Games of Thrones author praises latest 'faithful' TV spin-off

There’s another Game of Thrones spin-off coming soon, and series author George R.R. Martin has had some nice things to say about it.

Game of Thrones was a show that defined the 2010s. Across seven seasons, the series was incredibly popular across the world and dominated the cultural conversation.

Despite what many believe to be a disappointing conclusion, the series survived past its series finale in the form of spin-off show House of the Dragon.

House of the Dragon has become a successful Game of Thrones spin-off.

A prequel focusing on the Targaryen house at the height of their power, House of the Dragon has already earned plenty of praise just two seasons in.

Now, a new Game of Thrones spin-off is coming later this year, and series creator George R.R. Martin has already seen it.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is based on the Tales of Dunk and Egg series of novellas, set nearly a century before A Song of Ice and Fire.

In a blog post titled “Dunk, Egg, a Few Random Mutterings”, Martin wrote: “I’ve seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them. Dunk and Egg have always been favourites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible. The rest of the cast are terrific as well.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was officially commissioned in 2023, with casting confirmed throughout 2024.

Peter Claffey will play Duncan, while Aegon is being played by child actor Dexter Sol Ansell.

“It’s as faithful as adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for,” Martin continued.

“Viewers who are looking for action, and more action, and only action… well, this one may not satisfy you. There’s a huge fight scene here, as exciting as anyone could ask for, but there are no dragons this time around, no huge battles, no white walkers… this is a character piece, and its focus is on duty and honour, on chivalry and all it means.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight will premiere on HBO sometime in 2025.