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George R.R. Martin’s New Game of Thrones Project Finally Launches in 2 Months

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While House of the Dragon might well be arriving on our screens next month, one of the most exciting stories in the history of the continent of Westeros will be making its bow just one month later, following confirmation of the premiere date of one of the defining tales concocted by George R.R. Martin.

It has been confirmed that Game of Thrones: The Mad King will officially begin performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on July 20, 2026, with its opening night set for August 8, and productions running through until September 15. The story takes place in Westeros in the few years before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire take place, which means we’ll see the younger versions of legendary characters like Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, and Jaime Lannister.

The production’s official promotional blurb reads, “Wars aren’t won by those with most cause, but whose story’s best told,” which sounds a lot like Tyrion and a cask of wine telling tall tales. RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey teased just how big and wild the project would be in a statement, saying:

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“We are thrilled to share the full creative team and announce performance dates for Game of Thrones: The Mad King. This production brings together some of theatre’s most visionary talents to reimagine George R.R. Martin’s world for the stage. In a bold new configuration of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, audiences will find themselves at the very heart of the action — immersed in the intrigue and theatrical spectacle that promises to make this production truly epic. It’s an ambitious and exhilarating collaboration, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences into this extraordinary experience.”



















































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Who’s Involved in “Game of Thrones: The Mad King’?

The creative team includes Duncan Macmillan as the play’s adapter, with Dominic Cooke directing. The cast for Game of Thrones: The Mad King has not yet been announced, but the play will feature younger versions of Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, Jaime Lannister, and Lyanna Stark. The original HBO series starred Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring) as Ned Stark, Mark Addy (The Full Monty) as Robert Baratheon, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Shot Caller) as Jaime Lannister, and Aisling Franciosi (The Nightingale) as Lyanna Stark.

Game of Thrones: The Mad King will officially open on August 8.

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