The Game of Thrones universe has introduced us to many iconic duos over the years, but none have felt as sincere as Ser Duncan and Egg. We sat down with the series’ stars Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell to talk about their friendship, from casinos to dance rehearsals, the “finger-breaking” accidents behind the scenes, and Dexter’s comfortable relationship with the nickname “Egg.”
Amid Westeros’ towering dragons and games of thrones, what we sometimes miss the most is a human connection and a genuine friendship. HBO Max’s new crown jewel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, promises exactly that: the kindness of a giant and the wisdom of a small child.
The moment they step into the interview room, it’s impossible not to feel the natural chemistry between them. Despite the imposing presence that comes from being a former rugby player, Peter Claffey is remarkably humble; Dexter Sol Ansell, meanwhile, is confident and charming enough to have fun with his character’s name (Egg). Learning “how to be idiots” from one another on set, this duo didn’t just make a series; they built a real friendship. Now, let’s get to know this new-generation “Hound and Arya” energy together.
What’s the secret behind how naturally your bond comes across on screen? We’ve heard that you’re also very close friends off set; what were your first impressions of each other when you first met, and how did that friendship carry over into the shoot?
Dexter Sol Ansell: We are great friends. We go out together, we spend a lot of time with each other. Even though we’re portraying different characters on set, we still act like our true selves. And we occasionally improvise, which makes the process all the more fun. We even had a lot of fun with the fact that Egg’s head actually looks like an egg!
Peter Claffey: Our bond definitely grew stronger as filming progressed. We had an intense schedule during preparation, with horse riding and fight trainings. But the actual bond was formed outside the work; we went to arcades, restaurants, cinema, and even pubs together. We spent all night out in the city; it was great. At first, since I was working with a nine-year-old (then eight-year-old) child, I thought I would be the one guiding him. But Dexter surprised me; I learned a lot from how he applied director’s notes and his acting process.
Dexter Sol Ansell: No, I learned a lot from you.
Peter Claffey: Yes, you must have learned how to be an “idiot” from me! (They laught at this.)
Game of Thrones universe really need a duo like you two. So, how about your favorite duos in the series? And what did you add to your characters from yourselves?
Dexter Sol Ansell: Our characters are really like our true selves; it is like a perfect match. I definitely added my funny side and confidence to Egg.
Peter Claffey: I was really nervous during the audience. I kept saying, “I’m sorry, I’m just really nervous.” And the producers said that was great because that was how Dunk was supposed to feel. So it felt natural for me to reflect that nervous energy. And about my favorite duo, as a huge fan I always loved The Hound and Arya. I really enjoyed watching them but sometimes their relationship got so harsh, I wanted them to go to their separate ways as soon as possible.
Peter, as a former rugby player, the elegance you display in the dance scene in the first episode will surprise everyone. How did you prepare for those graceful moments of Dunk, a character often seen as “rough around the edges”?
Peter Claffey: (Laughing) Graceful? I think you’re taking a bit of a jab at me! For that scene, we actually worked with a professional dance troupe that came over from Belfast. Our goal was to make it as awkward and ridiculous as possible, while still preserving the atmosphere of the moment. It was incredibly hot, and I remember being completely drenched in sweat. By the end of the shoot we were so exhausted that, in one take, I accidentally stepped on my scene partner Daniel Ings’ (Lyonel Baratheon) foot and I think I may have broken his toe.
Dexter Sol Ansell: Did you really break his toe? Like some sort of a Riverdance show?
Peter Claffey: Yes, exactly! Those moment were not so fun because we were extremely tired but my respect for dancers definitely grew; they are truly supernatural beings.
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