There is much anticipation surrounding the HBO series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which adapts one of George R. R. Martin’s most beloved novella trilogies. The series will follow the story of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, with the first episode set to drop this week on January 18. However, the show has begun gaining traction even before its premiere.

Since the adventures of Dunk and Egg span two more novellas, speculation about future seasons of the HBO series is gaining momentum.

The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is set to have six episodes, will likely focus on the events of the first book in George R. R. Martin’s novella trilogy. The opening episode has the same title as the first book, The Hedge Knight. This leaves HBO with two more novellas, The Sworn Sword and The Mystery Knight, that are yet to be adapted.

Much before the premiere of the first season, it was announced that the series had been officially renewed for a second season, which is expected to arrive in 2027. Moreover, HBO executive Francesca Orsi has also confirmed interest in adapting all three books. 

“Ideally year-to-year and arcing out a three-season series,” she told Deadline (2023) when asked about the runtime of the show. 

What makes this even more exciting is the possibility that the series may offer fans more stories to further the original trilogy. As far back as 2014, George R. R. Martin teased that more stories could be in the pipeline. Later, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he confirmed that he is writing new stories focusing on Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.

“The big issue is that I have only written three novellas, and I have a lot more stories about Dunk and Egg in my f—--- head. I've got to get them down on paper,” he said.

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He is already working on two of these stories, with one expected to be set in Winterfell, while another may take place in the Riverlands. Another interesting detail is the filming location of the series. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms brings Westeros back to its roots. The HBO prequel was shot entirely in Northern Ireland, which was also the same location for the Game of Thrones universe. This was after the other prequel, House of the Dragon, which was filmed primarily in England. 

Northern Ireland was a natural fit, especially because the show relies more on outdoor settings than heavy CGI. The filming locations span some of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable natural and historic sites, including Glenarm Castle in County Antrim, Castle Ward, Tollymore Forest Park, Cave Hill in Belfast, and Hen Mountain in the Mournes. Scenes were also shot at the Hidden Village of Galboly in the Glens of Antrim, Myra Castle in County Down, and inside Titanic Studios. 

Quite clearly, the series’ location was just as important as its story. Coming back to the story, all signs now point to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms being more than a brief return to Westeros. So while HBO eyes a long game in George R. R. Martin’s unfinished stories, fans can at least finally look forward to streaming the show’s first episode this week.

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Are you excited for the first episode? Let us know in the comments section below.