“Is there such a thing as goodness?”: Bertie Carvel on why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms resonates with the real world

Bertie Carvel made his much-anticipated debut in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as Prince Baelor Targaryen in the second episode of the series, which aired this Sunday. Fans who had been eagerly waiting to see the character finally witnessed his arrival on screen, marking an important moment in the story.

With four more episodes still to air on HBO in the coming weeks, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continues to build momentum. Early signs suggest that Carvel’s portrayal of Prince Baelor Targaryen is a promising one, staying remarkably faithful to George R.R. Martin’s description of the character –  particularly his defining black hair, a detail rooted in his Martell heritage.

Baelor’s Introduction in Episode 2

Viewers are introduced to Baelor Targaryen in Episode 2 when the Targaryens arrive in Ashford. Dunk watches as the prince dismounts his horse and is warmly welcomed by Lord Ashford and his daughter, Gwin Ashford. Seizing the opportunity, Dunk sneaks into Ashford Castle, where he comes face to face with Prince Baelor. The two briefly speak, sharing memories of Ser Arlan of Pennytree. This quiet moment immediately establishes Baelor’s warmth and humility.

Bertie Carvel on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Portraying Baelor, however, was no simple task. In an interview with Marco Spagnoli, Bertie Carvel spoke in depth about the series and his character. He also shed light on why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feels particularly relevant to the modern world. Reflecting on the moral core of the story, he said:

“This to me is a story about, in a cynical world – the world of Westeros, which like our own is one of hard truths, bitter realities – is there such a thing as goodness, and will people do the right thing?”

For Carvel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is more than just another tale set in Westeros. It is a reminder that even within fictional worlds, stories about power, truth, and moral courage still resonate deeply. Speaking further about Baelor’s role in the narrative, he added:

“To play a man like Baelor who is in a position of power and influence and whose decision to weigh truth or not against self-interest or the interest of his family… that is an important thing to dramatize… to put on screen a leader who reads history and who could choose the path of least resistance and the path that’s going to promote his own family interests, or could choose to stand up for the little guy – that’s a story I think that’s worth telling.”

Bertie Carvel beyond Westeros

Outside of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Bertie Carvel has built an impressive career across television. He has appeared in acclaimed series such as Babylon, The Crown, Sherlock, Doctor Who, and more. He is also set to portray Cornelius Fudge in the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series, scheduled to release in 2027.

Who is Prince Baelor Targaryen?

Prince Baelor Targaryen is the eldest son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell. Born to a Martell mother, Baelor is dark-haired – a defining trait that sets him apart from many other Targaryens. He is the brother of Aerys, Rhaegel, and Maekar, and the father of Valarr Targaryen, who is seen jousting in the closing moments of Episode 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

In the current timeline of the series, Baelor serves as the Hand of the King to his father. He earned the nickname “Breakspear” after defeating Daemon Blackfyre in a tilt during the Blackfyre Rebellion at the age of just seventeen.

Read more: Everything we need to know about Prince Baelor Breakspear from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

As discussed earlier, Bertie Carvel’s portrayal of Baelor Targaryen appears both thoughtful and faithful to the source material. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms remains loyal not only to its storylines but also to the spirit of its characters.

The third episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, titled ‘The Squire’, airs on February 01, and Baelor Targaryen is expected to play an even larger role. Are you excited for the upcoming episode? Tell us in the comments.