The creator of "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" discussed George R. R. Martin's plans for 15 more books and a controversial scene in the premiere episode, which featured a character defecating on screen, during an interview published on January 18, 2026. According to Jordan Moreau of Variety, the showrunner, Steffan Hill, confirmed the scene used no digital trickery, stating, "It's not a fake up there s---ing on screen. That's his butt."

"A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms," a new prequel to "Game of Thrones," premiered recently on HBO Max. The series is set roughly 100 years before the events of "Game of Thrones" and 80 years after "House of the Dragon." It shifts the focus away from dragons and political intrigue, centering instead on Ser Duncan the Tall, nicknamed Dunk, played by Peter Claffey, and his young squire, Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell.

The series represents a departure from the grand scale of previous "Game of Thrones" installments, focusing on a more intimate narrative. This shift reflects a broader trend in television, where character-driven stories are gaining prominence. The decision to include a graphic scene like the one Hill described raises questions about the boundaries of on-screen content and the audience's appetite for realism.

The use of AI in content creation and analysis is becoming increasingly prevalent in the entertainment industry. AI algorithms can now analyze audience reactions to specific scenes, predict viewership trends, and even generate scripts. This technology could potentially influence future decisions regarding content and storytelling in shows like "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."

As of the publication date, "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" is currently streaming on HBO Max. Further details regarding Martin's planned 15 books were not disclosed in the interview.