Game of Thrones: A Knight of the Seven Kingdom Actor Says His Character Was Inspired By Brienne of Tarth

When asked whether his performance was inspired by Christie’s portrayal of Brienne, Claffey confirmed that was the case. “I think so, yeah,” Claffey said. “I was a huge fan of the original series and I loved Gwendoline Christie as Brienne. She was amazing and there are a lot of aspects to Dunk’s character that she shares.

“She’s very chivalrous. She wants to do what’s right. She just wants to be a knight, and she has the added complication of trying to be a knight who was a lady in Westeros. So she has a much harder job than Dunk did. But there is definite likeness.”

Is Ser Duncan the Tall Brienne of Tarth’s grandfather?

Claffey then turned to his A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms co-star Dexter Sol Ansell – who plays Prince Aeogn Targaryen, also known as “Egg” – and dropped what could either be considered a Westeros family tree bombshell, or maybe just a sarcastic aside.

“Dexter actually got to work with Christie as well,” Claffey said – most likely referring to Ansell and Christie’s appearances in 2024’s Robin and the Hoods. “You got work with my granddaughter!”

Martin hasn’t specifically said that Brienne of Tarth is Ser Duncan the Tall’s granddaughter. But perhaps we’ll get that answer sooner rather than later when A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms premieres on HBO Max January 18, 2026.

When you’re done here, check out how Claffey just revealed George R.R. Martin’s favorite A Song of Ice and Fire story.

Michael Peyton is the Senior Editorial Director of Events & Entertainment at IGN, leading entertainment content and coverage of tentpole events including IGN Live, San Diego Comic Con, gamescom, and IGN Fan Fest. He’s spent 20 years working in the games and entertainment industry, and his adventures have taken him everywhere from the Oscars to Japan to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Follow him on Bluesky @MichaelPeyton