TL;DR: HBO’s new prequel series, set 100 years before Game of Thrones, follows hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg (future King Aegon V Targaryen). The six-episode season adapts George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas, featuring a lighter, adventure-focused tone. It premieres January 2026 on HBO and Max.
Summary:
- Premise & Setting:
- Set roughly a century before Game of Thrones, during King Aerys I’s reign.
- Follows Ser Duncan the Tall ("Dunk"), an orphan hedge knight, and his squire Egg, secretly Prince Aegon Targaryen.
- Season 1 centers on their journey to the Ashford Meadow Tourney and encounters with Westeros nobility and Targaryens.
- Themes include honor, chivalry, identity, and early Targaryen politics with fading dragons.
- Cast & Characters:
- Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall.
- Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg (Aegon V Targaryen).
- Finn Bennett, Bertie Carvel, Sam Spruell, and others as members of House Targaryen and Westerosi knights.
- Production & Creative Team:
- Created, written, and executive produced by George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker.
- Ryan Condal and Owen Harris among executive producers; Harris directs three episodes.
- Filmed in Northern Ireland with practical sets and action.
- Composer Ramin Djawadi returns, blending new folk elements with classic GoT themes.
- Release & Format:
- Premieres January 2026 on HBO and Max in the US; international rollout via HBO partners.
- Six one-hour episodes in Season 1, airing weekly on Sundays.
- Rated TV-MA for violence, language, and themes.
- Accessible to newcomers; prior GoT knowledge enhances enjoyment but not required.
- Marketing & Reception:
- Tagline: “This Winter, Spring is Coming.”
- Promotional materials emphasize a more intimate, character-driven story with humor and medieval pageantry.
- George R.R. Martin praised the faithful adaptation and casting.
- Expected to cover all three novellas over potential three seasons.
- Part of HBO’s “Year of Westeros” alongside House of the Dragon Season 3 and related content.