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

If you’re gearing up for the much-anticipated return to Westeros with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, there’s no need to slog through all eight seasons of the original series. Instead, you could do worse than chucking on Heath Ledger’s 2001 medieval action-comedy, A Knight’s Tale. Despite a mixed reception and only modest box office numbers, the film has become a favourite among fans of medieval fantasy, thanks to its light touch, energetic jousting scenes, and a soundtrack packed with classic rock anthems.

Unexpected Parallels Between Two Medieval Worlds

On the surface, A Knight’s Tale and HBO’s upcoming prequel might seem worlds apart, but the similarities are hard to ignore. Brian Helgeland’s film follows William Thatcher, a squire who takes his late master’s place in a jousting tournament, even though only nobles are meant to compete. Meanwhile, the new Game of Thrones spinoff centres on Dunk, a low-born hedge knight who enters a tourney at Ashford Meadow after his mentor’s death, only to find himself in hot water with a Targaryen prince. Both stories put a humble, good-hearted bloke at the centre, taking the mickey out of the upper crust and showing that courage and decency matter more than birthright.

Fans of the genre will spot the shared sense of humour and the focus on underdogs who refuse to let their circumstances define them. The films’ heroes, William and Dunk, both have a knack for getting into trouble and a stubborn streak that sees them through.

Ledger’s Take on the Underdog Knight

At the premiere of A Knight’s Tale, Ledger spoke about what drew him to the role. He said he was taken by the character’s journey and the fairy tale elements woven through the story. He described the experience as a good laugh and explained what he liked about playing Thatcher:

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.

That attitude could just as easily describe Dunk from Martin’s novellas. Both characters are painted as honest, well-meaning types who rise from nothing, winning over punters with their grit and charm. They’re classic underdogs, and their stories are all about having a go, no matter the odds.

What to Watch Before the Next Big Fantasy Series

If you’re keen to get in the right headspace for the new Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight’s Tale is a top pick. It’s a fun, fast-paced film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the kind of world HBO’s next series will explore. The film, directed by Brian Helgeland and inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Knight’s Tale, hit cinemas on 11 May 2001 and currently sits at 59% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s streaming on Hulu for those who fancy a rewatch.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to premiere on 18 January 2026 on HBO. If you’ve already seen A Knight’s Tale, you’ll know why it’s still a cult favourite. If not, now’s the perfect time to give it a go and see what all the fuss is about.