“Physical comedy comes through insecurity and discomfort”: Peter Claffey on playing Dunk’s awkwardness

Though A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set in Westeros, much like the previous shows, the themes and emotions explored in the show are very different. Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon were gritty, dark, and thrilling, whereas the recent series is more humorous and relatable.

Told through the lens of a hedge knight, Ser Duncan, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is a more grounded and relatable tale. Dunk and Egg embark on an adventure across Westeros, meeting quirky people and hearing diverse stories along the way.

Peter Claffey shares his experience of doing comedy

Being of a massive build with a gentle demeanor does not come easily to everyone. But to play Dunk masterfully, this was a central quality the showrunners were looking for. Peter Claffey came along with exactly the right blend of personality to play Dunk and was cast almost instantaneously.

However, Dunk is not the most serious or smartest knight in the realm. He has things to figure out still and often ends up being a humorous figure in the show, without actually meaning to be funny. From nervous exits to accidental missteps, Dunk’s physical comedy adds warmth and relatability to the series. Talking about doing this sort of comedy in acting, Claffey explained,

“I suppose physical comedy just comes through the insecurity and the discomfort and anxiety. And I suppose there’s just a couple of moments that we got where you have these crazy, serious scenes with a lot of high-stakes themes. And then we just love to kind of finish them with a thing of him, like, going like, “You know, I will do you guys proud, and you’ll see me fight well.” And then he walks and leaves and then turns around and goes, “Oh, shit, sorry, it’s the other way.”

Claffey hit the jackpot when he was cast as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. He is truly exploring his range as an actor and delivering a mesmerizing performance filled with heart, humor, and heroic courage.

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Peter Claffey was nervous to play Dunk

Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall and Egg in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Courtesy of HBO

Given how it was a role of a lifetime for Claffey, the actor was extremely nervous and anxious when he first heard that he was cast as Dunk. It took him some time to digest the news and come to terms with his dream coming true. Claffey has expressed numerous times how he is a big fan of the Game of Thrones universe.

With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms already renewed for another season, Claffey has a long way to go to prove how perfect he is for the role. Two episodes in, fans are loving his portrayal of the hedge knight and look forward to his evolving dynamic with Egg.

Read More: “You’re not as chivalrous”: How Peter Claffey plays Dunk’s disappointment in the knights he idolized