'Game of Thrones' Season 8 Episode 3 Trailer May Preview Jon Snow's Final Battle Against The Night King

The first preview for Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3 is all about the battle between the forces of the living and the army of the dead, lead by the Night King (whose motives were finally revealed in the second episode of Game of Thrones Season 8). While mostly comprised of dark shots of amassing forces, there are a few hints that point toward major events to come in the battle for Winterfell.

Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3 Preview

"The most heroic thing we can do now is look the truth in the face," Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) says at the beginning of the new preview, which opens on Daenerys' army assembling outside of Winterfell, including flanks lead by Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) and Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson).

While the preview doesn't show any direct combat, it does an effective job at outlining the geography of the coming conflict, showing where many of the main characters will be stationed when the Night King and his army attacks. Daenerys watches from a distant hill. Sansa and Arya Stark stand together on the battlements. Varys is in the crypts of Winterfell.

"The Night King is coming," Jon Snow (Kit Harington) says. Quick shots reveal the Night King, riding his ice dragon, Unsullied troops on the march and Sandor Clegane backing Beric Dondarrion, who has his flaming sword alight.

"The dead are already here," Daenerys says to Jon.

But the most consequential shot in the Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3 preview is a short one: Jon Snow drawing his Valyrian steel sword, with a red-foliaged tree behind him. This is most likely in the godswood, a walled-off portion of Winterfell where the Starks can pray before a weirwood tree. In the second episode of Game of Thrones Season 8, Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) decides he'll wait out the battle in the godswood, baiting the Night King to come and find him. Theon (Alfie Allen) and his Ironborn are meant to guard Bran, but this single shot in the preview suggests that it's Jon Snow who will face off against the Night King, or whatever other forces are sent after Bran in the godswood of Winterfell.

This doesn't bode well for Theon's survival. He's also seen briefly in the preview, nothing a fire arrow. It might just be his last stand.

This could be our one advanced look at the most important sword fight in all of Game of Thrones, which could determine whether it is the living or the dead who rule Westeros. We'll know for sure when Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 3 premieres on April 28 on HBO.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer



To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go