Fans of the world of Westeros have a new journey to look forward to. The next live-action series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is set to premiere on HBO in January 2026. This new show, based on George R. R. Martin’s beloved “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas, will tell a more personal story set nearly a century before the events of Game of Thrones.
The Story of Dunk and Egg
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms follows the adventures of two unlikely companions: Ser Duncan the Tall (nicknamed “Dunk”), a humble and honest hedge knight, and his squire, Aegon Targaryen (nicknamed “Egg”). The key to the story is that Egg is secretly a prince, the future King Aegon V Targaryen, hiding his identity as they travel through Westeros.
The first season is expected to adapt the first novella, The Hedge Knight. The story begins with Dunk, now alone after his mentor’s death, traveling to the town of Ashford to compete in a jousting tournament. It is there he meets a strange, bald boy who insists on becoming his squire. Their bond is quickly tested when they must defend a puppeteer named Tanselle from the cruel Prince Aerion Targaryen, leading to a dramatic trial by combat that forces Egg to reveal his true identity.
A Different Side of Westeros
This new series will offer a fresh perspective on the world fans know. Unlike the grand political battles of Game of Thrones or the dragon-filled civil war of House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a more grounded tale.
Showrunner Ira Parker explained that the show’s simpler style is a direct reflection of its main character. “All decisions came down to Dunk, trying to channel the type of person he is into every aspect of this show,” Parker said. “The title sequences on the original [Game of Thrones] and House of the Dragon are big and epic and incredible… That’s not really Dunk’s M.O. He’s plain and he’s simple and he’s to-the-point. He doesn’t have a lot of flash to him.”
Instead of an elaborate opening sequence, the show will use a simple title card. The focus will be on the gritty, ground-level reality of life in Westeros. “We are ground up in this series, we are starting right at the bottom,” Parker noted. “We’re not with the lords and ladies, the kings and queens.”
The Cast Bringing the Characters to Life
The series features a cast of new and familiar faces from the world of Westeros.
The lead roles are played by Peter Claffey as the towering Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as the young Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen. They are joined by several key members of House Targaryen, including:
- Finn Bennett as the arrogant Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen.
- Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne.
- Sam Spruell as Prince Maekar Targaryen, Aerion and Egg’s father.
Other important characters include Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle, the Dornish puppeteer, and Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, also known as the “Laughing Storm.”
Production and a Vote of Confidence from George R.R. Martin
The series was officially ordered by HBO in April 2023 and finished filming its first season in September 2024. The first season will consist of six episodes.
George R. R. Martin, who is an executive producer on the series, has expressed great enthusiasm for the project. In a blog post, he shared that he has already seen all six episodes and loved them. He called the show “as faithful an adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for” and praised the actors portraying Dunk and Egg as “incredible.”
When to Watch and What to Expect Next
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will premiere on HBO and HBO Max in January 2026. While an exact date in January has not yet been announced, it marks a slight shift from the original late 2025 release plan. This means fans will get two major Game of Thrones universe releases in 2026, with House of the Dragon Season 3 expected to follow in the summer.
The story of Dunk and Egg is intended to continue beyond the first season, with future seasons already planned to adapt the subsequent novellas, The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight.
Also Read: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Takes a Simpler Path Through Westeros
