Let’s dreamcast A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight

Julian Hillard as Egg

Realistically, Max will probably go with an unknown child actor to play young Aegon Targaryen, also known as Egg. He’s only 8 at the start of the series, and there aren’t many actors with impressive credits to recommend them that early in their lives.

But there are some. Julian Hillard would be a solid choice. He did a fantastic job as Billy Maximoff on Marvel’s WandaVision. He can project a precocious air as well as seem wise beyond his years. Both would be necessary to pull off a role like Egg. The young boy that offers to squire for Dunk seems unassuming at first, a scrawny boy with a shaved head and a penchant for mouthing off. It’s only later, in The Hedge Knight‘s big mid-story twist, that Egg’s true identity as a Targaryen prince is revealed. As such, he is both princely at times and…well, a raucous little kid at others.

One of my favorite aspects of Dunk and Egg is how the pair’s travels also serve as a way for Dunk — an orphan from Flea Bottom — to teach his young companion about the ways of the world, the real, gritty and unpleasant world of Westeros. Egg’s older brothers Daeron and Aerion Targaryen figure prominently into The Hedge Knight and are both basically spoiled nobles who are shaming their house in one way or another. It’s only when Dunk makes this observation to Egg’s father Maekar that the elder Targaryen caves and allows Egg to travel with Dunk the way he sees fit.

By the end of The Mystery Knight, Egg is finally growing into his own as a young Targaryen prince. So whether Max taps an actor like Hillard for the role or goes with an unknown, they’ll need to get someone with range who can develop a character over a period of time. Egg is a huge part of the comedic relief of the series, as well as crucial to some of its most thoughtful moments.