This Game of Thrones star returns, but not as you knew him

Bran Stark returns in season six of Game of Thrones, but this time he's all grown up.

A new teaser trailer for Game of Thrones signals the return of Bran Stark, after an entire season's absence.

The character, played by Isaac Hempstead-Wright is all grown up in a poster for the drama, while his voice appears on the newly released clip.

Bran's hair is now cut short and he appears to be sitting atop a horse in the image released by HBO.

First look of Bran Stark in Game of Thrones Season 6. pic.twitter.com/9lv49jRBb0

— Jon Snow (@LordSnow) December 28, 2015

He was last seen at the end of season four of the hit HBO show entering the Weirwood tree beyond the wall.

Here he met with the three-eyed raven in a bid to bring his psychic powers under control.

In a previous interview with the Irish Examiner, Hempstead-Wright confirmed he would be back on set for the new season.

"I can't say a lot, but I am back this season, and its going to get particularly interesting with Bran," he said.

More recently he took to Twitter to signal his return.

That voice sounds familiar...

Get ready y'all. #GOT6 https://t.co/k5tpvGCcCz

— Isaac.H.Wright (@Isaac_H_Wright) December 3, 2015

The teaser does not bring fans any closer to learning the fate of Bran's stepbrother and Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jon Snow.

-nzherald.co.nz