Gendry Baratheon’s Legacy Examined by Lyonel Baratheon Actor in AKOTSK

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It’s all about legacy in the universe.

The series concluded with Gendry Baratheon becoming the last known heir to Robert Baratheon’s legacy. He rose from humble beginnings as a blacksmith in Flea Bottom – the poorest part of King’s Landing – to become Lord of Storm’s End after Daenerys Targaryen legitimized him. Gendry first appeared in season one, working as a blacksmith, and was later revealed by Ned Stark to be Robert Baratheon’s son. He quickly became a fan favorite throughout the show.

The new series, AKOTSK, is set hundreds of years before Game of Thrones and introduces Ser Lyonel Baratheon, nicknamed “Laughing Storm.” This allows viewers to see the powerful Baratheon family in a completely new light, long before the characters we know in the main series. This also makes us wonder how the family’s story eventually unfolds. In a recent interview with Liam Crowley from ScreenRant, the actor who plays Lyonel, discusses what his character might think about the fate of House Baratheon many generations later.

Daniel Ings believes Robert Baratheon would really like Gendry, partly because Gendry is his favorite Baratheon character. He imagines Robert would see a lot of his friend Dunk in Gendry – someone who climbed from the slums to navigate a world of nobles and kings, maintaining his honor despite the hardship. In fact, Robert might see more of Dunk in Gendry than in himself. He jokes that Gendry could use a style upgrade – better clothes and maybe a little jewelry. It’s okay to enjoy some finer things, Robert would say, especially since Gendry can always go back to blacksmithing when needed. But for now, let’s have some fun and make him look good!

According to Ings, Lyonel is a classic example of a Baratheon – a strong warrior with a big personality, a lot of pride, and a tendency to get angry quickly, as he explained to ScreenRant.

Daniel Ings believes this character perfectly represents the Baratheon family. He’s driven by a love of all kinds of competition – drinking, dancing, and especially fighting. He thrives in dangerous, high-stakes situations, seeing them as a playful challenge. Despite his rough exterior, there’s a depth to him. He’s not just a brute; he’s perceptive and carefully observes the people around him, understanding their personalities. In essence, he embodies many of the key characteristics that would later define his family line.

Everything Else Ings Said About AKOTSK & Lyonel’s Future

ScreenRant asked the creators about a significant event involving the characters Dunk and Lyonel that unfolds much later in the original story. They wanted to know what it was like laying the groundwork for this event now, knowing it would develop over many years.

It was easy to connect with Peter Claffey because he’s warm, approachable, and really funny. He’s also a giving actor, so we had a natural chemistry and could playfully interact – I felt comfortable enough to even playfully slap him! We both enjoyed building a strong connection, both as actors and for the characters we were playing.

I can’t share any details about what might happen with my character, Lyonel Baratheon, in future stories. That’s because he isn’t featured in the later novellas. I don’t know if the show will continue past those stories, or what form it might take, and whether Lyonel would be included. However, I would absolutely be interested in returning to the role if the opportunity arose.

ScreenRant asked if there have been any discussions about continuing Lyonel’s storyline in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, even if it deviates from the original books.

Daniel Ings says he hasn’t heard much about a potential return for his character in season two, but he remains open to the possibility. He has a good relationship with the show’s creator, Ira, and would be happy to reprise his role if asked. He’s ready to come back to ‘The Reach’ if they want him.

Check out more of our AKOTSK coverage here:

  • Lyonel’s Real Feelings About Dunk Rejecting Him In A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Ending Revealed
  • A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Review: Dunk & Egg’s Refreshing & Intensely Charming Story Revitalizes Game Of Thrones
  • A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Officially Casts One Of House Lannister’s Most Iconic Members

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2026-03-07 02:19