One of Game of Thrones' most popular fan pairings was entirely improvised by the actors

Every new piece of Game of Thrones season 7 promotional material seems to stir up the fanbase like a kid poking a hornet's nest. One photo, showing the reunion between Brienne of Tarth and Tormund Giantsbane, has viewers wondering if the two will finally hook up this season. And while that's certainly possible, showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff say that the pairing, which has been very popular in certain circles, was never intended or planned to be that way.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Benioff explained: "That scene last season when Tormund was eating and lasciviously staring at Brienne was one of our favorites. Usually, when we really love something there are a few other people who like it as well. It’s great because there was no dialogue written for that, or major stage direction, there was just a line like, 'He stares at Brienne because he’s never seen a woman like that before.' And then we let the actors do what they do."

Weiss chimed in as well, regarding the instantly gif-able look Tormund gives Brienne when they're departing Castle Black, saying it "wasn't scripted at all," and that the moment was "purely the two of them."

Now, this makes sense to a degree: Brienne and Tormund definitely do not have a thing for each other in the books - in that universe, they've never even met. But 1) it's nice to know where the idea for this popular pairing came from, and 2) with the liberties the show has already taken, it goes to show that anything can happen. Even, perhaps, a happy ending for these two?

"It inspires us because we need to kill one of them now because there can’t be a happy ending or any romantic connection on the show," Benioff said. "But we’re not going to tell you which one." Erm... well then. Nevermind.

Game of Thrones season 7 will premiere on July 16. It will be one of the longest episodes of the entire show. But that's okay - more time to study up on those fan theories!

Images: HBO

Sam is a former News Editor here at GamesRadar+. His expert words have appeared on many of the web's well-known gaming sites, including Joystiq, Penny Arcade, Destructoid, and G4 Media, among others. Sam has a serious soft spot for MOBAs, MMOs, and emo music. Forever a farm boy, forever a '90s kid.