Daniel Ings Brings Complexity to Westeros' Most Enigmatic Knight
In HBO's adaptation of George R.R. Martin's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', actor Daniel Ings has breathed life into the enigmatic character of Ser Lyonel Baratheon, affectionately known as "The Laughing Storm". With his charismatic performance, Ings masterfully brings depth to a character whose true nature is shrouded in mystery.
According to Ings, what sets Ser Lyonel apart from other highborn lords in Westeros is his adventurous spirit and desire for battle. He perceives himself as a crusading adventurer, always seeking worthy foes to test himself against, with a sense of addiction that makes him most alive when he's at war. This complex persona is expertly woven by showrunner Ira Parker and director Owen Harris, who gave Ings significant creative freedom.
The character's fun-loving and debauched nature was first introduced in the season premiere through a pivotal encounter between Ser Lyonel and Dunk, where they engage in an entertaining dance-off and exchange profound thoughts over drinks. This unique sequence, not present in Martin's original novella, showcases the character's playful side, which Ings brings to life with his infectious energy.
When asked about his approach to portraying Ser Lyonel, Ings mentioned that he was initially drawn to the character's description as a combination of Captain Jack Sparrow and Ernest Hemingway. He described this "pirate-meets-Hemingway" fusion as an intriguing blend that piqued his interest. With Parker's guidance, Ings was able to craft a performance that not only stays true to the original but also injects fresh life into the character.
As new episodes of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' debut on HBO and HBO Max every Sunday, fans can look forward to further exploration of Ser Lyonel's captivating personality. With Daniel Ings at the helm, this Westeros eccentric is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
In HBO's adaptation of George R.R. Martin's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', actor Daniel Ings has breathed life into the enigmatic character of Ser Lyonel Baratheon, affectionately known as "The Laughing Storm". With his charismatic performance, Ings masterfully brings depth to a character whose true nature is shrouded in mystery.
According to Ings, what sets Ser Lyonel apart from other highborn lords in Westeros is his adventurous spirit and desire for battle. He perceives himself as a crusading adventurer, always seeking worthy foes to test himself against, with a sense of addiction that makes him most alive when he's at war. This complex persona is expertly woven by showrunner Ira Parker and director Owen Harris, who gave Ings significant creative freedom.
The character's fun-loving and debauched nature was first introduced in the season premiere through a pivotal encounter between Ser Lyonel and Dunk, where they engage in an entertaining dance-off and exchange profound thoughts over drinks. This unique sequence, not present in Martin's original novella, showcases the character's playful side, which Ings brings to life with his infectious energy.
When asked about his approach to portraying Ser Lyonel, Ings mentioned that he was initially drawn to the character's description as a combination of Captain Jack Sparrow and Ernest Hemingway. He described this "pirate-meets-Hemingway" fusion as an intriguing blend that piqued his interest. With Parker's guidance, Ings was able to craft a performance that not only stays true to the original but also injects fresh life into the character.
As new episodes of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' debut on HBO and HBO Max every Sunday, fans can look forward to further exploration of Ser Lyonel's captivating personality. With Daniel Ings at the helm, this Westeros eccentric is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.