Why A Knight’s Tale Is the Perfect Warm-Up for Game of Thrones Fans

Getting ready to dive back into the world of Westeros with HBO ’s upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? You don’t have to binge all eight seasons of the original series to get in the right mood. Instead, Heath Ledger’s 2001 medieval adventure-comedy, A Knight’s Tale, offers a surprisingly fitting introduction to the new spinoff.

Medieval Spirit and Modern Energy

Though it received mixed reviews and only moderate box office success, A Knight’s Tale has become a beloved favorite among fans of medieval fantasy. The film stands out for its playful tone, energetic action, and the unexpected use of classic rock music woven into its story. At its heart is William Thatcher, a character whose journey mirrors that of Ser Duncan the Tall, the central figure in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Both stories center on underdogs who rise above their humble beginnings. William, a squire who assumes his late master’s identity to compete in jousting tournaments reserved for nobility, brings a sense of humor and heart to his quest. Similarly, Dunk, the protagonist of the Game of Thrones prequel, is a lowborn hedge knight who finds himself in the middle of high-stakes intrigue after his mentor’s death.

Parallels Between Two Knights

The similarities between A Knight’s Tale and the new HBO series are hard to miss. Both tales feature tournaments, unlikely heroes, and a challenge to the established order. In A Knight’s Tale, William’s bold decision to enter the jousts despite his status sets the stage for a story about courage and defiance. The upcoming prequel follows Dunk as he enters a tourney at Ashford Meadow, only to find himself facing far greater dangers when he crosses paths with a Targaryen prince.

What truly connects these stories is their focus on characters who are noble in spirit rather than by birth. The humor, warmth, and determination of both William and Dunk make them relatable and inspiring, even as they navigate worlds filled with privilege and peril.

Heath Ledger on Playing William Thatcher

At the premiere of A Knight’s Tale, Heath Ledger shared what drew him to the role. He spoke about his love for the character’s journey and the fairy tale elements of the script. Ledger described the experience as fun and explained what made William stand out:

I liked the fact that he was noble in here [mind] and here [heart] as opposed to materialistically. I liked him stomping on the aristocracy.

This perspective closely matches the qualities that define Dunk in George R.R. Martin’s novellas. Both characters embody the classic underdog, rising from obscurity to become heroes in their own right.

Essential Details for Fans

If you’re looking to get in the right mindset for the new Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight’s Tale is a fantastic pick. The film, directed by Brian Helgeland and inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale, was released on May 11, 2001. It currently holds a 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is available to stream on Hulu.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to premiere on January 18, 2026, on HBO.