The series is set to premiere in late 2025.
Distributed by HBO and Max in the United States.
Series Review
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is a six-episode prequel that trades dragons and court intrigue for an intimate, character-driven journey.
Peter Claffey’s warm portrayal of Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell’s curious, mischievous Egg anchor a story rich in humor, honor, and moral dilemmas.
Supporting performances—from Finn Bennett’s volatile Aerion to Tanzyn Crawford’s spirited Tanselle—add depth, while George R.R. Martin praises its faithful adaptation of the novellas.
Though industry ratings are still pending, fans can expect heartfelt camaraderie, gritty jousts, and a fresh, human-scale exploration of Westeros.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Actors
Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk)
DOB: July 28, 1996
Bio: Hailing from County Kildare, Ireland, Peter played professional rugby for Connacht before training at Dublin’s Bow Street Academy.
He honed his craft on stage with the Abbey Theatre and has spoken about how his sports background taught him discipline and teamwork—qualities he brings to every role .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: A gentle giant of a hedge knight whose moral code drives the story.
What to Expect: Grounded honor, heartfelt mentorship scenes, and unforgettable jousts.
Favorite Things: Deep dives into medieval history books and forging friendships with horses.
Notable Works: Wreck, Bad Sisters, Vikings: Valhalla.
Dexter Sol Ansell as Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen
DOB: September 16, 2014
Bio: Born in Oxfordshire, Dexter made his TV debut on Emmerdale at age four and earned praise for his turn as young Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
He balances school life with acting, and credits his supportive family for instilling both confidence and humility .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: The inquisitive young prince-turned-squire who learns chivalry at Dunk’s side.
What to Expect: Genuine charm, heartfelt moments of wonder, and budding loyalty.
Favorite Things: Storytime read-alouds and learning horsemanship.
Notable Works: Emmerdale, Robin and the Hoods.
Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion Targaryen
DOB: December 27, 1999
Bio: A London native, Finn trained at RADA’s youth programs before breaking out in True Detective: Night Country.
He’s spoken about channeling complex emotional states—anger, entitlement—into Aerion, drawing on his theatre roots to keep every scene charged.
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: The fierce, unpredictable “Brightflame” prince whose cruelty tests Dunk’s mettle.
What to Expect: Volatile confrontations, chilling arrogance, and explosive emotion.
Favorite Things: Late-night writing and method-acting exercises.
Notable Works: True Detective: Night Country, Hope Gap, Domina.
Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen
DOB: September 6, 1977
Bio: Trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Bertie won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Rupert Murdoch.
A seasoned stage and screen actor, he’s revered for his skill in balancing gravitas with warmth—qualities he channels into the noble Breakspear.
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: The just, seasoned Hand of the King whose counsel shapes many fates.
What to Expect: Measured wisdom, emotional undercurrents, and quiet authority.
Favorite Things: Collecting rare books on governance and debating philosophy.
Notable Works: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Doctor Foster, Dalgliesh.
Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle
DOB: Not Available
Bio: A WAAPA graduate, Tanzyn cut her teeth in independent theatre before TV—her cultural background (Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander) informs her nuanced portrayals.
She’s spoken about bringing authenticity to Tanselle’s resilience and humor .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: A resourceful Dornish puppeteer whose bond with Dunk adds heart to the tale.
What to Expect: Sharp wit, heartfelt solidarity, and surprising courage.
Favorite Things: Crafting miniature puppets and exploring desert landscapes.
Notable Works: Tiny Beautiful Things, Swift Street
Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon
DOB: November 30, 1985
Bio: From York, Daniel earned acclaim at the National Youth Theatre before roles in Lovesick and The Crown.
He’s noted for his comedic timing and physicality, traits he brings to the boisterous “Laughing Storm” .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: A charismatic knight whose laughter masks deep loyalty.
What to Expect: Light-hearted banter, stirring battle scenes, and unwavering friendship.
Favorite Things: Outdoor rock-climbing and stand-up comedy nights.
Notable Works: Lovesick, The Crown, Instinct, The Gentlemen.
Sam Spruell as Prince Maekar Targaryen
DOB: January 1, 1977
Bio: A drama graduate from Bristol Old Vic, Sam’s screen career spans Fargo, Legend, and The Hurt Locker.
He often chooses intense, authoritative roles, drawing on his early theatre work to create fully realized characters .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: A stern patriarch whose decisions carry heavy weight.
What to Expect: Commanding presence, moral complexity, and high-stakes drama.
Favorite Things: Traditional archery and studying medieval warfare.
Notable Works: Fargo, Legend, Snow White and the Huntsman.
