The world of Westeros expands once again with the premiere of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', the latest television series to emerge from George R.R. Martin's epic universe. This new HBO and Sky production promises a fresh adventure, shifting the focus to the legendary tales of Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire, Egg.
Who Portrays the Key Players in Dunk and Egg's Tale?
Set approximately a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the six-part series adapts Martin's beloved 'Tales of Dunk and Egg' novellas. It introduces a sprawling new cast of characters, with several familiar faces from British television taking centre stage.
The role of the jovial nobleman Lyonel Baratheon, who strikes up a friendship with Dunk in the opening episode, is taken by actor Daniel Ings. Ings is a seasoned screen presence, known to UK audiences for his roles in Netflix's Sex Education, Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, and the first season of The Crown. His career began notably when he left the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School early to appear in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
From True Detective to Targaryen Prince
Another pivotal character is the haughty Aerion Targaryen, played by Finn Bennett. Bennett recently garnered critical acclaim for his performance in True Detective: Night Country and has also appeared in ITV's Liar. The London-born actor, who trained at Stagecoach in Islington, secured his first major role in the historical drama Domina, a series that also features several other actors from the Game of Thrones franchise.
The Stellar Ensemble Cast of the New Fantasy Epic
The series is built around its two leads: former Irish rugby player Peter Claffey as the towering knight Ser Duncan 'Dunk' the Tall, and child actor Dexter Sol Ansell as his clever companion, the stable boy Egg. Ansell is known for roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and ITV's Emmerdale.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Olivier Award-winner Bertie Carvel as the crown prince, Baelor Targaryen, and Sam Spruell as his brother, Maekar Targaryen. Australian actress Tanzyn Crawford plays Tanselle, while Danny Webb takes on the role of Dunk's mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree.
Other notable cast members include:
- Ross Anderson as Ser Humfrey Hardyng.
- Edward Ashley as Ser Steffon Fossoway.
- Youssef Kerkour as the blacksmith Steely Pate.
- Shaun Thomas as Raymun Fossoway.
The ensemble is rounded out by Daniel Monks as Ser Manfred Dondarrion, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Plummer, and Steve Wall as Lord Leo 'Longthorn' Tyrell, ensuring a deep bench of talent for this new foray into Martin's world.
How and When to Watch the Adventure Unfold
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' airs weekly, with episodes premiering on HBO on Sundays in the United States. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the series is available to stream on NOW on Mondays, offering the next chapter in the ever-growing saga of Westeros to a global audience eager for more tales of honour, friendship, and political intrigue.
