The new Game of Thrones prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been winning over audiences with its lighter tone and focus on the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg. But eagle-eyed viewers with a deep knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe might have experienced a sudden jolt of recognition while watching the show. One of its breakout stars actually popped up in a recent MCU film, playing a character that was easy to forget.
The connection between the fantasy world of Westeros and the superhero-filled MCU is not a major crossover event or a shared universe theory. It is much simpler and comes down to one working actor. Daniel Ings, who brings the charismatic and sarcastic Ser Lyonel Baratheon to life in the HBO series, is the surprising link between these two massive franchises.
Daniel Ings Plays a Kree Scientist in The Marvels
Before he donned the antlered helmet of a Baratheon, Daniel Ings appeared in the 2023 Marvel film The Marvels . In the movie, he played Ty-Rone, a Kree scientist and advisor. His character served as a counsel to the film’s main antagonist, Dar-Benn, the Kree revolutionary leader who was trying to restore her home planet.
While his role in The Marvels was not a leading one, it was notable enough to give him significant screen time alongside MCU heavyweights like Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) and Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel) . He appeared as part of Dar-Benn’s command crew, offering strategic advice and helping to run the operations on her ship. For many viewers, however, the character of Ty-Rone blended into the background of a film that was busy introducing new concepts and characters at a rapid pace. This is why the connection between Daniel Ings and the MCU went almost completely unnoticed until now.
From Kree Advisor to Witty Westerosi Lord
The contrast between his MCU character and his role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is quite stark. In The Marvels, Ings played a straight-laced, serious alien scientist dealing with the high-stakes politics of the Kree Empire. In the new Game of Thrones prequel, his Ser Lyonel Baratheon is a completely different beast. He is described as a sardonic and magnetically watchable figure who stands out among the other supporting characters . He brings a dry wit and a sense of superiority that is very different from the typical noble lord seen in Westeros.
This shift showcases the range of Daniel Ings as an actor. He is able to move from the cold, technical world of a Kree starship to the muddy, brutal, yet often funny grounds of a tournament field in Westeros. Reviews of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have specifically pointed out his performance as a highlight, noting that the show’s interest picks up significantly when his character appears . It is a testament to his skill that he can make such an impression in a fantasy world already filled with memorable characters from great houses.
The Deeper Connection: George R.R. Martin’s Marvel Inspiration
The link between A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Marvel goes beyond just a shared actor. The creator of the world of Westeros, George R.R. Martin, has actually expressed a desire to model the expanding Game of Thrones universe after the Marvel model. He specifically mentioned wanting a variety of shows that explore different tones and corners of his history, much like the MCU does with its interconnected but stylistically diverse projects .
George R.R. Martin pointed to the Marvel series WandaVision as an example of what he hopes the Thrones franchise can achieve . WandaVision was a massive departure from the typical MCU formula, using a sitcom format to tell a deeply personal and strange story. Martin sees A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as Westeros’ own version of that experiment. He has described the new show as softer and more humorous than Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, focusing on the unusual and heartfelt bond between Dunk and Egg rather than just political backstabbing and massive battles .
This approach is exactly what reviewers are noticing. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is being called a “small-scale, mismatched-buddy comedy” compared to the sweeping Shakespearean drama of its predecessors . The series intentionally goes for a more grounded, low-stakes story. One of the first jokes in the show involves the protagonist, Dunk, loudly relieving himself just as the iconic Game of Thrones theme music swells, immediately signaling to the audience that this will be a different kind of journey .
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Release Info
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on January 18, 2026, on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max . The series consists of six episodes, which are being released weekly. The season finale is scheduled to air on February 22, 2026 . For viewers in India, the series is available for streaming on JioHotstar starting January 19, 2026 .
Episode 5 Release Details
Episode 5 of the series is set to air on February 15, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available on HBO Max at the same time . This episode will feature the highly anticipated “Trial of Seven” battle, a pivotal moment from George R.R. Martin’s novellas . In this episode, Ser Duncan the Tall must fight six allies against Prince Aerion and his six champions.
The Cast of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
The show features a talented cast bringing the world of Westeros to life :
- Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall
- Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg (Prince Aegon Targaryen)
- Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon
- Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor Targaryen
- Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion Targaryen
- Sam Spruell as Maekar Targaryen
- Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle
- Edward Ashley as Ser Steffon Fossoway
- Henry Ashton as Prince Daeron Targaryen
Also Read:
What This Connection Means for Fans
For fans of both the MCU and Game of Thrones, this connection is a fun piece of trivia that highlights how actors frequently move between these massive franchises. Daniel Ings may have been a forgettable Kree in The Marvels, but as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, he is making a much more lasting impression. His performance is a key part of what makes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms work as a lighter, more character-driven story.
The show continues to explore the history of Westeros nearly a century before the events of Game of Thrones. With the Targaryen line still holding the Iron Throne and dragons still a living memory, this series offers a unique look at a different side of the world . It proves that even in a universe known for its ruthless violence and political intrigue, there is room for a story about a decent hedge knight and his clever young squire just trying to make their way.
Also Read: Fate/strange Fake Episode 8 Release Date, Story, and Streaming Details
For more updates on the latest entertainment news and streaming guides, keep reading VvipTimes for all the details on your favorite shows and movies.