Edward Ashley as Ser Steffon Fossoway
DOB: Not available
Bio: Trained at the Bristol Old Vic, Edward first drew notice in The Lost City of Z before starring in Masters of the Air.
He credits his family’s artistic background for nurturing his early passion for storytelling .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: An ambitious Fossoway knight whose drive shapes his destiny.
What to Expect: Poised politicking, duels of honor, and heartfelt ambition.
Favorite Things: Exploring cider-making traditions in his ancestral Cider Hall.
Notable Works: The King, The Lost City of Z, The Terror, Masters of the Air.
Henry Ashton as Prince Daeron “The Drunken” Targaryen
DOB: February 10, 1991
Bio: A Bristol Old Vic alumnus, Henry earned acclaim in My Lady Jane before roles in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
He’s known for blending vulnerability and wit—a mix he brings to Daeron’s prophetic, tragic arc .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: A visionary prince haunted by dreams and demons.
What to Expect: Poignant depth, startling revelations, and emotional fragility.
Favorite Things: Practicing dream journaling and sculpting glass art.
Notable Works: My Lady Jane, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Outlander.
Youssef Kerkour as Steely Pate
DOB: June 9, 1978
Bio: Born in Rabat and raised in London, Youssef trained at LAMDA and is BAFTA-nominated for Home.
Fluent in four languages, he brings cultural authenticity and dry wit to every role .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: The sharp-tongued blacksmith whose creations—and quips—are legendary.
What to Expect: Witty repartee, grounded humor, and moments of surprising tenderness.
Favorite Things: Late-night coffee hunts and collecting handmade forge tools.
Notable Works: Home, House of Gucci, Napoleon, Significant Other.
Daniel Monks as Ser Manfred Dondarrion
DOB: Not available
Bio: An Australian writer/actor, Daniel won AACTA nomination for his film Pulse. His theater background infuses his performances with raw emotional authenticity .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: A conflicted knight torn between duty and conscience.
What to Expect: Layered vulnerability, moral dilemmas, and heartfelt courage.
Favorite Things: Playwriting workshops and experimental dance.
Notable Works: Pulse, The Real and Imagined History of the Elephant Man, Teenage Dick.
Shaun Thomas as Raymun Fossoway
DOB: May 30, 1997
Bio: A BAFTA-winning British actor whose breakthrough came in the short The Selfish Giant.
He’s praised for bringing warmth and subtle humor to every role, having trained at LAMDA’s summer school early on .
Episodes: S1, Episodes 1–6
Role: The loyal cousin-squire whose integrity often sneaks up on foes.
What to Expect: Gentle humor, steadfast loyalty, and quiet heroism.
Favorite Things: Sketch-comedy nights and birdwatching in the Vale.
Notable Works: The Selfish Giant, How To Have Sex, Ladhood, The Long Shadow
More Actors
Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Plummer
Danny Webb as Ser Arlan of Pennytree
Ross Anderson as Ser Humfrey Hardyng
Steve Wall as Lord Leo “Longthorn” Tyrell
FAQ – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Is George R.R. Martin involved in the series?
Yes, Martin is actively involved as a writer and executive producer, ensuring the series stays true to the spirit of his original novellas.
Will the series feature dragons or large-scale battles?
No, the series focuses on character-driven storytelling, emphasizing themes of chivalry, honor, and the personal journeys of its protagonists, rather than grand battles or dragons.
How does this series connect to Game of Thrones?
Set about a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the series explores the Targaryen dynasty’s earlier history, providing context and depth to the world fans are familiar with.
Who are the main cast members?
Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk)
Dexter Sol Ansell as Prince Aegon Targaryen (Egg)
Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion Targaryen
Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle
How many episodes will the first season have?
The inaugural season will consist of six episodes, adapting George R.R. Martin’s novella “The Hedge Knight.”
Conclusion
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight succeeds by stripping away the epic scale of dragons and political machinations to reveal the heart at the center of Westeros.
With Peter Claffey’s earnest Ser Duncan guiding Dexter Sol Ansell’s wide-eyed Egg, the series delivers warmth, honor, and genuine friendship across every dusty tournament field and candlelit hall.
Supporting performances—from the unpredictable Aerion to the resourceful Tanselle—fill this world with memorable characters whose struggles and triumphs feel resonant and human.
For viewers seeking adventure that’s as much about moral courage as it is about swordplay, this prequel is a refreshing return to George R.R. Martin’s original spirit.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dunk and Egg’s tales or new to their story, The Hedge Knight offers an intimate, deeply satisfying journey through the Seven Kingdoms.