‘One Hell of a Pair’: George Martin Doesn't Hold Back on New Spin-Off Actors
GRRM was swift in his judgment after the Dunk and Egg lead stars announcement.
Summary:
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is a new Game of Thrones prequel show currently developed by HBO.
- Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell were recently revealed as the lead stars who will portray Dunk and Egg, respectively.
- George Martin shared his opinion about the casting in his Not a Blog, and at this stage, the author is happy with the decisions.
Even after the Game of Thrones finale, George Martin’s world of Ice and Fire remains wildly popular — and there are many new projects in discussion or planning for it. As House of the Dragon finalizes its second season, the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight TV show recently announced its lead stars.
While the new story rushes into production, George Martin has a thing or two to say about the casting. As usual, the author reached out to the audience via his blog.
GRRM Loved Peter Claffey As Dunk
The creator of a series is always the toughest judge when it comes to adaptations, but George Martin is once again completely happy with how HBO handled his IP. It didn’t take long for the A Song of Ice and Fire author to reveal his opinion on the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight casting on his Not a Blog.
“Peter Claffey will play Dunk. He’s a former professional rugby player turned actor. And he’s tall. Ok, maybe not quite as tall as Ser Duncan the Tall, but still plenty tall, and with the magic of television… His readings were terrific. I think you’re going to love him,” GRRM wrote.
So, Dunk is great. Now, to the arguably more important casting: Aegon V Targaryen also known — at the time when the upcoming series takes place — as Egg.
GRRM Has High Hopes for Ansell
The young actor who will portray Dunk’s little squire impressed the A Song of Ice and Fire author almost as impressed. George Martin found nothing but words of praise for Dexter Sol Ansell, the The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes star who now joined the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel.
“As Egg, we’ve cast Dexter Sol Ansell. <...> He’s got an amazing amount of experience for his age. I am told he cannot wait to shave his head. Love that sort of commitment. His auditions were wonderful as well. Peter and Dexter. They should make one hell of a pair,” Martin shared.
It looks like at this stage, GRRM is more than happy with how A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight is coming along; and if Martin is happy, we’re happy.
Source: Not a Blog