Finn Bennett (Warfare, True Detective), who plays Prince Aerion Targaryen in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, recently spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about stepping into one of the franchise’s most volatile characters. Bennett addressed the challenge of portraying Aerion’s intensity and unpredictability while helping shape the prequel’s darker political tensions.

Based on George R.R. Martin’s (Game of Thrones, Nightflyers) book Tales of Dunk and Egg, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his young companion Egg as they navigate the rigid power structures of Westeros. The series’s third episode, titled “The Squire,” places Aerion at the center of escalating conflict, marking a major turning point for the story’s central characters and the growing influence of House Targaryen.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Bennett described Aerion as emotionally driven and dangerously impulsive, noting that the character’s entitlement drives his behavior. “He’s someone who believes the world should bend to him,” Bennett said. “That mindset makes him unpredictable and sometimes terrifying.” The actor explained that portraying that instability required finding a balance between arrogance and vulnerability, especially in moments where Aerion’s authority is challenged.

Bennett also discussed how the series approaches villainy differently than previous Westeros stories, noted by The Hollywood Reporter. Rather than relying solely on spectacle, the prequel emphasizes personal ambition and political tension. “This show is more intimate,” he said. “It’s about small decisions that create big consequences.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has drawn attention for expanding the franchise’s lore while maintaining its own identity. Previous mxdwn coverage highlighted HBO Max’s companion series Squire For Hire, which was created to deepen fan engagement with the show’s characters and setting. Another mxdwn article explored how the series reveals early histories of Westeros’ great houses, offering new context to long-standing rivalries that later define Game of Thrones.

Bennett’s portrayal of Aerion reflects those broader storytelling goals. By grounding the character’s cruelty in ambition and entitlement, he adds depth to a role that could have easily become one-dimensional. His performance reinforces the show’s focus on character-driven drama while maintaining the political tension fans expect from the franchise.

As A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continues its run, Bennett’s Prince Aerion remains a central figure shaping the series’ evolving power struggles and narrative direction.