Imagine writing a script knowing millions will dissect every scene. Now imagine the original author, a literary titan, is watching. Ira Parker, showrunner for HBO’s upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, understands this pressure intimately.
Parker is steering the ship for the next big Game of Thrones spinoff. He’s very aware of the intense fan scrutiny surrounding George R.R. Martin’s works. But he sees this passionate engagement as a positive force.
“I hope everyone aspires to work on something that’s going to be seen by millions and millions and millions of people all over the world,” he said in a recent roundtable interview, adding that while it’s “a little scary,” fans can be confident the show will respect the source material.
“I would say anyone who is a fan of the novella will be a fan of the show. We tell the same story; we have the same beginning, same middle, same end. We don’t go off-book. We don’t send Dunk off on any strange side quests,” Parker assured.
The series stars Peter Claffey as Dunk, a towering hedge knight finding his way after his master’s death. He decides to enter a tournament, perhaps a bit unprepared for the challenges ahead.
“I love this novella,” Parker emphasized. “I love Dunk, and George shares that as well. He often says that this is the best thing he’s ever written—which may be a version of him saying that this is his favorite thing that he’s ever written. And I took that to heart very early on. I wanted to make sure that he was happy and saw this properly represented.”
This stands in contrast to some past Martin adaptations. The author has been open about his disagreements with changes made in House of the Dragon. In a Hollywood Reporter profile, Martin described his relationship with Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal as “abysmal,” noting that by season two, Condal had “basically stopped listening to me.”
Why is George R.R. Martin unhappy?
I remember reading early drafts of novels, marking them up with suggestions, only to have the author dig in their heels. Collaboration is a delicate dance. For Parker, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been a harmonious experience.
“Because we agreed on what it was and who these characters were and what this story was, it was easy. We weren’t fighting about these things. I told him quite early on that I wouldn’t put anything in the show that he did not want in the show. And It never came to that. It never came to him telling me, ‘Don’t do this, don’t make this change, don’t make this addition.’ Everything was a conversation upfront and there’s no better person to have a conversation about Westeros with than George R.R. Martin,” Parker explained.
“It’s fun, we riff off of each other, and he’s only been a benefit to this show. Look, is everyone gonna love this show? No. But hopefully everyone will appreciate that we put forth an honest effort. We really did try. We are imperfect in our result—but, you know, so is Dunk.”
Will A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms be different from Game of Thrones?
Think of Game of Thrones as a sprawling epic poem and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a focused character study. Parker’s approach, prioritizing Martin’s vision, suggests a more intimate adaptation. It’s less a reinvention and more a careful translation.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres January 18 on HBO and HBO Max. The series consists of six episodes, released weekly.
What is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms About?
Imagine a world of jousts, honor, and casual violence. That’s the backdrop for Dunk’s story. He’s an underdog, a relatable figure trying to do right in a complicated world. Parker is betting on that connection. He wants to capture the heart of Martin’s novella, delivering a story that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers. He’s turning the camera away from courtly intrigue and instead focusing on the road.
Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms based on a book?
Yes, the series draws from Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. These stories offer a glimpse into Westeros before the events of Game of Thrones, a Westeros where the Targaryens still rule (for now), but the seeds of future conflicts are already sown.
How involved was George R.R. Martin?
Imagine the showrunner’s role as that of a sculptor, with Martin offering guidance on the shape of the stone. Parker has emphasized collaboration with Martin, seeking his input and respecting his vision. This partnership aims to create a faithful and satisfying adaptation for fans. Can any adaptation ever truly satisfy everyone?