Summary (tl;dr)

Keywords related to "Ser Duncan the Tall" are trending because HBO's new "Game of Thrones" prequel series, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," based on George R.R. Martin's "Tales of Dunk and Egg" novellas, premiered on January 18, 2026, quickly becoming the most-watched show on HBO Max.

Essential Background

"Ser Duncan the Tall," often called "Dunk," and his squire, "Egg" (who is actually Prince Aegon V Targaryen), are central figures in George R.R. Martin's "Tales of Dunk and Egg" novellas. These stories serve as prequels to the acclaimed "Game of Thrones" series, set approximately a century before the events of "Game of Thrones" and roughly 70-80 years after "House of the Dragon." Unlike its predecessors, which focused heavily on royal families and dragons, the "Dunk and Egg" tales offer a more grounded and intimate exploration of Westeros through the eyes of a wandering "hedge knight" and his unconventional squire.

The Full Story

The Google Trends keywords are surging due to the highly anticipated premiere of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" on HBO and HBO Max, which debuted on January 18, 2026. The new fantasy drama stars Peter Claffey as the titular Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as his young squire, Egg. George R.R. Martin, the author of the original novellas, is closely involved in the series as co-creator and executive producer. The first season of the show adapts "The Hedge Knight," the initial novella in the "Tales of Dunk and Egg" collection. Following its premiere, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" rapidly climbed to become the most-watched series on HBO Max, underscoring the enduring popularity and appetite for content set within the "Game of Thrones" universe. Filming for the series took place from June to September 2024, primarily at Titanic Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with additional scenes shot at locations such as Myra Castle, Tollymore Forest Park, and Glenarm Castle. Some minor filming also occurred in London, England. The series had its world premiere in Berlin, Germany, on January 13, 2026.

Why It Matters

The trend signifies a renewed and distinct interest in George R.R. Martin's world, proving that audiences are keen on narratives beyond the typical political intrigue and dragon warfare that defined "Game of Thrones" and "House of the Dragon." "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" provides a fresh, character-driven perspective, focusing on the adventures of two unlikely heroes and offering a more intimate look at the Seven Kingdoms. Its immediate success on HBO Max highlights the franchise's ability to diversify its storytelling and still captivate a large audience, suggesting a promising future for more varied explorations of Westeros's rich history.

Geographic Location

• Titanic Studios, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK (primary filming location)
• Myra Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK (filming location)
• Tollymore Forest Park, County Down, Northern Ireland, UK (filming location)
• Glenarm Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK (filming location)
• London, England, UK (additional filming location)
• Berlin, Berlin State, Germany (world premiere event)