Acclaimed author George R.R. Martin has shared his personal reaction to stepping onto the set of HBO’s upcoming “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.” In a detailed blog post, the writer behind the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels expressed a sense of returning to the past after visiting the production’s Belfast set earlier this month. The series, which has officially begun filming, adapts Martin’s “Dunk and Egg” novellas.
Martin’s “Back in Time” Set Visit
On his personal blog, “Not a Blog,” Martin posted an update titled “Back from Belfast” on June 13, 2024, detailing his recent trip. He described the profound experience of being on the new production’s stages and standing among newly built sets.
“A few weeks ago, I was back in Belfast, this time to visit the set of THE HEDGE KNIGHT. It was wonderful,” Martin wrote. He elaborated on the unique feeling, stating, “For a while, it was like I had gone back in time. The new sets were incredible. They brought back memories of the old setsโฆ Standing there, I found myself remembering the days when we were filming the pilot at the Paint Hall, and later, when we had the entire soundstagesโฆ It was a strange and wonderful feeling.”
The author also confirmed that principal photography on the series is now “in full swing,” having started earlier this spring.
Inside “The Hedge Knight” Production
The series is based on Martin’s series of novellas, the first of which is titled “The Hedge Knight.” The story is set approximately 90 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and follows the adventures of two unlikely companions: the naรฏve but chivalrous hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and his diminutive, clever squire, Eggโwho is secretly Aegon V Targaryen, a younger son of the ruling royal family.
The cast is led by Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall and Devin Terrell as Egg. Other confirmed cast members include Finn Bennett (as Prince Aerion Targaryen), Daniel Ings (as Ser Lyonel Baratheon), and Sam Spruell (as Maekar Targaryen). The series is written and executive produced by Ira Parker, with Ryan Condalโshowrunner of the ongoing prequel “House of the Dragon”โalso serving as an executive producer. Owen Harris is directing the first three episodes.
During his blog post, Martin noted he had the opportunity to meet with the cast and watch them film several scenes. He expressed his approval of the casting choices, calling Claffey and Terrell “great” and stating they “become Dunk & Egg before your eyes.”
A Different Vibe from “Game of Thrones”
In his reflections, Martin distinguished the tone of “The Hedge Knight” from its predecessor. He described it as a simpler, more intimate story compared to the epic, multi-character saga of “Game of Thrones.”
“Dunk and Egg are not playing the game of thrones,” he wrote. “They are not fighting in dynastic wars or battling supernatural threats. Their journeys are smaller, more personalโฆ but just as compelling, I think.” This aligns with the novellas, which are often described as travelogues through Westeros, focusing on chivalry, friendship, and the common people of the realm.
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Release Timeline and Expectations
While an official premiere date has not been announced, industry reports and Martin’s confirmation of ongoing filming suggest a potential debut on HBO and Max in late 2025 or 2026. The series has been ordered for a first season of six episodes.
The project is a key part of HBO’s strategy to expand the “Game of Thrones” universe, running alongside the successful “House of the Dragon,” which is currently filming its third season. “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” represents a different narrative approach, aiming to capture the heart and charm of Martin’s beloved shorter works.
Martin’s visible enthusiasm and direct involvement in visiting the set serve as a significant marker of confidence for fans eagerly awaiting this next chapter from Westeros. His firsthand account provides the first authentic look into the production’s atmosphere as it begins to bring a new, beloved corner of his literary world to the screen.
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