New pictures from HBO’s next Game of Thrones series show a world filled with light and color, not shadow and fire. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gives a first clear look at the main heroes and the royal Targaryen family members who will surround them. These images arrive as the show builds excitement for its January 18, 2026 premiere date on HBO Max.
This prequel is based on George R. R. Martin’s beloved “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas. It follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall, a wandering knight, and his young squire, Egg. The story is set about a century before the events of Game of Thrones, in a time of relative peace for the Seven Kingdoms.
First Looks at Dunk, Egg, and a New Vision for Westeros
The newly released images introduce viewers to the show’s two central characters. Peter Claffey plays Ser Duncan the Tall, a kind but inexperienced hedge knight. His companion is Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, a clever boy who hides a very important secret: he is actually Prince Aegon Targaryen. The pictures show them on the road, highlighting the story’s focus on travel, adventure, and growing friendship.
Visually, the series appears to be taking a different path than its predecessors. The images are notably brighter and more vibrant compared to the often dark and grim tones of Game of Thrones. Scenes show quiet moments in stables, conversations at dinner tables, and solitary travel down country roads. This suggests a shift from epic battles and palace intrigue to a more personal, character-driven tale. The production still maintains a high level of detail, with careful attention to armor, heraldic sigils, and costumes that feel authentic to the world.
Meet the Targaryen Family: A King, a Prince, and a Troublemaker
Beyond the two leads, the images provide the first good look at key members of House Targaryen from this era. Sam Spruell plays Prince Maekar Targaryen, Egg’s stern and serious father, seen riding on horseback. Bertie Carvel appears as Prince Baelor Targaryen, Maekar’s brother. In one image, Baelor is shown wearing the pin of the Hand of the King, indicating his high position in the royal court.
Another Targaryen revealed is Prince Aerion, played by Finn Bennett. Aerion is Maekar’s eldest son and Egg’s older brother, known in the stories for his cruel and volatile nature. His presence hints at the family tensions and dangers that Dunk and Egg will encounter. Henry Ashton also joins the cast as Prince Daeron Targaryen, another of Egg’s brothers.
A Supporting Cast of Knights and Lords
The world of Westeros is filled with more than just Targaryens. The new pictures also showcase other important characters from the lore. Daniel Ings appears as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, the heir to Storm’s End, who is known as the “Laughing Storm”. Tanzyn Crawford plays Tanselle, a Dornish puppeteer who becomes involved in Dunk’s story.
Other notable faces include Shaun Thomas as Raymun Fossoway and Edward Ashley as his cousin, Ser Steffon Fossoway. Danny Webb plays Ser Arlan of Pennytree, the old hedge knight who was Dunk’s mentor. The cast is rounded out by actors like Youssef Kerkour, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, and Daniel Monks, ensuring a rich tapestry of characters for the heroes to meet on their journey.
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Behind the Scenes of the New Prequel
The series is a direct adaptation of Martin’s novellas, with the author heavily involved. George R. R. Martin and Ira Parker co-created the show, with Parker also serving as the showrunner. Parker previously wrote for the first season of House of the Dragon, another successful Game of Thrones prequel. Executive producers include Ryan Condal, the showrunner of House of the Dragon, Owen Harris, and Sarah Bradshaw.
Directing duties for the six-episode first season are split between Owen Harris and Sarah Adina Smith. Harris, known for directing episodes of Black Mirror, is directing the first three episodes and helped set the overall tone for the series. The show was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a familiar production home for the Game of Thrones franchise.
The official synopsis from HBO describes “a young, naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits await these improbable and incomparable friends”.
Even though the first season has not yet aired, HBO has already shown strong confidence in the project. The network renewed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for a second season in November 2025, months before its planned debut. This early renewal suggests that the studio believes it has another hit set in Westeros on its hands. The second season is expected to be released in 2027.
The release of these images is a key part of the marketing campaign leading to the premiere. A full trailer for the series was released in October 2025, and the show’s first poster was also revealed around that time. With its established release date and growing promotional push, the journey of Dunk and Egg is officially on the horizon for fans.
Also Read: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Trailer Out: A Comedic Glimpse Before the Big Premiere
