The newest Game of Thrones prequel, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms“, launches soon. It draws from George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas, adapting the first, “The Hedge Knight“, into six episodes. Episode one premieres 18 January on HBO Max.
Set between “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones“, it explores “small folk who suffer at the hands of the game of thrones as it’s played by the nobles,” executive producer Ryan Condal explained to Entertainment Weekly in May 2024.
An August 2024 HBO Max “coming soon” reel gave the first glimpse: Peter Claffey introduces himself as Ser Duncan the Tall amid swordplay and iconic landscapes.
Story and novella background
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” centres on young, naïve but courageous knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his diminutive squire Egg, per HBO.
In a Targaryen-held Iron Throne era where dragon memories persist, the unlikely duo faces great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits.
“Tales of Dunk and Egg” comprises Martin’s fantasy novellas in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe behind “Game of Thrones“.
The 164-page “The Hedge Knight” begins with the squire Dunk claiming the possessions of a recently deceased knight. He travels to the Ashford tournament, where he assumes the name “Ser Duncan the Tall.” A young boy named Egg joins him as his squire. Along the way, Dunk meets Tanselle, a puppeteer who becomes his love interest. When Prince Aerion Targaryen assaults her, Dunk steps in to protect her, setting off a series of unexpected misadventures.
December 2025 trailer depicts Dunk struggling new duties, Egg’s approach, jousts, and Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen clash. Martin writes and executive produces.
Complete cast breakdown
- Peter Claffey plays Dunk
- Dexter Sol Ansell plays Egg
- Finn Bennett plays Aerion Targaryen: Prince Maekar’s second son with Lady Dyanna Dayne, Baelor Targaryen’s nephew, Dunk’s antagonist
- Daniel Ings plays Ser Lyonel Baratheon: Storm’s End heir under Daeron II
- Sam Spruell plays Maekar Targaryen: Aerion’s father
- Bertie Carvel plays Baelor Targaryen: Maekar’s brother, King Daeron II’s firstborn heir
- Tanzyn Crawford plays Tanselle: Dunk’s puppeteer love interest
- Edward Ashley plays Ser Steffon Fossoway: knight
- Henry Ashton plays Daeron Targaryen: Targaryen prince
- Youssef Kerkour plays Steely Pate: blacksmith
- Daniel Monks plays Ser Manfred Dondarrion: knight
- Shaun Thomas plays Raymun Fossoway: Steffon’s cousin and squire
- Tom Vaughan-Lawlor plays Plummer: Ashford steward
- Danny Webb plays Ser Arlan of Pennytree: the knight Dunk inherits from after death
Directors and production team
Sarah Adina Smith directs three episodes. Owen Harris directs the rest and executive produces.
Producers unite Martin, Condal, Ira Parker, Vince Gerardis, and Sarah Bradshaw. Condal pitched “Dunk and Egg” to HBO eight years ago as a fan, pre-House of the Dragon co-creation.
Despite network eyeing grander scale, development began 2021, according to Variety. “I think fans are going to be rewarded with another great series in the greater A Song of Ice and Fire,” Condal told EW.
Premiere and streaming
Series bows 18 January on HBO and HBO Max.
Catch Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon on the platform meantime.
Source: People
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