A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 2: What to Expect Without Maekar Targaryen and Other Key Changes

Major Shifts Await in the Next Chapter of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

The Game of Thrones universe continues to evolve, and fans of the acclaimed series are eagerly awaiting the arrival of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2. However, as production ramps up, audiences are in for some surprises—especially regarding which Targaryens and familiar nobles will not be returning when the next installment hits HBO.

Maekar Targaryen: A Notable Absence Despite Season 1 Changes

For viewers invested in the tangled legacy of House Targaryen, the season one finale delivered a twist. Unlike George R. R. Martin’s original tales, where Maekar Targaryen is depicted as reluctantly permitting his son Aegon “Egg” Targaryen to squire for Ser Duncan the Tall, the show presented a more volatile Maekar, left enraged and searching for his missing child. This revision led many to wonder if Sam Spruell’s Maekar might return in season 2, despite the altered storytelling—itself a hallmark of Westerosi adaptations.

Yet, Sam Spruell has confirmed he won’t return for the new season, making it clear that, for now, Maekar and other prominent Targaryens will stay absent from the wandering paths of Dunk and Egg. While he teased the possibility of future stories, the immediate focus will shift firmly to a fresh supporting cast, mirroring the format of Martin’s novellas.

If You’ve Read The Books, You Saw This Coming

Longtime fans of the Dunk and Egg novellas, particularly The Hedge Knight and The Sworn Sword, will recognize this pattern of rotating casts. The events adapted in season 1 mostly pursued the beats set forth in The Hedge Knight, and season 2 is now positioned to bring The Sworn Sword to the screen. In the source material, most of the supporting characters—including Lyonel Baratheon, Aerion Targaryen, and Raymun Fossoway—don’t return in the subsequent tales, with only offhand references to figures like Maekar. The same meticulous adaptation philosophy is at play: honoring Martin’s storytelling while tweaking the journey for television.

A New Roster: Who Will Join Dunk and Egg?

With Peter Claffey reprising his role as the humble but legendary Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell returning as the enigmatic Egg, the stage is set for new faces to join the journey. Among the characters expected to make their mark as the series adapts The Sworn Sword are Daemon Blackfyre, Eustace Osgrey, Lady Rohanne Webber of Coldmoat, and Ser Lucas Inchfield—all of whom bring layers of intrigue, feuding estates, and elaborate Westerosi lore to the screen. Casting news for these roles is hotly anticipated, and should shape the show’s direction.

The Creative Philosophy: Faithfulness With Purposeful Tweaks

Showrunner Ira Parker has assured fans that, while every adaptation faces minor adjustments, there is a deep commitment to remaining faithful to Martin’s vision. Parker highlighted the direct involvement of George R. R. Martin in the scripting process, emphasizing that the heart of each story remains untouched. The writers are also acutely aware that every change must enhance—not undermine—the themes, arcs, and character journeys that define the franchise.

The Future of Dunk and Egg: A Long Road Ahead

If HBO’s ambitions are realized, the road for Dunk and Egg could be a long one. With open discussions around extending the saga across at least 12 seasons—contingent on adaptations of both published and yet-unfinished stories—the possibilities are expansive. Future novellas hinted at by Martin, such as The She-Wolves of Winterfell and The Village Hero, could provide further material for the small screen, but much will depend on Martin’s progress with The Winds of Winter and upcoming tales. For now, the sophomore season promises a poetic, shifting Westeros, where old power struggles fade and new alliances are forged amongst fields and castles both familiar and strange.

When Does the Adventure Continue?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 is in active filming. With the core duo confirmed and a fresh roster of supporting characters on the horizon, anticipation runs high for the next medieval adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for casting announcements and more insights from behind the scenes as HBO shapes the next era of this beloved Game of Thrones spinoff.