Daniel Ings Explains the Unique Character Pitch That Made Him Want to Play Lyonel Baratheon

The new HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has introduced viewers to a fresh set of faces in the world of Westeros. Among the most memorable is Lyonel Baratheon, the boisterous Lord of Storm’s End played by actor Daniel Ings. The actor has shared what immediately drew him to the part, revealing it was a very specific and intriguing character description that captured his interest.

Ings explained that the show’s creative team used a clear and vivid comparison to outline the role. This description perfectly captured the mix of wild energy and hidden depth he wanted to bring to the screen.

The “Jack Sparrow Meets Ernest Hemingway” Pitch

When Daniel Ings first received the scripts for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the character of Lyonel Baratheon came with a brief that he found impossible to resist. The role was described as a cross between Jack Sparrow and Ernest Hemingway.

“They described him as Jack Sparrow meets Ernest Hemingway in the brief when I first read the scripts,” Ings said. “That gave a sense of a swashbuckling, fun character and also someone who is a little battle-hardened and weary – someone who only comes alive in the fight. He’s like an adrenaline junkie.”

This combination signaled to Ings that Lyonel was not just another noble lord. He was a person full of life and humor, yet also shaped by the harsh realities of his world. The idea of playing with these “extremes” was a major appeal for the actor.

Building a Chaotic and Fun Nobleman

Armed with that core idea, Ings worked to build a character who would stand out in the often-serious setting of Westeros. He wanted Lyonel to bring a specific kind of energy to the story.

“I wanted to try and create a character that would inject some chaos and some anarchic fun and bon vivant energy into Westeros,” Ings stated.

This goal fit perfectly with Lyonel’s established nickname in the books, “The Laughing Storm.” The name comes from his habit of laughing loudly during battles, a trait Ings found fascinating and darkly complex. He saw it as a key to the character’s psychology—someone who finds excitement and joy in the danger of combat.

The actor praised the collaborative environment on set, led by showrunner Ira Parker and director Owen Harris, which allowed him the freedom to experiment. He noted that the team was “super open to ad-libbing and building out these sequences,” and that the director was constantly “egging me on.” This supportive atmosphere helped him fully realize the character’s chaotic charm.

Finding the Balance Between Humor and Threat

While leaning into the comedy was a clear opportunity, Ings was careful to ensure Lyonel still felt like a genuine part of the Game of Thrones universe. He knew the character needed an edge to feel authentic.

“You want to feel, even in the original Game of Thrones, Tyrion can be funny and Bronn is kind of funny at points… but you do believe that these people are ruthless as well,” Ings explained. “And finding that slightly more menacing edge and keeping that alive… he’s kind of manic and a bit of a mad dog.”

This balance is on full display in the series premiere. Lyonel is introduced as a jovial and welcoming host in his tent, sharing food, drink, and a spontaneous dance with Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey). However, the scene begins with a moment of tension where Lyonel mistakenly believes Dunk has come to threaten him, showing the quick shift in mood that Ings describes.

Chemistry with Peter Claffey’s Dunk

A highlight of the premiere is the instant and unlikely friendship between Lyonel and the humble hedge knight, Dunk. Ings credited his co-star Peter Claffey with making that dynamic easy and enjoyable to play.

“Peter is kind of Dunk-like in a way. He’s very sweet and good-natured and fun to be around, and funny,” Ings said. “So for me, playing these scenes opposite him, it was very easy to imagine myself as a guy hanging out with someone who is fun and just generally a good time.”

This natural chemistry translated into one of the most talked-about scenes from the first episode, where the two knights share a drunken, clumsy dance in the Baratheon tent. Showrunner Ira Parker noted that dance sequences in film, like those in ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ were an inspiration for wanting to include a moment of pure, weird joy.

Lyonel Baratheon’s Place in the Story and Family Tree

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set roughly 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones, during the reign of King Maekar I Targaryen. Lyonel Baratheon is the Lord of Storm’s End and the head of House Baratheon at this time.

He is a direct ancestor of King Robert Baratheon from the original series. Family tree records indicate that Lyonel is either Robert’s great-grandfather or great-great-grandfather, explaining the clear family resemblance in their loud, charismatic, and war-loving natures.

The series is based on George R.R. Martin’s series of novellas, The Tales of Dunk and Egg. While the show is noted for being a very faithful adaptation, the scene of Dunk and Lyonel meeting and dancing in the tent is actually a new addition created for the television series. In the original book, their relationship develops more in the background.

For Daniel Ings, joining this beloved fantasy world was an exciting challenge. He admitted to some nervousness after accepting the role, thinking, “Actually fuck, what have I done? People really love these characters.” However, his focus remained on the work and the fun of the character, and he is now “really proud of the show.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs new episodes on Sundays on HBO and HBO Max. The series stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg.

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