A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ New Targaryen Villain Explained by Actor: “He’s Embarrassed by the State of House Targaryen”

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HBO’s fantasy series, including Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, are filled with Targaryens who are capable of terrible acts. Several members of the family, like King Aerys II, Viserys Targaryen, and even Daenerys in the final season of Game of Thrones, have also struggled with madness. The Targaryen motto, “Fire and Blood,” isn’t just a phrase—it reflects how they live, and the latest addition to the family’s list of villains is Prince Aerion, introduced in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The upcoming series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has cast Finn Bennett in the role of Aerion, who appears starting in the second episode. Aerion is the son of Prince Maekar and will be the main villain in Season 1, which is based on George R.R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight. The character is described as cruel, heartless, and boastful – reminiscent of both other members of the Targaryen family and villains like Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones.

In an interview with ComicBook’s Chris Killian and others, Bennett discussed how he developed his portrayal of the character, focusing on finding the character’s human side, and whether he looked to other actors who’d played Targaryens for inspiration, saying:

Aerion seems ashamed of how weak House Targaryen has become, believing they need to regain control and be respected again. However, a significant obstacle – something like a major problem – is standing in the way.

He’s clearly aware of the history and responsibility that comes with playing a Targaryen. After watching both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon – and seeing such strong acting – it’s natural to be inspired by those performances. But once you get the role, you start thinking about how to make the character your own and leave a unique impression.

Aerion Targaryen Is Exactly The Villain A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Needs

Unlike its epic predecessors, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms focuses on a smaller story with a hero, Dunk, who comes from very humble beginnings – the slums of Flea Bottom. This makes Aerion a compelling villain; he’s Dunk’s complete opposite. While Dunk is kind, honest, and honorable, Aerion is cruel, deceitful, and quick to anger. Aerion exemplifies the famous saying about the Targaryen family – that their births are always uncertain – especially when compared to Dunk’s dedication to the traditional virtues of knighthood.

It’s interesting to consider why both characters are at Ashford Meadow. Dunk is trying to establish himself as a worthy knight, while Maekar wants his sons, including Aerion, to prove they’re better than his brother Baelor’s son – the heir to the Iron Throne. While Dunk behaves as he believes a knight should, Aerion acts as he believes a Targaryen should: someone who sees themselves as superior to everyone else and above the competition.

Bennett’s observation that he’s ashamed of the current Targaryen family is insightful. Without dragons, and still recovering from a recent rebellion that showed their weaknesses (as depicted in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms), the Targaryens need to reassert their power. Aerion is doing just that, albeit in a twisted way, and continues a tradition of compelling villains in the world of Westeros.

New episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release Sundays at 10pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.

What are your thoughts on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-26 06:11