Peter Claffey, the actor playing Ser Duncan the Tall in HBO’s upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, has given fans a way to picture his character. He describes Dunk as a version of Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher, but with key differences in personality and style.
The new series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is set to start on January 18, 2026. It takes place about a century before the original Game of Thrones and follows the adventures of the young, idealistic knight Dunk and his unusual squire, a boy called Egg.
How the Actor Sees the Two Characters
In a recent interview, Peter Claffey explained his take on Ser Duncan by directly comparing him to the famous monster hunter from The Witcher.
“That first season of The Witcher with Henry Cavill… But Henry Cavill’s Geralt, I feel, there is this kind of this comparison where it’s like Dunk, he’s kind of a less sexy, less confident, less charismatic Geralt of Rivia,” Claffey said.
To prepare for the role, Claffey watched the first season of Netflix’s The Witcher and spent time watching his brother play the popular video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. He pointed out that while both characters are skilled warriors who travel their worlds, Dunk lacks Geralt’s signature coolness and self-assurance. Instead, Dunk is portrayed as more humble, earnest, and even a little clumsy in his journey to become a proper knight.
This contrast gives a clear idea of the show’s tone. While The Witcher is often dark, gritty, and focused on a solitary hero, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms seems to aim for a story with more warmth, humor, and heart.
Understanding Geralt of Rivia as a Reference
To understand Claffey’s comparison, it helps to know who Geralt is. Geralt of Rivia is a witcher, a magically enhanced mutant trained from childhood to hunt and kill monsters. He is known for his white hair, a result of intense magical mutations, and his solitary, brooding nature.
A core part of Geralt’s story across books, games, and the TV show is his fierce protection of his adoptive daughter, Ciri, and his complicated love for the sorceress Yennefer. His character is often caught in moral dilemmas, famously choosing between “the lesser evil”.
On television, the character was played by Henry Cavill for the first three seasons of Netflix’s adaptation. Starting with Season 4, the role was taken over by actor Liam Hemsworth. The show continues to follow Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri as they are scattered across the Continent, each forming new alliances to survive.
What This Means for the New Game of Thrones Show
Claffey’s comments suggest that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be a different kind of fantasy story compared to both The Witcher and the original Game of Thrones.
The series is based on George R.R. Martin’s novellas, The Tales of Dunk and Egg. These stories are generally considered more focused on adventure and character development than the epic, political backstabbing of the main series. Describing the lead as a “less sexy Geralt” hints that viewers can expect a hero who is more relatable and less of a superhuman figure.
Dunk is not a magically enhanced mutant or a destined hero. He is a “hedge knight,” a wandering knight without a permanent lord or land, who is simply trying to do the right thing in a complex world. His story with his squire Egg is billed as one of “great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits,” but rooted in a genuine friendship.
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Release Information
Fans can mark their calendars for the premiere of this new chapter in the Game of Thrones universe.
- Series Title: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
- Release Date: January 18, 2026
- Network: HBO
- Main Cast: Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall, Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg
The show joins other successful HBO fantasy series like House of the Dragon, which is also currently in production for its next season.
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