The lead actor for HBO’s newest Game of Thrones show has shared new details about the famous author’s close involvement. Peter Claffey, who plays Ser Duncan the Tall in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, says George R. R. Martin was deeply engaged in selecting the actors for the prequel series.
Claffey explained that Martin’s early confidence in the casting choices led to a supportive and trusting atmosphere on set. The actor said Martin allowed him creative freedom to build the character, a move Claffey believes came from the author’s satisfaction with the selection process.
The series, which follows the adventures of a humble knight and his young squire, premiered on HBO on January 18, 2026. New episodes are released each Sunday. The show has already been approved for a second season.
George R. R. Martin’s Direct Involvement in Casting Dunk and Egg
In interviews promoting the new series, Peter Claffey provided specific insight into Martin’s participation. He indicated that Martin was not a distant figure but played an active part in choosing who would bring his beloved characters to life.
“I think he was quite involved in the casting process himself,” Claffey told People.
This hands-on approach from Martin is notable given his reported level of involvement in other projects. Fans may recall Martin’s previous comments about having less influence during later seasons of the original Game of Thrones and some changes in House of the Dragon. His active role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms signals a strong personal investment in this adaptation.
Martin publicly expressed his excitement about the casting of the two leads from the moment they were announced in April 2024. He wrote on his blog that Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg, were perfect choices.
“Peter and Dexter. They should make one hell of a pair,” Martin wrote at the time.
He praised Claffey’s audition readings as “terrific” and celebrated Ansell’s commitment to the role, which included shaving his head.
A Collaborative and Trusting Atmosphere on Set
According to Claffey, Martin’s satisfaction with the casting created a positive environment for the actors. The author trusted the performers to understand and embody the characters he created.
“He kind of left me to my own devices,” Claffey said, describing Martin’s approach once filming began. “I’m sure he probably saw the way that I wanted to do things, or the way that I was trying to do things”.
This trust did not mean Martin was absent. Claffey, a self-described “massive original Game of Thrones series fan,” shared that he and Martin had long conversations about the world of Westeros.
“We spent a lot of time, the last time we had dinner, talking about different scenes that I loved [in the show] and stuff like that,” Claffey said. “He likes talking about his creation, and I love talking about his creation”.
The actor also revealed a more personal, direct message from Martin about the weight of the project. The author made it clear how important these characters are to him.
“He said to me, ‘This is my favourite of all my stories … so don’t f— it up,’” Claffey shared, “which was quite terrifying. But he’s just a really lovely, lovely guy”.
About Peter Claffey and His Journey to Westeros
Landing the lead role in a major HBO franchise was a significant moment for the 29-year-old Irish actor. Before acting, Claffey was a professional rugby union player in Ireland. He transitioned to acting and trained at Dublin’s Bow Street Academy, making his professional stage debut in 2022.
His screen roles include parts in Bad Sisters, Vikings: Valhalla, and the film Small Things Like These alongside Cillian Murphy. Despite his growing resume, Claffey admitted to feeling the pressure of leading a Game of Thrones series.
“I was a massive Game of Thrones fan,” Claffey said. “I’m shitting [myself], to be honest with you”.
He has spoken about using his own feelings of self-doubt to inform his portrayal of Dunk, a humble and often uncertain hedge knight.
Also Read:
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Show Details and Release Info
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is based on Martin’s series of novellas, The Tales of Dunk and Egg. The story is set approximately 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones, placing it between House of the Dragon and the original series in the timeline.
The show presents a different tone than its predecessors. Showrunner Ira Parker, a writer from House of the Dragon‘s first season, describes it as warmer and focused on a simpler, character-driven story.
“This is the opposite of epic,” Parker said. “Dunk is not a hero by nature”.
The first season consists of six episodes and adapts the first novella, The Hedge Knightcitation:3]. The main cast includes Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion Targaryen, and Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor Targaryen.
The series premiered on January 18, 2026, on HBO and the streaming service HBO Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET. The season finale is scheduled for February 22, 2026.
Also Read: One Chicago Crossover 2026: Release Date, Time Changes, Streaming on Peacock, and Jet Emergency Plot
Find more exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and the latest news from your favorite HBO series only on VvipTimes.
