‘Game of Thrones’ Season 7 Spoilers: Carice van Houten Hints at Melisandre’s Return; Davos Seaworth Actor Doesn’t Think Jon Snow will Take Iron Throne

‘Game of Thrones’ season 7 may feature the return of Carice van Houten’s red priestess, Melisandre. The actress recently posted a photograph of her character on social media. Meanwhile, Liam Cunningham, who plays Davos Seaworth on the series, revealed that he doesn’t think Jon Snow will take the Iron Throne for himself in the upcoming season.

According to Express, van Houten posted an image of her character’s old crone form on her social media account last April 15. It was captioned, “Best special make-up team I ever worked with.” The actress’ post fueled rumors that her red priestess of R’hollor may make her grand return to the series since appearing in season 6’s episode, titled “The Winds of Winter.” It was rumored that Melisandre would return North to help Jon Snow (Kit Harington) defeat the looming threat of the White Walker army.

Melisandre was last seen confronted by Sir Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) after he found out that she was the one behind Princess Shireen Baratheon’s (Kerry Danielle Ingram) burning at the stake. According to Bustle, she was then exiled from the North by Jon Snow and was threatened with execution should she return. Although Melisandre tried to convince the new King of the North that she would help in the fight against the White Walkers, she eventually agreed to exile and began her ride to the South.

Meanwhile, Nathalie Emmanuel expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season during a previous interview. Emmanuel teased, "I'm excited about this season because a lot of momentum we've been building with this winter that is coming, or has been coming for a long time, kicks into gear now.”

She added, “And there's a continuation of characters who haven't previously interacted coming together, which is always exciting to watch." Emmanuel plays Daenerys’ trusted scribe and interpreter, Missandei.

Liam Cunningham also revealed his thoughts on the upcoming season saying that he doesn’t think Jon Snow would be claiming the Iron Throne for himself anytime soon. The actor said, "I think Jon Snow would be good, but he doesn't strike me as someone who wants to [sit on the throne].”

He continued, "He's had power thrust upon him. He never asked to be king, it was all the other people in the North who made him king and he has a responsibility to his people."

It was speculated that Jon Snow would focus his attention on the impending battle with the White Walkers and may swear allegiance to Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), who has returned to Westeros to claim her birthright as the true ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

‘Game of Thrones’ season 7 is expected to air on HBO on July 16, 2017.