A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: What to Know About the Game of Thrones Prequel

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/screenshot-2024-08-05-at-7-23-47-pm-66b15f48cc417.png

We’re not getting out of Westeros any time soon—another Game of Thrones prequel is on the way. While House of the Dragon is looking ahead to its third season, HBO is also working on a new spin-off: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

This series will revolve around a knight named Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg, both of whom readers will recognize as “Dunk and Egg” from George R. R. Martin’s expansive book series. (The author will co-write and executive produce the prequel.) Rumors about a Dunk and Egg series had been swirling for years, especially following the Game of Thrones series finale. In 2021, Variety reported that a Tales of Dunk and Egg series adaptation was in the works, but HBO didn’t publicly confirm plans until May 2024.

Here’s what we know about the show so far.

When will the show premiere?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will reportedly premiere in January 2026, per Deadline.

Previously, the series was slated to premiere in 2025, HBO and Max chief Casey Bloys announced during Warner Bros. Discovery’s upfront presentation in May 2024. A month later, HBO confirmed production is underway in Belfast, Ireland.

What is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms about?

Here’s HBO’s official logline:

“A century before the events of “Game of Thrones,” two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.”

The series’ official title suggests which of Martin’s book(s) will serve as the source material. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a collection of three novellas he wrote about Dunk and Egg’s adventures. The Hedge Knight is the first of the trio, featuring Dunk en route to compete at a tournament at Ashford Meadow and encountering Egg for the first time.

Despite his funny nickname, Egg is more important than he sounds. Egg is short for Aegon, as in Prince Aegon Targaryen, later known as King Aegon V Targaryen. His eldest brother is Maester Aemon, who befriends Jon Snow at The Wall in the Game of Thrones series.

Who is in the cast?

In April 2024, the production team announced they had cast Vikings: Valhalla’s actor Peter Claffey as Dunk and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg.

The younger actor was seen as Young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Additional casting announcements include: Finn Bennett (True Detective: Night Country) as Aerion Targaryen, Bertie Carvel (Dalgliesh) as Baelor Targaryen, Tanzyn Crawford (Tiny Beautiful Things) as Tanselle, Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen) as Ser Lyonel Barotheon, and Sam Spruell (Fargo) as Maekar Targaryen.

Martin and House of the Dragon writer Ira Parker will both serve as writers/executive producers. Ryan Condal, Vince Gerardis, Owen Harris, and Sarah Bradshaw are also executive producers.

How many episodes will there be?

The series will contain six episodes (so far). Three will be directed by Sarah Adina Smith, who has previously helmed episodes of Hanna and Lessons in Chemistry. The other three will be directed by Owen Harris, also an executive producer, whose credits include Black Mirror and Mrs. Davis.

Is there a trailer?

While fans will have to wait for an official trailer, they can feast their eyes on the clips HBO shared in a sizzle reel of upcoming shows.

HBO shared another reel on November 10 with teaser footage. Scroll to about 1:31 below. “My name is Ser Duncan the Tall,” Peter Claffey says in character.

This story will be updated.