Heath Ledger's Medieval Film Perfect Prep for New GoT Spinoff
Getting ready for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Skip rewatching Game of Thrones and dive into Heath Ledger's 2001 cult classic instead. The similarities between these medieval tales might surprise you.
Planning your return to Westeros with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms? Here's some welcome news—you can skip rewatching all eight seasons of the original series. Instead, Heath Ledger's 2001 medieval adventure A Knight's Tale serves as the perfect warm-up for the upcoming spinoff.
Though critics gave it mixed reviews and box office numbers were modest, Ledger's film developed a devoted fanbase within the medieval fantasy community. The movie blends lighthearted moments with thrilling action sequences, even weaving classic rock music into its medieval setting.
Most notably, the protagonist William Thatcher bears striking resemblances to Ser Duncan the Tall from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Remarkable Parallels Between Two Medieval Tales
Looking at A Knight's Tale's plot, you might think HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms drew direct inspiration from the movie. Brian Helgeland wrote and directed the film, centering it around jousting competitions and a humble squire whose master dies. Ledger's Thatcher steps into his mentor's place at tournaments reserved exclusively for nobility.
The new Game of Thrones prequel offers a similar but slightly different angle. Following his mentor's death, the low-born hedge knight Dunk enters a tournament at Ashford Meadow, only to face far greater peril when he crosses paths with a Targaryen prince.
Both stories share remarkable similarities in their blend of comedy and emotion, placing a poor but honorable knight at their core.
Ledger's Own Words Reveal Character Connections
At A Knight's Tale's premiere, Ledger discussed what attracted him to the role. He mentioned falling for his character's arc after reading the script, particularly drawn to the fairy tale elements woven throughout.
Calling the experience enjoyable, he also shared his reasons for loving Thatcher's portrayal: "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 description perfectly captures Dunk's admirable qualities and his portrayal in Martin's original novellas. Beyond sharing similar virtues, both characters follow classic underdog journeys from humble beginnings to heroic status.
For anyone looking to get in the right mindset for the upcoming Game of Thrones spinoff, Ledger's A Knight's Tale makes an excellent choice and definitely deserves your attention. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres January 18, 2026 on HBO, while A Knight's Tale streams on Hulu.