One of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ most popular characters could be back if the actor has a say in it!
Among the many great characters in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is Lyonel Baratheon, played by Daniel Ings. The noble comes off as a drunken fop at first, but shows the deeper layers of a complex man with a sharp insight into other people, who is willing to fight for Dunk (Peter Claffey).
Speaking to Collider, Ings was asked about the chances of returning in season 2 and seemed open to it. “I mean, I couldn't possibly comment on Series 2, but I would love for audiences to get to see Lyonel Baratheon again. I'd love to play this guy again. He's not in the second book or the third book,” he said.
Ings added that George R.R. Martin himself told him of a possible return for Lyonel, at least in the lore of Westeros. “As with the first, these series will be very faithful to George [R.R. Martin]'s writing. Actually I spoke to George one day on set. He came down and was like, [George R.R. Martin voice] 'You know, your character comes back later on down the line.' And I'd done a little deep dive into the Westeros lore online, and you can find so much of the history that's written even if these books haven't necessarily been written yet, but, yeah, there's some interesting story to tell further down the line with Lyonel and Dunk and Egg. But, you know, I have to wait and see if the story catches up to it, and if that story ever gets told, I'd be pumped.”
That’s good news to fans who enjoyed Ings’ performance. He was wonderful at bringing some comedic moments to liven things up, while also showing Lyonel’s code of honor and how his hate of the Tagaryens drove many of his actions. His slow bond of respect with Dunk aided both characters and his actions in the Trial of Seven proved the man was a tougher warrior than he let on.
Does Lyonel Baratheon ever cross paths with Dunk and Egg again?
As for how Lyonel returns, the answer lies in George R.R. Martin's world book, The World of Ice and Fire. As fans of the saga know, Lyonel is later inspired to start the a rebellion against the Iron Throne after a marriage betrothal between his daughter and the son of King Aegon V falls through. The rebellion is ultimately short lived, thanks to an intervention by Ser Duncan the Tall. Of course, Lyonel's legacy lives on in his descendants, Robert, Stannis and Renly, who together do eventually remake the Seven Kingdoms with their rebellion and the successive wars.Â
Ings confirmed he's aware of this future storyline, and hinted at it in the interview, saying, “And us Baratheons, we're rebellious folk, you know?”
Whether Lyonel will return or Dunk will ever visit him at Storm's End are up in the air for now, but there’s hope that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will give us more of this delightful character who has a big impact on the history of Westeros.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1 is streaming now on HBO Max.