sansa would know about the threat first. Then this information would get passed down to Arya, Bran then to the Stark army.

As a skilled warrior, Arya might be among those who will lead the defense against the White Walkers, especially since Winterfell is short on manpower. At this rate, their chance of survival lies with Daenerys’ men - the Unsullied and the Dothraki.

Maisie Williams arrives in Belfast

Arya plays a big role in the battle against the White Walkers.

Her knowledge in sword fighting pits her against the dead. It also puts her life at risk. She might put herself on the line to save Bran and Sansa. This would explain why Maisie Williams is in Belfast first. Perhaps she needs to train for a few fight scenes before filming for “Game of Thrones” Season 8 officially begins. According to Buzz.ie, her early presence in Belfast could mean that the action starts in the North when the final season opens.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED