Aussie fans were able to watch Game of Thrones at the exact same time as their US counterparts today as the show aired at 11am AEST time on Foxtel showcase – synchronised with the Sunday Night airtime in the United States and other countries around the Globe. For those who missed it, there will be a repeat airing on Monday night at 7:30pm on Foxtel showtime.
It seems that many jumped the gun though with the first five episodes of the HBO-produced show being leaked online on Sunday, one day ahead of the official release. Piracy monitoring website Torrent Freak described the leak as “without doubt one of the most prominent leaks in TV history” estimating that it had been downloaded over a million times globally within the first 18 hours of the leak.
All the star favourites will return this season, with the handsome Kit Harington returning as Jon Snow, who struggles to balance the demands of the Night’s Watch with those of newly-arrived Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), who fancies himself the rightful king of Westeros.
Kiwi actress Keisha Castle-Hughes as a child, starring in the lead role of 2002’s Whale Rider
Keisha Castle-Hughes all grown up, aged 25 at the season five premiere of Game of Thrones in San Francisco.
Keisha Castle-Hughes starring as Obara Sand – one of the “Sand Snakes” or daughters of Red Viper Oberyn Martell who was brutally killed off at the end of season four.
Fans will also re-join Tyrion Lannister, played by Peter Dinklage, who was last seen on the run as a fugitive of his sister, the indomitable Cersei (Lena Headey) who this seasons struggles to hold onto her power at King’s Landing amidst the Tyrells and the rise of a religious group led by the enigmatic High Sparrow (played by new cast member Jonathan Pryce).
Also joining the cast this season is Antipodean actress Keisha Castle-Hughes, who Kiwis and Aussies affectionately remember for her scene-stealing lead role in the 2002 movie Whale Rider, in which she starred as a child actress.
Now all grown up, Keisha will be playing the role of Obara Sand, one of the infamous “Sand Snakes” aka the illegitimate daughters of the “Red Viper” Oberyn Martell, who was killed off last season in what was probably the most gruesome death of a TV show littered with gruesome deaths. Now his daughters including Keisha’s Obara, will return to avenge his death.
Fans will no doubt be thrilled to see more fierce lady-warriors come and kick some serious butt!
In the meantime, check out the trailer above and remember – All Men Must Die!
Emilia Clarke aka Daenerys Targaryen, and the Game of Thrones creator, George R R Martin at the season five premiere of Game of Thrones in San Francisco.
