Although the fates of some characters are still up in the air, fans can rest assured knowing one of the Starks will definitely be making a return to Game of Thrones in Season 6. Despite being absent for an entire year, Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) will officially be back in action when Game of Thrones returns to HBO in 2016.
According to Entertainment Weekly , producers have officially released the first photo of Bran in the new season. In the image, Bran is seen riding on a horse and has definitely grown up a lot since fans last saw him. Additionally, Bran has also cut off his flowing locks and is now sporting a shorter hairstyle.
The last time Bran was included in the hit series was back at the end of Season 4. Bran’s final scene included his meeting with the Three-Eyed Raven, who is now being portrayed by Max von Sydow. With Bran being absent for an entire season, fans can expect to find out what he’s been up to since we last saw him in action.
![Bran Stark and Hodor return for season 6 of 'Game of Thrones' after not appearing in season 5. [Image via HBO]](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Bran-and-Hodor_Game-of-Thrones_season-6_HBO-670x388.png)
To add even more intrigue to the character, the Independent is reporting that Bran is set to play a large role in the new season. This is one reason why producers have decided to include his character in the first images to be released for the new season. Furthermore, the character was also included in the short promo trailer that was released, with Bran being seen over the words spoken by the Three-Eyed Raven.
Although it is not known what the writers have in store for Bran in the new season, he may very well exercise his newfound Warg abilities in Season 6. With that in mind, Bran might even find himself playing a large role in raising his half-brother, Jon Snow , back from the dead, although this is less certain.
Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot of information that can be teased from the lone image of Bran. However, with Bran appearing to be by himself in the woods and riding on a horse, it would seem as though his training at Weirwood tree might be over. Either that or Bran is set to finish said training as the season develops.
Either way, with Bran being included in the new promo material, it is clear that the Stark family is set to make a comeback in the new season. In fact, in addition to the return of Bran, all of the spoilers that have been leaked so far indicate that Jon will be raised from the dead and is set to go head to head in an epic battle with Ramsay Bolton.
![Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has reportedly been spotted on set in Stark armor. [Image via HBO]](http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Jon-Snow_Game-of-Thrones_Kit-Harrington_HBO-670x388.jpg)
At the same time, if Jon does make it back, then he might even manage to rescue Sansa Stark from her captivity. All the while, Arya is also expected to be an all out assassin in Season 6, making the Starks a fairly dangerous family to be going up against when the hit series returns to television.
In addition to Bran’s return, Coming Soon is reporting that the new season of Game of Thrones will include Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Aidan Gillen, Emilia Clarke, Carice van Houten, Natalie Dormer, Sophie Turner, John Bradley, Maisie Williams, Gwendoline Christie, and Hannah Murray.
As far as guest star appearance are concerned, fans can expect to see Deadwood’s Ian McShane make a cameo in the new season. The details of his role have yet to be released.
The highly anticipated sixth season of Game of Thrones is expected to premiere sometime in April 2016 on HBO. Check out the official teaser trailer below.
Tell us! Are you excited for the return of Bran Stark to Game of Thrones ? Let us know in the comments below.
[Image via HBO]