‘Game Of Thrones’ Season 7 Spoilers: Will Arya Stark’s Direwolf Return? Instagram Picture Sparks New Nymeria Theories

“Game of Thrones” fans are attached to all the show’s beloved characters, but none more than the direwolves. As of Season 6, Jon Snow’s protector Ghost was the only wolf accounted for. The others had been killed or, in the case of Nymeria, Arya Stark’s unconventional pet, gone missing.

It appears, however, that the youngest living Stark girl’s direwolf, which she cast away in Season 1 of the HBO original series, is returning to the show in Season 7. According to spoiler blog Watchers on The Wall, Maisie Williams — who plays Arya — was spotted filming in Calgary, Canada, on the same day Instinct Animals For Film was there.

The organization posted two photos on Instagram, one of the animal who plays Ghost and one of a seemingly new direwolf. While the name of the second wolf wasn’t revealed, Watchers on the Wall noted that the animal looked strikingly similar to Nymeria in color. The account is private, but fans can check out photos of the two wolves on Watchers on the Wall’s blog.

There has been little talk of direwolves in Season 7 until now. That is likely because very little is known about what’s to come in the penultimate installment of “Game of Thrones.” All the actors involved have been tight lipped, giving only tiny tidbits away heading into the upcoming season. During a recent interview with Mashable, Alfie Allen, who plays Theon Greyjoy, teased a “crazy season” to come. While he was unable to say what exactly it was that made this season so crazy, he did provide some insight.

“It’s definitely going to blow a lot of people’s minds,” he said. “It’s still the same running theme: characters that haven’t crossed each other’s paths before will do, and they’re gonna take it even further this time. People have loyalties that they have to examine.”

It’s unclear where the direwolves fit into that storyline, but we’re looking forward to finding out. Throughout the show’s six seasons, the Stark children’s pets have been a key source of protection — at least for those of the Stark children able to keep their direwolves alive and with them. Ghost has been with Jon Snow since Season 1 of “Game of Thrones,” staying by his side even in death. The other wolves — Lady, Greywind, Shaggydog and Summer — were killed off at various points throughout the years. Nymeria’s whereabouts have been a mystery, but it seems as though she’s been lurking nearby all along.

“Game of Thrones” is rumored to be returning to HBO in June, though that information has yet to be confirmed.