A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS Showrunner Says He Created the Series for George R.R. Martin - “The Fact That He’s Happy Makes Me Happy”
George R.R. Martin’s world of Westeros is expanding once again with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the highly anticipated Game of Thrones spinoff based on the author’s beloved Dunk and Egg novellas.
With the first season wrapped and set to premiere on January 18, fans are eager to see how this new chapter captures the heart of Martin’s storytelling.
Showrunner Ira Parker opened up about how deeply Martin influenced the direction of the series. Parker revealed that, throughout the creative process, his focus wasn’t on the audience or network expectations, it was on honoring Martin himself.
“They say when you're writing that you should not try to please everybody, that you shouldn't write for the audience, that you should pick one person and you should write for them. And this season, season 1, I did that for George. The fact that he's happy makes me very happy as well, too.”
And according to Martin, Parker succeeded. The author shared his excitement on his Not a Blog earlier this year, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the show’s first season.
“Ira [Parker, showrunner] and his team wrapped the first season months ago, and moved right on to post production,” Martin wrote.
“I've seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them. Dunk and Egg have always been favorites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible. The rest of the cast are terrific as well. Wait until you guys meet the Laughing Storm. and Tanselle Too-Tall.”
Parker spoke highly of Martin’s involvement throughout the production, crediting him with helping shape the tone and authenticity of the series.
“He's only been a benefit to this show,” Parker added. “He's only been a benefit to me… It's been a delightful experience.”
Martin’s support for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms comes not long after he voiced frustration with certain creative changes planned for House of the Dragon Season 3, writing, “And there are larger and more toxic butterflies to come, if House of the Dragon goes ahead with some of the changes being contemplated for seasons 3 and 4…”
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms obviously has Martin’s full blessin, which is a promising sign for fans still hungry for authentic Westerosi storytelling. With his seal of approval and Parker’s passion driving the project, this series could capture the same spark that made Game of Thrones a global phenomenon.
Get ready to return to Westeros when A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres January 18.
Via: Temple of Geek