Stepping into the intricate world of Westeros while donning battle armor and royal crowns is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. However, for actors Sam Spruell and Daniel Ings, their entry into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proved to be a remarkably blissful experience. This new HBO series charts a distinct course within the beloved fantasy realm, eschewing the epic dragon battles and intricate political machinations of its predecessors in favor of humbling, human-centered narratives and a heartfelt coming-of-age tale.
Embracing the Legacy with Fresh Perspectives
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Spruell and Ings, who represent the Targaryen and Baratheon houses respectively, opened up about inheriting the legacy of characters previously teased in other Game of Thrones series. When questioned about whether this legacy influenced their performances, both actors acknowledged the significant pressure that accompanies joining such a cherished universe.
Daniel Ings expressed his confidence, stating, "I feel confident that fans, and the original fans of the books, will embrace it. It's super faithful to the novellas. I think it really has that spirit of George's writing and the kinds of characters that he creates." Interestingly, Ings revealed that his personal journey into Westeros was unburdened by extensive prior familiarity. "I hadn't seen either of the previous shows. I'd read the first book, A Song of Ice and Fire, years and years ago, and so I came to this, I read these books, and really just tried to zero in on who this character is and forget everything else," he shared.
Honoring the Source Material
Rather than immersing themselves in hours of the iconic HBO series, both actors found themselves repeatedly returning to the foundational texts by George R.R. Martin. Sam Spruell elaborated on this approach, explaining, "I think it was about honoring the spirit of George's writing, which is what he wrote so beautifully and was so good at. And what we all committed to as well. We'd all read the novella that this particular season is based on. There was some clarity to be found there."
Spruell, who portrays Maekar Targaryen, delved into his character's unique position within the Targaryen dynasty. "My family is in a kind of low point, if you like, power-wise. So there was a lot to concentrate on that was slightly different from what had existed on either side of it," he noted. With the era of dragons having faded after the fiery conflicts depicted in House of the Dragon, Spruell highlighted a significant shift. "The Targaryens are forced into not having the power of the dragon to aid their power foundation. They have to pursue a more political route, a more pragmatic way to maintain their power in the kingdom. It's also quite confronting to a kind of natural privilege that they got used to," he remarked.
A Sweeter, More Focused Tale in Westeros
During a roundtable discussion with ETimes, the actors were asked about the most compelling aspects of this new series. Daniel Ings began by highlighting its unique tone. "I think there's a real sweetness to this show. I mean, it still feels very much like Game of Thrones. There's a toughness to it and a kind of earthiness. And it's Westeros, it's dangerous and people die, but there's a kind of sweetness, I think, to these two central characters - Duncan and Egg. And because it's much more singularly focused on them. It's still very much an ensemble show. But we follow these two characters on their adventures," he said.
He further elaborated on the refreshing perspective the show offers. "This is a different sort of perspective. And actually you're used to seeing the great houses. You're used to seeing the politics and the machinations going on, the ambition and vying for power. But there's something really refreshing about seeing two people just trying to find their way, really. One of them is a Hedge Knight, he lives under a tree and he's just trying to make a name for himself."
Ings also framed the narrative as a powerful dual-story. "I think, it is an underdog story as well as a coming-of-age underdog story. It's the double whammy. It is a story of people realising what they've lost sight of, and being confronted by a kind of morality that has left them," he added.
Expansive Cast and Historical Setting
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Bertie Carvel, Danny Webb, Shaun Thomas, Finn Bennett, Edward Ashley, Tanzyn Crawford, Henry Ashton, Youssef Kerkour, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, and Daniel Monks. The series, which has already been renewed for a second season, is set approximately 90 years before the events of the original Game of Thrones. It chronicles the adventures of the hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his young squire Egg during a period when the Targaryens still hold the Iron Throne, but the formidable age of dragons has largely passed into history.
