Fans have gotten their first look at the next series set in the world of Game of Thrones, and it brings a fresh design for one of its most famous symbols. The teaser for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reveals a updated version of the House Targaryen sigil. This change is part of a new show that promises a more personal and grounded adventure in Westeros.
The new series is based on George R. R. Martin’s beloved Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. It is set about 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones and follows the story of a humble knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his young squire, Egg. The show will premiere on January 18, 2026 on HBO Max, now known as Max, and will run for six episodes.
The New Targaryen Sigil
The recently released trailer for the series features a revised Targaryen banner. While it keeps the core design of a red three-headed dragon on a black background, several key changes set it apart from the versions seen in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
The most noticeable difference is that the dragon on the flag now has two legs instead of four. This design choice brings the symbol closer to legendary depictions of dragons. The dragon’s wings are also stretched backward, creating a leaner and more dynamic shape. Furthermore, one of the dragon’s heads is shown breathing fire, with flames that circle around the central figure of the sigil, giving the banner a more vibrant feel.
The show’s creative team explained that the update is meant to reflect the specific time period in which the story is set. A showrunner told Entertainment Weekly:
“We do think that there are artistic progresses, or at least cycles, that there is a new designer of House Targaryen doing just a little bit of a different freehand version of something. That’s really all it is. It wasn’t meant to be anything different other than this is the sigil of this specific time.”
This new look helps ground the story in its own era, a time when the Targaryens still rule from the Iron Throne but the dragons that once secured their power are gone from the world.
The Story of Dunk and Egg
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms centers on two unlikely heroes. Ser Duncan the Tall (played by Peter Claffey) is a young, honest, and brave hedge knight who is new to his role. His squire, Egg (played by Dexter Sol Ansell), appears to be a simple boy but is secretly Aegon Targaryen, a prince who will one day become king.
The series will adapt the first novella, The Hedge Knight. The story begins at the Ashford Meadow tourney, an event filled with jousting knights and political undercurrents. Unlike the epic, kingdom-wide power struggles of its predecessor shows, this story promises a more intimate tone. It focuses on the journey of its two main characters as they travel the roads of Westeros, exploring themes of honor, friendship, and doing what is right in a complicated world.
George R. R. Martin has expressed his excitement for the adaptation, stating that he has seen the episodes and loved them. He called Dunk and Egg his favorite characters and praised the actors chosen to play them.
A Different Kind of Westeros Story
The approach of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is intentionally different from other series in the Game of Thrones universe. The showrunner, Ira Parker, described the show as having a level of “unpolish” that is very intentional. The storytelling is described as “close and intimate,” “brutal,” and “hard.”
This grounded style is reflected in several creative choices. The series will not feature an opening title sequence, a first for a live-action show in this universe. The showrunner explained this decision by saying, “That’s not really Dunk’s MO. He’s plain, simple, to-the-point. He doesn’t have a lot of flash to him.” The cinematography often uses eye-level shots, putting the audience directly alongside Dunk and Egg on their journey, rather than showing sweeping views of castles and cities.
The tagline on the show’s first poster, “Before the Throne, There Was a Knight,” perfectly captures this shift in focus from ruling a kingdom to the simpler, yet still dangerous, life of a wandering knight.
The People Behind the Scenes
The series was developed by George R. R. Martin and Ira Parker, who also serve as executive producers. They are joined by executive producers Ryan Condal, Vince Gerardis, Owen Harris, and Sarah Bradshaw. The directing duties for the first season’s six episodes are split between Adina Smith, who will direct the first three episodes, and Owen Harris, who will direct the final three.
A Fresh Cast of Characters
While the story revolves around Dunk and Egg, they will meet a host of other characters on their travels. The cast includes Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor Targaryen and Sam Spruell as Maekar Targaryen. Finn Bennett plays the dangerous Aerion Targaryen, and Tanzyn Crawford plays Tanselle, a Dornish puppeteer who forms a connection with Dunk.
The casting of the two leads was described by the production team as an easy decision. Peter Claffey, a former rugby player, brings a physical presence and a sense of innocence to the role of Dunk. Dexter Sol Ansell, despite his young age, is noted for his maturity as an actor.
The world of Game of Thrones expands in a new direction with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. With its updated sigil, intimate story, and focus on two beloved characters, the series offers a fresh perspective on a familiar world when it arrives in January 2026.
Also Read: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode Details Confirmed: Six Half-Hour Episodes Set for 2026
