Thursday, 20 June 2024

A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS castmembers announced

HBO has unveiled the cast for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, its forthcoming adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "Dunk & Egg" series of short stories, which act as a prequel to A Song of Ice and Fire and its TV adaptation, Game of Thrones. The show just started shooting in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall in the first officially-released image from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The show had already announced Irish actor Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Soll Ansell as his squire, Egg. Ser Duncan the Tall, popularly called Dunk, is a young hedge knight, a warrior of humble birth with no family name or backing, who has to make his name through his skill at arms alone. Egg is a young boy he meets on the road with a canny intelligence, whom he reluctantly takes on as a squire.

Joining the cast is Finn Bennett (True Detective: Night Country) as Prince Aerion Targaryen. The second son of Prince Maekar Targaryen, himself the fourth son of King Daeron II, the king at the time of the series, Prince Aerion is known his flights of fancy and bullying nature.

Bertie Carvel (The Crown, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, where he played Jonathan Strange) is playing Prince Baelor Targaryen. Known as Baelor Breakspear, the prince is the oldest son of King Daeron II and his heir, also serving as Hand of the King. He is known for his honour, valour in battle and political savvy. He is honouring the great tourney at Ashford Meadow with his presence.

Tanzyn Crawford (Tiny Beautiful Things) is playing Tanselle. Taneselle is a puppet-maker and player, providing entertainment for the commons.

Daniel Ings (Sex Education) is playing Ser Lyonel Baratheon, popularly called "the Laughing Storm." Lyonel is the heir to Storm's End and is also known for his honour and valour, but he is an outgoing man with a sense of humour. He is a formidable tourney knight.

Sam Spruell (Fargo) is playing Prince Maekar Targaryen. The younger brother of Prince Baelor, Maekar is known for his prickly pride and sternness, but he also has a sense of honour and fairness, if reminded of it. He is driven to distraction by his sons, who seem to delight in frustrating him.

The first season will adapt The Hedge Knight, the first of the three (so far) Dunk & Egg stories, across six episodes. Sarah Adina Smith will direct three episodes, Owen Harris the other three. Ira Parker is serving as showrunner and main writer.

The show is expected to debut on HBO in 2025.


Westeros Timeline

  • 1 AC: Conquest of the Seven Kingdoms by Aegon the Conqueror.
  • 101 - 131 AC: The events of House of the Dragon take place, ending in the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons (129 - 131 AC).
  • 209 AC: Tourney at Ashford Meadow, the events of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms begin.
  • 281 AC*: Robert's Rebellion, deposing of the Mad King.
  • 298 AC: The events of Game of Thrones begin.
* In the TV show timeline, in the book timeline the Rebellion takes place in 283 AC.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anyone else finds it strange that Dunk is played by a thirty years old man? He's suppoed to be 16 or 17 years old.

Anonymous said...

People play young all the time. You can always find an actor in their late 20’s or in their 30’s playing a teenager in a movie or show. Grease, Clueless, Bridgerton, to name a few.

Anonymous said...

Adam, I’m a huge fan of your blog for over a decade. I was hoping you would release some new book reviews as I have no clue what to read anymore. IMO Tolkien and Joe Abercrombie are the all time best followed by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. GRRM, Rothfuss and Lynch all started great but have been unable to complete their vision. I completed Malazan but would not recommend to others. Josiah Bancrofts Babel series and Chris woodings Ember blade books are fantastic, both of which I stumbled on through your recommendation and greatly appreciated. Pierce Browns red rising series has also been one I have truly loved and would love to see your thoughts on. I have no clue what’s left that’s worth delving into, esp newer stuff. Foundryside etc by Robert Jackson Bennett was meh. I’ve read most of the classic sci fi books etc. Help! I need guidance with newer fantasy/sci fi!