Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell may have an 18-year age gap, but the lead stars of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms found the perfect way to build on-set chemistry. During a New York Comic Con interview with Popverse, the actors revealed that they’ve been bonding over Mario Kart in the arcade every weekend—a surprisingly effective bonding method that helped them connect both on and off camera.
When asked how a 29-year-old and an 11-year-old find common ground, Ansell’s answer was immediate: “Arcade.” Claffey quickly echoed the sentiment, with Ansell adding, “Arcade every weekend.” The two actors went on to discuss their competitive Mario Kart sessions with infectious enthusiasm, revealing a friendship that goes well beyond the typical actor-to-actor professionalism.
Quick read:
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Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell bond every weekend at the arcade playing Mario Kart.
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The actors’ off-screen chemistry has helped create authentic warmth on screen between Dunk and Egg.
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Their playful competitive banter reveals a friendship that transcends their 18-year age difference.
Mario Kart Trash Talk and Victory Claims
The competitive spirit between the two became clear as they bantered about their Mario Kart prowess. Claffey joked that he uses the game to decompress after long shooting days, saying, “I like to decompress after shooting by just kicking his ass in Mario Kart.” But Ansell wasn’t about to let that claim stand unchallenged. “I win,” Ansell confidently asserted.
When Claffey questioned the validity of Ansell’s Mario Kart victories, the conversation took a playful turn. “Rarely in Mario Kart. Air hockey, yes. There’s a Batman and Joker air hockey table,” Claffey responded, pivoting to another arcade game where he apparently has the upper hand.
Credits: HBO
Ansell proudly countered, “I’m too good,” before Claffey added with a laugh, “But I always get to be Batman,” and Ansell finished with, “I’m the best at winning tickets.” The easy chemistry between them—playful ribbing, quick comebacks, and mutual respect—suggests that their off-set bonding has directly translated to the screen.
Favorite Racers and Future Sessions
The actors’ conversation also revealed their preferred Mario Kart characters. Claffey revealed his strategy: “I’m a Donkey Kong guy, but it’s the one that Zelda is in it as well. Or Link.” Ansell, meanwhile, has less control over his character selection.
Credit: HBO
“I can never [pick my race], because you have to spin the wheel to choose, I can never get the right one. I don’t even know who I’m aiming for. Usually, I get like Bowser or something, but I can never get it.” It’s a relatable struggle for any casual player—the randomness of arcade games strikes again.
Claffey wrapped up the exchange with a promise of future gaming sessions, joking, “He always ends up with Peach. We’ll play it on the Switch in the future.” For Dunk and Egg’s relationship on screen—built on mentorship, adventure, and survival—their off-screen bond forged through arcade games has clearly added an authentic warmth that audiences will feel when A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on January 18.
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