The “Game of Thrones” prequel series is based on the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas written by George R.R. Martin.
HBO’s latest “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” will premiere in January 2026, the network confirmed.
On Monday, the “Game of Thrones” X account announced, “This Winter, Spring is Coming,” alongside a promotional poster. However, the network hasn’t revealed the exact January air date for the premiere.
The six-part series features Irish actor Peter Claffey, known for “Bad Sisters,” in the role of Ser Duncan the Tall, an itinerant knight. Dexter Sol Ansell joins him, playing his youthful companion, Egg.
Taking place a hundred years prior to “Game of Thrones,” the series chronicles the journeys of this unusual duo as they traverse the lands of Westeros during the reign of the Targaryens. The narrative offers a glimpse into the lives of the lower strata of Westeros society.
“The show dives into the raw and tough life of medieval knights, mixed with moments of lightness and hope. It’s an engaging setting. We’re presenting this story from the ground up, starting at the grassroots. No focus on nobility or royalty here,” explained showrunner Ira Parker to Entertainment Weekly.
The episodes will break from tradition by opting for a minimalist title card instead of a full opening sequence, diverging from the elaborate intros typical in the original series and the “House of the Dragon” spinoff, both famous for their iconic musical intros.
HBO commissioned the production of the series in April 2023, initially naming it “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight,” with a previous release aim set for 2025.
The series is based on the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas written by George R.R. Martin, author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series that spawned the original HBO hit.
Martin is writing and executive producing the prequel series alongside Ryan Condal, who co-created “House of the Dragon” with Martin. HBO released a first-look teaser for the series in 2024.
The show represents HBO’s third live-action series set in Martin’s fantasy universe, following the original “Game of Thrones,” which concluded in 2019, and “House of the Dragon,” which premiered in 2022 and is eyeing a 2026 release date for its penultimate third season.
