The Game of Thrones universe continues to expand, with production now underway on the highly anticipated prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Set 100 years before the events of the original Game of Thrones but after House of the Dragon, the six-episode first season will adapt George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas.
HBO has released the first official image, depicting Peter Claffey as the young, naive but courageous knight Ser Duncan the Tall walking through a crowd. Alongside him will be Dexter Sol Ansell as Duncan’s diminutive squire, the future king Aegon V Targaryen known as “Egg.”
The series promises to showcase “great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits” awaiting the two unlikely friends in an age when the Targaryen dynasty still rules and the last dragon’s memory lingers.
Filming is currently underway in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with Sarah Adina Smith (Lessons in Chemistry, Hanna) directing three episodes and executive producer Owen Harris helming the other three.
Five new cast members have also been announced, including Finn Bennett (True Detective: Night Country) as Prince Aerion Targaryen, Bertie Carvel (The Crown) as Prince Baelor Targaryen, Tanzyn Crawford (Tiny Beautiful Things) as the puppeteer Tanselle, Daniel Ings (Sex Education) as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, and Sam Spruell (Fargo) as Prince Maekar Targaryen.
Depicting the escapades of the wandering knight and squire duo, the series promises to introduce viewers to several key members of the Targaryen lineage ruling Westeros at that time.
Martin and Ira Parker serve as writers and executive producers alongside Ryan Condal, Vince Gerardis, Harris, and Sarah Bradshaw. The prequel project stems from the last of Martin’s unfinished Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas published in 2010.
As Game of Thrones fans eagerly await House of the Dragon’s second season currently airing, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers another enticing look into the rich mythological history of Westeros and its most powerful ruling family.
With an acclaimed creative team and intriguing new cast members, the highly anticipated spin-off holds the potential to captivate audiences with fresh adventures in Martin’s sprawling fantasy realm. An official release date has not been announced yet.