The expansion of the Game of Thrones universe continues with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a new spinoff series that shifts the focus from dragons and dynastic struggles to a more grounded, character-driven narrative. While the Targaryens grapple with a diminished image and the Baratheons enjoy a period of relative ease, the series centers on the journey of Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight forced to defend his honor in a Trial of Seven. The show is quickly establishing a distinct tone, one that blends the familiar grit of Westeros with a surprising dose of humor, as evidenced by the early reactions to the performances of its cast.
Daniel Ings, who portrays Lyonel Baratheon, and Sam Spruell, playing Maekar Targaryen, recently spoke with CBR about their experiences joining the franchise and bringing their characters to life. Both actors acknowledged the initial intimidation of stepping into a world so beloved by fans, but also emphasized the creative freedom afforded by showrunner Ira Parker and the collaborative spirit on set.
Ings described his character as the “Laughing Storm,” a figure designed to inject “chaos and fun bon vivant energy” into the world of Westeros. He credited Parker’s adaptation of the source material and the willingness of director Owen Harris to embrace improvisation as key factors in shaping his performance. “Those guys made it easy,” Ings said, highlighting the supportive environment that allowed him to explore the comedic potential of the role. He found it easy to play off of Peter Claffey, who embodies Dunk, noting Claffey’s naturally sweet and good-natured personality.
Spruell, focused on the complexities of Maekar Targaryen, a character burdened by familial dysfunction and a sense of inadequacy. He spoke of Maekar’s position as second-in-line to the throne and the “neurosis and emotion” that stemmed from constantly feeling overshadowed by his brother. Spruell was particularly drawn to the character’s “failure as a father,” noting the challenging dynamics within the Targaryen family. He described a family with an alcoholic and a violent son, adding layers of complexity to Maekar’s motivations and actions.
A recurring theme in the conversation was the show’s embrace of humor. Ings, who has experience in comedic fantasy with The Marvels, appreciated the opportunity to lean into those instincts within the context of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. He emphasized the importance of balancing the comedic elements with a sense of danger and threat, ensuring that the characters remained believable and capable of ruthlessness. He noted that even in the original Game of Thrones, characters like Tyrion Lannister and Bronn provided moments of levity, but were still capable of inflicting harm.
Spruell echoed this sentiment, noting that the show’s humor stemmed from the truthfulness of the characters and their interactions. He described a collaborative process where actors were encouraged to add their own flourishes and interpretations, resulting in a dynamic and engaging performance. He enjoyed undercutting the earnestness of his character’s brother, Baelor, and playing the role of the “younger brother.”
Both actors acknowledged the weight of joining a franchise with such a dedicated fanbase. Spruell admitted to feeling intimidated initially, but ultimately found solace in the richness of the script and the depth of the characters. He emphasized the importance of focusing on creating a truthful and compelling performance, rather than worrying about audience expectations. Ings confessed to a similar feeling of apprehension, but ultimately expressed pride in the show and hope that it would resonate with viewers.
The actors were effusive in their praise for Parker’s adaptation of the source material, emphasizing his commitment to staying true to the spirit of the books while also allowing for creative exploration. They highlighted the detailed character work and the opportunities to add nuance and depth to their roles. Spruell noted that the scripts were full of “characterful” supporting roles, providing a rich tapestry of interactions and motivations. Ings added that Parker’s adaptation captured the “cheeky sense of humor” inherent in the books, allowing the actors to embrace the comedic potential of the story.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms appears to be carving out its own niche within the Game of Thrones universe, offering a different perspective on Westeros and its inhabitants. By focusing on character dynamics and embracing a lighter tone, the series is attracting attention and generating excitement among fans. The performances of Ings and Spruell, along with the rest of the cast, are proving to be a key ingredient in the show’s success, bringing a fresh energy to a familiar world. New episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms , premiere every Sunday on HBO.
