[New Look] ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Brings a Fresh Take on the Game of Thrones Universe

HBO is bringing viewers back to Westeros with a fresh perspective in its new Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The series, created by Ira Parker and George R. R. Martin, is a prequel to the original show and adapts Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. New images from the series have been released, giving fans a first real look at the characters and setting.

The show stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall, a humble hedge knight, and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, a young boy determined to become Dunk’s squire.

Other main cast members include Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen, Bertie Carvel as Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen, Tanzyn Crawford as Dornish puppeteer Tanselle, Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, and Sam Spruell as Prince Maekar Targaryen. The six-episode series is set to premiere on HBO in January 2026.

Fans will notice something immediately different about this spinoff: there is no traditional opening title sequence. Gone are the elaborate maps, spinning gears, and orchestral music. Instead, each episode begins with a simple medieval-style title card, appearing between the opening scenes.

Showrunner Ira Parker told Entertainment Weekly that this choice reflects Dunk’s personality. “All decisions came down to Dunk, trying to channel the type of person he is into every aspect of this show, even the title sequence,” Parker said.

“The title sequences on the original [Game of Thrones] and House of the Dragon are big and epic and incredible. Ramin Djawadi’s score is orchestral and large and beautiful. 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.”

The series follows Dunk, a knight who does not serve any lord. After his master dies, Dunk knights himself and enters a local tournament to prove his worth. Along the way, he meets Egg, who insists on becoming his squire.

The story takes place roughly fifty years after the death of the last dragon, long after the Targaryen civil war from House of the Dragon. Parker explained that there is no focus on magic or dragons in this period. “This could basically be 14th century Britain,” he said. “This is hard nose, grind it out, gritty, medieval knights, cold with a really light, hopeful touch. It’s a wonderful place to be. We are ground up in this series, we are starting right at the bottom. We’re not with the lords and ladies, the kings and queens.”

Unlike previous shows in the franchise, Parker promised that the series would stay with ordinary people. The story focuses on Dunk, Egg, and the small folk, blacksmiths, barmaids, and performers, rather than the royal courts or powerful families. When the Targaryens do appear, including Prince Baelor and Prince Maekar, it’s clear that their influence has faded and their name no longer inspires awe among the people.

Newly released image from the series showcase the grounded, medieval tone of the show.

“To find a totally different version of this world that everybody seems to know so well was very, very appealing,” Parker said. “The fact that we live in this world, though, where magic once existed is very interesting to me. This is the ground and the grass that has seen dragons and dragon fire before. So everything is just like how the world is, but a little stranger, a little different.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms promises a smaller, more intimate take on the world of Westeros. It is not about grand battles or palace intrigue but about what it means to be a knight in a world where honor and courage are rare.

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