Adapted from George R.R. Martin’s beloved novella, The Hedge Knight, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1 premiered on HBO on January 19. The episode took fans on their first journey through a sobered-down version of Westeros as it followed Dunk to a tourney in Ashford Meadow. Peter Claffey, a former rugby union player, portrays Dunk to perfection. He recently revealed that he threw up due to anxiety after his first rehearsal.
Quick read:
- Peter Claffey was so anxious during the first rehearsal that he threw up.
- Showrunner Ira Parker did not mind Claffey’s nervous response at all.
- Claffey’s predicament was not too different from Dunk’s in the first episode.
Peter Claffey “puked” after his first rehearsal for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Besides his age, Peter Claffey is an accurate version of Ser Duncan the Tall, who is mentioned in Game of Thrones several times. Claffey was a hit with showrunner Ira Parker and director Owen Harris, but that did nothing to calm his nerves. While speaking in the first episode of A Knight in the Making, he said, “I remember meeting Owen and Ira for the first time since the audition process and I went to the toilet and I puked everywhere in the production office cuz I was just so nervous and so full of anxiety.”
He recalled telling Parker that it was “pretty mental” and how the latter had told him, “No it’s great man. It’s so good because that’s just like Dunk.’” As seen in the first episode, although Dunk had the physique of a knight and put on a tough face, he was quite timid and nervous about his abilities as he observed others at the tournament.
Peter Claffey’s nervous response is completely on-brand for Dunk
Dunk in A Knight of Seven Kingdoms on HBO (Image: HBO)
The first episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms opened with Dunk burying Ser Arlan of Pennytree, the knight he was a squire to, while it rained heavily. However, things soon take an unexpected turn. As Ramin Djawadi’s Game of Thrones theme swells in the background, Dunk hilariously defecates behind a tree. This unexpected moment not only sets the tone for the show’s humour but also cements Claffey as a perfect fit for the role.
If you have any important filming news about House of the Dragon, or if you want to collaborate with us or want to write for us, please drop us a message here.
