A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms star shuts down racial “negativity” around being cast as Tanselle

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I was really surprised to see some negativity online about me being cast as Tanselle in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ but I wanted to share what happened. Apparently, George R.R. Martin himself was involved in the decision to cast me, which honestly means the world! It’s so cool to know he was happy with the choice. It definitely makes all the criticism a lot easier to handle, knowing I had his support.

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” tells the action-packed story of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), a strong and brave knight, as he enters a tournament at Ashford Meadow and unexpectedly becomes involved in a dangerous competition known as the Trial of Seven.

The show is based on the first story in George R.R. Martin’s Dunk & Egg series and centers on the growing bond between Dunk and his young apprentice, Egg (played by Dexter Sol Ansell).

Although Andor primarily focuses on male characters – and one young boy – there are a few moments where Dunk develops a crush on a puppeteer named Tanselle, and he awkwardly attempts to win her over. Now that the show has finished airing on HBO, the actress who played Tanselle, Tanzyn Crawford, has addressed the negative reaction she received regarding race.

Tanzyn Crawford claps back at “negativity around race” regarding Knight of the Seven Kingdoms casting

Honestly, it was a little scary joining a fandom that’s so passionate and has strong opinions about everything. I did get some negativity, especially about race, but at the end of the day, I’m working as an actress and living my dream, so that’s what matters. The coolest part? George R.R. Martin, the original author, actually told me I was exactly who he pictured for the role, which was amazing!

When it comes to adding a feminine perspective to what is generally a very masculine story, she explains that Tanselle offers a welcome contrast. The rest of the show is filled with tough, often brutal, male characters, and she provides a softer, more gentle presence.

She seems very self-assured and has her own unique interests and inner life, independent of others. While her story does connect with Dunk’s, she definitely has her own independent path and goals.

Although Tanselle isn’t in the second Dunk & Egg story, ‘The Sworn Sword,’ rumors about her being in Dorne influenced Ser Duncan’s journey there, so she might reappear later in the series.

You can now watch all six episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO. If you’re looking for more from the Game of Thrones universe, here’s the latest on a Jon Snow spinoff, everything we know about Season 3 of House of the Dragon, and a helpful guide to the Seven Kingdoms.

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2026-03-03 17:49