'Game Of Thrones' Season 5 Spoilers: First Look At Sand Snakes In New Photos; David Benioff Explains Casting Decisions

In HBO’s “Game of Thrones” there are White Walkers, dire wolves, and even dragons, but it seems all anyone can talk about these days are the Sand Snakes. The three warrior daughters of last season’s ill-fated Oberyn Martell (Pedro Pascal) are by far the most anticipated new characters of Season 5. The trio of women have already shown up in some leaked pictures and a recent behind-the-scenes featurette, but the Sand Snakes got a proper unveiling from Entertainment Weekly this week featuring new photos and character info.

The Entertainment Weekly photos show Obara (Keisha Castle-Hughes) with a spear identical to the one her father used in the trial by combat, Nymeria (Jessica Henwick) wielding a formidable whip, and Tyene (Rosabell Laurenti Sellers) sporting two daggers. Castle-Hughes told the magazine the Sand Snakes are unlike any group of characters "Game of Thrones" viewers have seen so far.

“You have lone wolves like Arya and Brienne, and others like Daenerys or Cersei, who are politically strong and surrounded by men, but you haven’t seen women who are strong together and who collaborate – which is a dangerous thing,” said Castle-Hughes. “We’re three girls who are violent and manipulative, who are thirsty for Lannister blood.”

Some fans criticized the casting of the Sand Snakes, accusing the three actresses of being “too white” for the parts. But showrunner David Benioff explained that he hired three women of different nationalities – Castle-Hughes is from New Zealand, Henwick is from the U.K. and Sellers is an Italian-American -- to play the roles, but they had to appear similar enough to be sisters.

When Season 5 premieres, the Sand Snakes will not waste any time making an impression on viewers. The trio appear in the premiere, already plotting revenge on the Lannisters for the death of their father.

Cersei and Jaime better watch out! “Game of Thrones” Season 5 premieres on HBO on April 12.

Watch the trailer for Season 5 below:

Are you excited for the Sand Snakes? Tweet your thoughts to @Ja9GarofaloTV.