Noah Romsdal Hallundbæk Sørensen
The cast of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has revealed which story George R.R. Martin secretly holds closest to his heart.
Fans packed into CCXP in São Paulo as HBO brought the leads of its next Game of Thrones series to the stage.
The crowd expected teases about the show, but instead heard an unexpected bit of George R.R. Martin lore.
Peter Claffey, who stars as Ser Duncan the Tall, hinted at a moment during filming that offered rare insight into the author’s own feelings about his work.
His comments quickly became the highlight of the panel.
Claffey recalled being asked whether he and young co-star Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Prince Aegon Targaryen, had ever met Martin.
According to Claffey, the writer visited the production and spent time with the cast during a week of shooting.
“It was awesome,” Claffey told the audience, explaining that Martin shared which of his past works he values most.
The actor said the author described The Hedge Knight as “his favorite thing he’s ever written,” a remark that drew a noticeable reaction inside the hall.
Martin’s pick
The Hedge Knight, published in 1998, is the opening installment of Tales of Dunk and Egg, the novella trilogy forming the basis of HBO’s new series.
Martin continued the set with The Sworn Sword in 2003 and The Mystery Knight in 2010.
Claffey added that Martin jokingly urged showrunner Ira Parker to treat the material carefully, telling him, “Please don’t mess it up,” a comment that drew laughs from the CCXP crowd. Even so, the actor said Martin appeared pleased with the cast’s work, singling out Daniel Ings, who portrays Ser Lyonel Baratheon.
Ansell chimed in as well, calling Ings “hilarious” and praising the energy he brings on set.
Next chapter for hbo
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to become HBO’s second Game of Thrones spin-off to reach screens, following House of the Dragon.
The series is scheduled to premiere on January 18, 2026.
HBO has already confirmed a second season, with filming slated to begin next week. Ansell noted that preparations are well underway, including his freshly shaved head for the role.
Sources: IGN Nordic
