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- HBO’s new ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoff ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ ditches dragons for heart — and it works (businessinsider.com)
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Offers a Fresh, Grounded Take on Westeros
Westeros, USA – For those longing for the early days of “Game of Thrones” – before the dragons became plentiful and the budgets astronomical – a new spinoff series, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” is set to premiere on HBO this Sunday. This highly anticipated show promises a return to the character-driven storytelling that captivated audiences, offering a more intimate glimpse into George R.
R. Martin’s fantastical world.
Based on Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas, the series is set approximately 70 years after the events of “House of the Dragon.” It centers on Ser Duncan the Tall, or “Dunk” (played by Peter Claffey), a low-born orphan with no status, wealth, or lord to serve. His journey through a medieval, often brutal Westeros is one of instinct and perseverance, making him an instantly relatable protagonist.
Showrunner Ira Parker describes “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” as “‘Game of Thrones’ without all the stuff,” highlighting its narrower scope and focus on individual stories rather than grand-scale battles. With just six episodes, each under 45 minutes, and a significantly smaller budget, the series prioritizes character development and grounded narratives. “We are certainly very character-driven because we have nothing else,” Parker stated.
This deliberate shift in perspective allows for lower stakes and an infusion of comedy, providing a refreshing contrast to its predecessors. Parker emphasized his commitment to depicting Westeros from the viewpoint of everyday people, not its powerful elite.
“The only promise I made to George was that we would never be in the POV of the lords and ladies, kings and queens, the upper echelon,” he explained. Martin himself, an executive producer on the show, praised it as “as faithful an adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for.”
Dunk’s “superpower,” according to Parker, is his ordinariness. “We see Dunk having the same sort of issues that we might have in our daily life, which is trying to figure out what’s next,” he noted. This relatability is a cornerstone of the series, allowing viewers to connect with Dunk’s struggles and aspirations.
A Hero for the Common Folk
Despite not being the most skilled fighter or strategist, Dunk’s unwavering loyalty, compassion, and strong moral compass evoke comparisons to beloved “Game of Thrones” characters like Ned Stark. However, unlike Ned, Dunk’s honorable nature shines in the more rural setting of Ashford Meadow, where his good heart feels less out of place.
The series delves into themes of honor and duty, exploring their meaning and cost for someone without the safety net of family or wealth. While the fate of Westeros may not hang in the balance, Dunk’s personal stakes are often high, making him an easy character to champion.
Parker believes this universal appeal is why the character resonates so deeply. “That feeling of impostor syndrome, the feeling of wanting something better for yourself… he’s an easy guy to like,” he said.
A standout dynamic in the show is between Claffey’s Dunk and Dexter Sol Ansell’s Egg, a sharp-witted stable boy who becomes Dunk’s squire. Their witty exchanges and growing camaraderie provide moments of levity and emotional depth, reminiscent of cherished pairings like the Hound and Arya or Brienne and Podrick from the original series. This focus on intricate relationships breathes bittersweet life into the world of Westeros.
HBO executives have clearly taken notice, as “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has already been renewed for a second season, slated for a 2027 release. The next installment will adapt “The Sworn Sword,” the second novella in the Dunk and Egg series.
Parker expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the story, particularly in charting Egg’s coming-of-age journey. “At what point does the person start becoming responsible for who they are, rather than a function of the environment that they were brought up in?”
Parker mused, hinting at the profound themes awaiting viewers.