Arya Stark
A new theory suggests Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) could assume the role of Lady Stoneheart on “Game of Thrones.” HBO

Winter might not be the only thing that’s coming to HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” After an episode where fans saw Benjen Stark return from the dead, could we finally see the debut of one of the most beloved characters in the underlying series of novels? Some have begun to speculate that Lady Stoneheart will soon appear in the television show.

In George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of books, Lady Stoneheart is the zombielike version of Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley). After Catelyn has her throat slit at the Red Wedding, a man named Lord Beric Dondarrion resurrects her, and she is frequently found traveling in the company of the Brotherhood Without Banners.

The “Game of Thrones” showrunners have avoided saying whether Lady Stoneheart will appear on the show. If it is to introduce the character, then now may be the last chance to do so.

The Season 6, episode 7 promotional video revealed that the show will return to Riverrun this week. Brynden Tully, also known as the Blackfish (Clive Russell) has wrested control of Riverrun from the Freys, and Walder Frey (David Bradley) wants it back. Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) will go to see the Blackfish and ask him to surrender, which he will likely refuse to do. The Brotherhood Without Banners was mentioned in episode 6, and it is currently creating problems for the Lannisters. If the brotherhood has teamed up with the Tullys, it’s possible Lady Stoneheart is the reason why.

In the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels, Lady Stoneheart is a major character. She’s seeking revenge on all those who wronged her and her family, a motley crew including the Freys and Lannisters. In “A Feast for Crows,” Lady Stoneheart believes Brienne of Tarth is a traitor after she sees the warrior carrying a Lannister sword, Oathkeeper. Brienne says she’s still loyal to the Starks, but Lady Stoneheart says she have to prove her loyalty by killing Jaime Lannister or she herself will be killed. Brienne refuses to make a decision, and her fate is left unclear.

In the TV show, Jaime and Brienne (Gwendoline Christie) are both headed to Riverrun and a reunion is expected. Could they run into Lady Stoneheart in Riverrun when they reunite, and will she ask Brienne to prove her loyalty as she did in the book series?

While many believe Catelyn will return to “Game of Thrones” as Lady Stoneheart, there is another theory that Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) will assume the role of the character on the show. The Huffington Post shared the theory and suggested that Arya could use her Faceless Men training to take the face of her mother to kill Walder Frey. Of course, this means Arya will have to make it out of Braavos alive after she decided to turn her back on the Faceless Men.

“Game of Thrones” Season 6, episode 7 will air on HBO Sunday, June 6, at 9 p.m. EDT. Do you think Lady Stoneheart will make her debut on the show? Sound off in the comments section below!