George R.R. Martin Had Just One Note for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Showrunner
At a recent panel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms star Peter Claffey revealed that George R.R. Martin delivered a single, pointed warning to showrunner Ira Parker during a set visit — a note that could shape the Game of Thrones prequel and Ser Duncan the Tall’s debut.
George R.R. Martin popped by the set of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and gave the showrunner one note. Classic George: blunt, funny, and absolutely fair. The nice twist? He also says the season rules.
The set visit story
At a CCXP 2025 panel in Brazil, Peter Claffey — who plays Ser Duncan the Tall — told the crowd that when Martin visited, he told the team that The Hedge Knight (the story season 1 adapts) is his favorite thing he has ever written. Then he turned to showrunner and writer Ira Parker with a single warning.
"Please don't mess it up."
According to Claffey, Martin seemed genuinely pleased with what he saw on set — and he was especially enthusiastic about Daniel Ings as Lyonel Baratheon. If you know your lore, that is the Laughing Storm, which lines up with what Martin has been teasing.
Where the show stands
Earlier this year, Martin wrote on his blog that the first season is wrapped and deep in post. He has already watched all six episodes — the last two as rough cuts — and says he loved them. He also praised the leads playing Dunk and Egg and teased two big fan-favorite names: the Laughing Storm and Tanselle Too-Tall.
Quick rundown
- Season 1 adapts The Hedge Knight and runs six episodes.
- Premiere date: January 18, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.
- Cast highlights: Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall; Daniel Ings as Lyonel Baratheon (aka the Laughing Storm). Dexter Sol Ansell joined Claffey on the CCXP panel.
- Martin tidbits: He calls The Hedge Knight his favorite thing he has written, told showrunner Ira Parker "Please don't mess it up," and says he loved the season based on what he has seen.
- What's next: Season 2 will reportedly start filming soon and will adapt The Sworn Sword.
So yeah, the pressure is on — but the signals are good. If Martin is this happy and we are meeting the Laughing Storm and Tanselle Too-Tall, the Dunk and Egg era might actually land just right.