In anticipation for the new season of ‘Game of Thrones,’ a few clips and a poster featuring some our favorite characters from the popular HBO fantasy drama were released recently. But the familiar faces of Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Brienne of Tarth won’t be the only ones inhabiting George R.R. Martin’s world when the series returns in April as many new characters will be introduced when we venture from Westeros to Dorne and Meereen.

A large cast has always been a trademark of the acclaimed ‘Song of Fire and Ice’ adaptation from showrunners D.B. Weiss and David Benioff. When the show comes back next month, it definitely won’t be getting any smaller. So if you were having trouble keeping up before, here’s a handy guide for a few new faces that you’ll be seeing in Season Five. But be warned now: Beware of spoilers!

First, we’ll finally get to meet Doran Martell, the head House Martell and Prince Sovereign of Dorne. Played by Alexander Siddig, the older brother of the late Oberyn Martell will make his presence felt in the new season. Though he has largely become a recluse due to gout, he is well informed of the happenings in Westeros and the Lannisters, especially because Myrcella Baratheon is in Dorne to marry Doran’s son Trystane. However, he may but heads with the next group on our list after he doesn’t take any action after the death of his brother.

When we last saw Pedro Pascal’s Red Viper, he was valiantly fighting against the Mountain as Tyrion’s champion in a trial by combat. Unfortunately, Gregor Clegane’s size and strength was too much for Martell and Oberyn perished. As devastating as that loss was for the ‘Game of Thrones’ fan base, his own daughters are certainly distraught as well and looking for revenge. Known as the Sand Snakes, Obara Sand (Keisha Castle-Hughes), Tyene Sand (Rosabell Laurenti), and Nymeria Sand (Jessica Henwick) are the embodiment of their fallen father because while they may be products of their father’s passion, they certainly inherited Oberyn’s deadly fighting abilities. These femme fatales are out for Lannister blood, but their uncle and his enforcer must try to keep them at bay as their plans unfold.

Doran’s bulky and brooding enforcer Areo Hotah will be played by Deobia Oparei. As stated, he’ll play a big role in keeping the Sand Snakes at bay, but we’re likely to see him whenever we see the Prince Sovereign of Dorne.

Moving on to the land of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen will come across someone from season four in a much bigger way. In Season Four, we met Hizdar zo Loraq, a character played by Joel Fry that approached the Khaleesi to have his father’s crucified body taken down in order to be buried properly. When we next see him, Daenerys is dealing with a potential rebellion courtesy of a group called The Sons of the Harpy. Looking for some help, Hizdar comes into play, but his motives may not be favorable with the Mother of Dragons.

Finally, Jonathan Pryce joins the cast in one of the most critical roles of the season. The veteran actor known for roles in ‘Glengarry Glen Ross,’ ‘Tomorrow Never Dies,’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise will play High Sparrow, a religious extremist who looks like a humble man in plain clothes, but is actually something much more sinister. He’ll be going head to head with Cersei Lannister and eventually vie for a shift of power in Westeros alongside his army of fellow sparrows, however, it’s uncertain how much of this storyline we’ll get in this season. Regardless, Pryce’s character will definitely be one to watch.

What do you think about these new characters that we’ll see in the fifth season of ‘Game of Thrones’? Who are you most excited to see make an impact on this world? Let us know in the comments below.

‘Game of Thrones’ returns to HBO on April 12, 2015 at 9:00pm.

Source: Cinemablend