The long wait for another chapter in the Game of Thrones universe is finally coming to an end. After years of anticipation and long gaps between seasons of House of the Dragon, fans can now also look forward to the brand-new prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, as HBO releases the first trailer for the latest spin-off.
Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the series draws inspiration from George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, a collection of novellas that explore a smaller corner of the sprawling Game of Thrones mythos.
Co-created by Martin and writer Ira Parker, it follows Ser Duncan the Tall (played by Peter Claffey), a young, idealistic knight, and his quick-witted squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). Their adventures unfold during a time when the Targaryen dynasty still rules Westeros, and the last dragons remain a living memory. The duo’s journey promises a mix of humour, heart, and heroism, with plenty of peril along the way.
Tonally, the trailer suggests a departure from the heavy political intrigue and grim brutality of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Instead, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms appears more light-hearted, closer in spirit to A Knight’s Tale.
Early signs also suggest that the show is designed to welcome newcomers as much as it rewards long-time fans. Viewers won’t need to brush up on Fire & Blood or dive back into A Song of Ice and Fire to understand what’s happening. Instead, the focus rests on the relationship between Dunk and Egg, a story equal parts buddy comedy and heartfelt character study that’s set against a fantasy backdrop.
This said, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms doesn’t completely shy away from the hallmarks of the Thrones universe; there’s the occasional crude humour, sharp-edged dialogue, and a healthy dose of Westeros irreverence.
The cast includes Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, Bertie Carvel as Baelor Targaryen, Danny Webb as Ser Arlan of Pennytree, Sam Spruell as Maekar Targaryen, Shaun Thomas as Raymun Fossoway, Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen, Edward Ashley as Ser Steffon Fossoway, Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle, Henry Ashton as Daeron Targaryen, and Daniel Monks as Ser Manfred Dondarrion.
Spanning six half-hour episodes, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will premiere on HBO Max from 18 January 2026, with new episodes airing each Sunday thereafter.
Words by Joseph Jenkinson
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