Season 7 of Game of Thrones has been packed with fan service moments, whether it's subtle (R + L = J confirmed via story-time!) or not-so-subtle (Davos's gag about Gendry 'still rowing') – but it seems the showrunners have saved one of the biggest fan nods for the finale.
Dubbed 'Cleganebowl' by hardcore Game of Thrones fans, this theory posits that, in order for The Hound's narrative arc to conclude satisfyingly, he must fight his brother The Mountain.
What to read next
Cleganebowl's been put off a couple of times, of course. Once because it looked like The Mountain had died – he was brought back as a zombie - and again when it looked like The Hound had died – he was brought back as a fire wight).
But, if our eyes aren't deceiving us, The Hound might finally get revenge for having half of his face burnt off, while punishing his brother for his numerous other wrongdoings in the process. And it might happen next week.
The season 7 finale trailer depicts all of our heroes arriving at what looks like a dragon pit, to show Cersei the Wight they've brought back from their winter holiday.
The set-up is very trial by combat, a big fave of Cersei's, with the central platform the perfect size for a two-man scrap. It'd make sense for Cersei to demand it, especially as she's surrounded by Unsullied and Dothraki – which means she has pretty much no chance of winning a proper battle.
MORE: THE GAME OF THRONES CAPES ARE ACTUALLY IKEA RUGS
If a trial by combat proposition is accepted, then Cersei will almost certainly choose The Mountain, her undead giant soldier protector, as her champion.
But how does that confirm Cleganebowl? We don't even see The Hound in the trailer!
Well, he's conspicuous by his absence – especially as everyone else seems to be there (Jorah, Podrick and even Brienne can be seen) – and GoT trailers are notorious for leaving out key characters to preserve major surprises.
But, most importantly, we've previously seen what very much looks like the Hound in a very similar setting, raising his sword to attack, in an earlier trailer.
If Cleganebowl does actually happen, expect a massive reaction in the fan community, where the clash has been discussed, theorised and been inspiring for years.
Game of Thrones airs its season 7 finale this Sunday (August 27) at 9/8c on HBO, and at 2am the next day (August 28) on Sky Atlantic, followed by a primetime 9pm airing.
MORE: GAME OF THRONES FANS: YOU CAN NOW BUY DRAGON EGG BATH BOMBS
Like this? Subscribe to the Good Housekeeping newsletter.
