HBO is treating fans of the Emmy-winning drama Game of Thrones with some tantalizing new details on the upcoming third season, which begins production this month. The network has released info on new characters and cast that will appear this season – as well as the addition of a brand new filming location.

In addition to Dubrovnik, Croatia, the series will be adding Morocco to the list of filming locations, and will continue to film scenes set north of the Wall in Iceland, on the Vatnajökull glacier. Game of Thrones’ key production hub will remain in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and will again receive support from the Northern Ireland Screen fund.

Consisting of ten episodes, season three will be adapted from parts of A Storm of Swords, the third of the A Song of Ice and Fire novels written by George R. R. Martin. Fans of the novels will notice that some characters long overdue will be making their first appearance next year:

Game of Thrones Season 3 Characters

Ser Brynden “The Blackfish” Tully: Catelyn’s Stark's uncle.

Edmure Tully: A brash young member of the Tully family.

Mance Rayder: The former member of the Night’s Watch who became the leader of the Wildlings and “King Beyond the Wall”.

Daario Naharis: A confident and seductive warrior.

Myranda Royce: A young lady who lives in a great castle called The Gates of the Moon

Jojen Reed and Meera Reed: A teenage Crannogman brother and sister duo said to have “special insights”. They are the children of Stark bannerman, Howland Reed.

Lady Selyse Florent: Stannis Baratheon’s wife.

Shireen: Stannis’ young daughter.

Olenna Redwyne (The Queen of Thorns): Margaery Tyrell’s sharp-witted grandmother.

Beric Dondarrion: A skilled knight who is the leader of the outlaw group called Brotherhood Without Banners.

Thoros of Myr: A red priest who follows the same religion as Melisandre.

Tormund Giantsbane: A Wildling raider.

Series creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss claim that in order to keep some mystery this is not a complete list and certain casting announcements are going to be withheld for now; it has been revealed that Clive Russell (the Sherlock Holmes films) will take the role of Black Fish. Joining Russell are relative newcomers such as English actresses Charlotte Hope (playing Myranda) and Kerry Ingram (playing Shireen).

Game of Thrones Season 3 DetailsTV 2

Right now there are plenty of unconfirmed rumors buzzing around, and despite how awesome they sound we’ll just stick to what we know. But with the Game of Thrones Comic-Con panel taking place on Friday, July 13 from 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. in Hall H, we might just get a few more tidbits to chew on.

This year, the Game of Thrones panel will feature: Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy), Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark), Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), and Richard Madden (Robb Stark). George R. R. Martin, who also serves as a co-executive producer and writer on the series, will moderate the panel with executive producer Carolyn Strauss.

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Keep your eye on the main page for more info on the upcoming season third season of Game of Thrones and catch the new season next April.

Source: E!