Entertainment Weekly releases 16 epic final season cover photos for Game of Thrones season 8, one of which teases “Cleganebowl.” In the HBO series' season 7 finale, Sandor “The Hound” Clegane reunites with his brother Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane.” The characters are known for their mutual disgust towards one another.
On Game of Thrones, Sandor Clegane is associated with House Lannister and highly regarded for his combat skills. Physically, the character has noticeable scars across his face, the result of his older brother Gregor pushing him into hot coal as a child. Throughout the series, Sandor forms a relationship with assassin-in-the-making Arya Stark, who learns that “The Hound” is indeed scared of fire, which ties into the Game of Thrones’ tagline “A song of Ice and Fire.” Meanwhile, Gregor Clegane experiences a less enlightening character arc, as he’s a notorious killer who is transformed into a zombie-like protector by House Lannister, now under the control of Cersei Lannister. For Game of Thrones fans, “Cleganebowl” is a term used to describe the inevitable face-off between “The Hound” and “The Mountain.”
To complement a 78-page issue dedicated to Game of Thrones, EW has released 16 final season cover photos. One of the images teases Cleganebowl, as Gregor and Sandor Clegane stand side-by-side with swords raised. While both characters are indeed associated with battle, it’s notable that they’re staged together, with the implication being that fans can expect a season 8 showdown. In addition, other Game of Thrones characters are paired together, such as Gilly and Samwell Tarly, Davos Seaworth and Melisandre, Theon and Euron Greyjoy, Lord Varys and Jorah Mormont, and Missandei and Grey Worm. Entertainment Weekly’s special collector’s double issue is available to order now. Check out all 16 covers below.