We may have entered the thick of summer, however, Winter is still coming. Although season 3 of "Game of Thrones" came to a close a few weeks back, production rumors surrounding the fourth season are spilling out. The show has barely scratched the surface of the epic battle for the throne, so fans are naturally digging for more details. Next spring is much too far away. "Game of Thrones" fans will have to get their fix in other forms, and a roundup of what we know so far about the forthcoming season is the best place to start.
For starters, season 4 will play host to four new characters. Lysa Arryn, who appeared briefly in the first season as Catelyn Stark's eerie sister, will be making her return in the fourth season. Kate Dickie had shot scenes for season 3, which were later scrapped or pushed back to season 4. In addition, Jon Snow's return to Castle Black will bring about the reemergence of Night's Watchman Alliser Thonse, who was first introduced in season 1. Janos Slynt will also likely be present at Castle Black, according to Screen Crush.
It's also been reported that a film crew from HBO is expected to land in Iceland in July to begin production on season 4. "Game of Thrones" has been shot in Iceland before, but solely during the winter months. This time around, however, the crew will arrive mid summer.
On the other side of The Narrow Sea, Daenerys will continue her journey through Slaver's Bay before returning to the mainland. In season 3, Dany freed slaves in both Yunkai and Astaphor, and according to the books, she will be arriving in Mereen in the forthcoming season. Once she's there, one member of her army will have to face the city's finest warrior. Dany selects Strong Belwas, en ex-slave fighter, to face the challenger, and upon his victory, the morale of Dany's army continues to soar as they prepare to claim the throne.
In other exciting "Game of Thrones" forecasting, King Joffrey will finally get the axe. The little tyrant's reign of terror will come to end when he's poisoned at his own wedding, allowing fans breathe easy. But who will take over the throne?
Tywin Lannister seems like he's be able to weasel his way into the crown, but alas, he too meets his maker at the hands of his youngest son. According to the book, his youngest, Tyrion Lannister, will find his woman, Shae, in Tywin's bed, and he turns to kill her as well.
Up north, Jon Snow will likely survive, at least for another season or two. Ygritte on the other hand, is not as lucky. She is killed during a Wilding attack on the Wall.
"Game of Thrones" will return to HBO next spring.