SPOILERS: 'Game Of Thrones' Season 2 In Production

The popular new HBO series, Game of Thrones, based on the Song of Ice and Fire medieval fantasy series by George R. R. Martin, may have a long hiatus between the first and second seasons, but HBO is reminding fans that it's well worth the wait.

Though some people were put off at the end of last season when star Sean Bean's character, Ned Stark, was killed off, fans can expect the return of some of last season's favorites, including Arya Stark (Maisie Williams), who will open up the series fleeing King's Landing and heading straight into danger. Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and John Bradley will all be front and center in the new ten-episode season, according to TGDaily.com.

There will also be some new faces in the lineup, including Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, Liam Cunningham as Ser Davos Seaworth, and Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen. "One of the great challenges with the second season is the world just expanded enormously," said the show's creator, David Benioff. "Not only do we introduce a great number of new characters, but we're journeying to all new locations."

Game of Thrones returns to HBO in April 2012.

Watch a preview of Season 2 here: