Delving into the World of Prince Maekar Targaryen
After captivating audiences with his performance in Fargo season five, Sam Spruell has taken on a new challenge as the complex Prince Maekar Targaryen in Ira Parker and George R.R. Martin’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones prequel. Spruell also recently appeared in Dune: Prophecy, further solidifying his rising star status.
A Prickly Prince: Understanding Maekar Targaryen
Prince Maekar Targaryen exists roughly 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones and nearly 80 years after House of the Dragon. He’s a widowed father struggling to connect with his three sons, Daeron, Aerion, and Aegon (“Egg”), and constantly overshadowed by his more favored brother, Prince Baelor Targaryen. His personal struggles come to a head during the jousting tournament at Ashford Meadow.
The Ashford Meadow Incident and its Aftermath
At Ashford Meadow, Maekar and Aerion discover the absence of Aegon and Daeron. A confrontation ensues between Aerion and Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall over an assault, leading to Aegon’s intervention. The drunken Daeron falsely accuses Dunk of kidnapping his brother, prompting Aerion to challenge Dunk to a “trial of seven” – a duel between champions.
Recognizing the injustice, Prince Baelor sides with Dunk in the trial. After a fierce battle, Aerion withdraws his accusation. However, tragedy strikes when Baelor is fatally wounded by Maekar, an accident Maekar insists was ordained by the Gods. As Spruell explains, “Maekar is so susceptible to self-delusion. It’s a very good depiction of corrupt power.”
A Father’s Control and a Son’s Desire for Freedom
Driven by Egg’s affection for Dunk, Maekar attempts to offer Dunk a position at Summerhall, hoping to control Egg’s upbringing. However, Dunk rejects the offer, desiring to continue his travels. Maekar refuses to allow his son to live a “peasant’s” life, revealing his desperate need for control. “Aegon is his last chance to have an heir that’s worth anything at all,” Spruell notes, “He wants to control it.”
The Escape of Aegon and a Father’s Despair
Egg ultimately escapes to journey with Dunk, falsely claiming Maekar’s permission. The season concludes with Maekar’s desperate cry, “Where the fuck is he?” Spruell believes Egg’s decision reflects a deeper understanding of character. “There is a wisdom to Dunk that comes naturally and instinctually, and I don’t think Maekar will ever get close to it.”
Future of Maekar Targaryen
While Spruell won’t be returning for season two, he remains open to the possibility of future appearances. He also shared his thoughts on the delicate balance between adapting source material and creative freedom. “Any creative process that involves relationships is give-and-take,” he explains. “You either get lucky and make a good piece of work, or you get less lucky. But you’ve got to try.”
Beyond ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’
Spruell is also venturing into the horror genre with a role in Insidious: The Bleeding World, where he plays a “completely deranged villain.” He describes the experience as “brilliantly inventive and brilliantly collaborative.”
Stream A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO Max.
