Second ‘Game of Thrones’ Spin-off Prequel ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight’ Casts Leads

HBO is expanding its Game of Thrones universe with a new prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, announcing Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell as the leads for this highly anticipated series.

As fans eagerly await the second season of House of the Dragon this summer, this latest addition is set to delve into the adventures of Ser Duncan The Tall (Dunk) and his squire Egg, set a century before the events of Game of Thrones. The official description is as follows:

“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.”

Peter Claffey, transitioning from a rugby field with Connacht Rugby in Ireland to the acting stage, has been cast as Dunk. Claffey’s acting journey has seen him on the stages of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre and in notable roles in Apple TV’s Bad Sisters and the upcoming film Small Things Like These alongside Cillian Murphy.

Dexter Sol Ansell, at just 9 years old, brings a wealth of experience for his age, including a memorable portrayal of the young Coriolanus Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Ansell will step into the role of Egg, rounding out the central duo of the series.

Set for a late 2025 release on HBO GO, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight draws from George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas, with the first season adapting 1998’s The Hedge Knight. The series explores the unlikely friendship between Dunk and Egg as they navigate the complexities of Westeros, an era when the Targaryen dynasty still reigns and dragons linger in living memory.

George R.R. Martin, along with Ira Parker, heads the creative team, aiming for a six-episode run in the first season. Martin has expressed hopes to extend the series over three seasons, covering Martin’s trilogy that includes The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight.

As House of the Dragon continues to captivate audiences with the Targaryen civil war, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is poised to become another jewel in HBO’s fantasy crown, further exploring the storied past of Westeros.