HBO Returns to Classic Westeros With Dunk and Egg Prequel.
HBO has returned to the world of Westeros with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a new Game of Thrones spin-off that blends intimate storytelling with sweeping landscapes. Inspired by George R.R. Martin’s popular “Dunk and Egg” novellas, the series shifts focus from royal power struggles to a quieter, character-driven journey set a century before the events of Game of Thrones.
The story follows Ser Duncan the Tall, a wandering hedge knight, and his sharp-minded young squire, Egg. Together, they travel through the Seven Kingdoms, navigating honor, loyalty, and survival in a world still shaped by dragons and dynasties.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel to Game of Thrones, is based on George RR Martin's three novellas telling the story of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg. HBO
When and Where to Watch the Series
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on Sunday, January 18, on HBO and HBO Max. The debut episode, titled The Hedge Knight, aired at 10 p.m. ET and marked the beginning of a six-episode first season. New episodes release weekly on Sunday nights.
The series is available exclusively on HBO platforms, with streaming options through HBO Max. International viewers can also watch the show on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV starting January 19.
A Return to Northern Ireland’s Iconic Landscapes
Unlike House of the Dragon, which is filmed primarily in England, this new spin-off brings Westeros back to Northern Ireland, widely regarded as the original “home of Thrones.” Filming locations include Glenarm Castle in County Antrim, Tollymore Forest Park, the Mourne Mountains, Cave Hill in Belfast, and the Glens of Antrim, alongside studio work at Titanic Studios.
Hen Mountain in the Mournes provided a dramatic landscape for episode 1. HBO
For many involved with the franchise, the choice of location was essential. Robert Dowling, who runs Game of Thrones tours in Northern Ireland, said the story’s emphasis on natural landscapes and travel made the region the only logical setting. The series relies heavily on outdoor filming with minimal CGI, echoing the grounded visual style of early Game of Thrones seasons.
A Story Rooted in Character, Not Spectacle
Set roughly 100 years after House of the Dragon and a century before Game of Thrones, the series explores Westeros during a relatively quieter era. Rather than focusing on large-scale wars or dragon battles, the narrative centers on personal growth, moral choices, and companionship.
Dowling described the show as a return to what made the franchise compelling in its early years: strong dialogue, evolving relationships, and landscapes that feel like characters themselves.
Season One and What Comes Next
Season one consists of six episodes, each adapting key moments from Martin’s first novella, The Hedge Knight. HBO has already renewed the series for a second season, which will be based on The Sworn Sword. Filming for season two is expected to begin in late 2025, with a planned release in 2027.
HBO executives have indicated hopes for a three-season run, aligning with Martin’s three published novellas. Beyond that, the author has suggested there may be more stories to tell, hinting at additional adventures for Dunk and Egg in the future.
Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Irish actor and former rugby union player Peter Claffey, and Egg, played by 11-year-old Dexter Sol Ansell. HBO
Economic and Cultural Impact in Northern Ireland
The series’ return has been welcomed by Northern Ireland’s film industry. Richard Williams, head of NI Screen, said the production reaffirmed the region’s long-standing relationship with HBO and its reputation for hosting large-scale global television projects.
Former Game of Thrones extra Adrian Hanna, who also worked on the new series, noted the sense of reunion among cast and crew. He expressed hope that the show would reignite tourism interest, which surged during the original series’ run.
As A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms unfolds, it not only expands the mythology of Westeros but also reconnects the franchise with the landscapes and people that helped define its global success.
