IN CONVERSATION WITH HENRY ASHTON

interview by JANA LETONJA 
photography by LEE MALONE

Henry Ashton is poised for a breakout year as he takes centre stage in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the highly anticipated Game of Thrones prequel that premiered this January. Best known for his standout turns in Amazon’s My Lady Jane and Netflix’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Henry has quickly become one of Britain’s most compelling young actors — a performer known for his nuance, intensity, and magnetic screen presence. With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms marking his biggest role yet, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for this rising star.

You’re leading A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. How does it feel to be joining the Game of Thrones universe?

It still feels pretty surreal. I’ve been such a huge fan of the series for years, so of course I always dreamt about getting the chance to be part of it one day. I honestly still can’t quite believe it actually happened. I feel incredibly grateful and honoured to be joining the Game of Thrones universe, especially through such a well loved story within it.

What was your first reaction when you found out you’d been cast?

I fell to the floor and said a lot of swear words down the phone to my agent.

Game of Thrones is one of the most beloved franchises in television history. Did you feel any pressure stepping into that legacy?

Of course, there's always some pressure and responsibility when stepping into a world like that. Particularly The Adventures of Dunk and Egg, being one of the most beloved stories in the whole of the Game of Thrones universe, so you're very aware of what it means to people. Having said that, I felt a lot of trust from George R.R. Martin and Ira Parker, the showrunner, which gave me confidence to offer my interpretation of Daeron. My hope is that the audience connect with the character in the same way readers have for years.

Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from your character and his journey?

You can expect a Daeron that is deeply and wonderfully flawed, full of untapped potential with a side of self destruction. His journey through the series is complicated but, hopefully, very human.

What has it been like working on such a massive HBO production, the sets, the costumes, the world-building?

It’s on a completely different level to anything I’ve experienced before. As an actor, it’s incredibly helpful to feel fully immersed in the world around you, and my God, was I. From the dark, smoke filled inns and tents to the jaw dropping jousting arena, every single detail had been thought through. The suits of armour were all handmade, each one specifically designed for us as individuals. Just the sheer amount of work and care that went into building this world was pretty spectacular to witness.

How would you describe this prequel’s tone and style compared to Game of Thrones?

I think this series sets a slightly lighter tone than the original Game of Thrones, and certainly House of the Dragon. Don’t get me wrong, it still more than delivers on the brutality of the world it’s set in, but there’s an irreverent humour running throughout, played perfectly by Peter and Daniel, and the rest of the cast, which makes it feel fresh without losing that Westeros edge.

What kind of roles or stories are you most drawn to as an actor?

I’m drawn to flawed characters, especially the challenge of finding and revealing the humanity in those who, on the surface, seem to have none.

How do you keep evolving as a performer while taking on bigger, more high-profile roles?

I try to steal as much as I can from every project - lessons, mistakes, little discoveries - and then carry them into the next one. At the end of the day, the work is still work, no matter how high-profile the role is. Easier said than done perhaps, but I’m still very much learning, and always will be.

When you’re not on set, how do you unwind or stay creatively inspired?

I try to keep the acting muscle alive between jobs with workshops and classes, just so it doesn’t completely stiffen up. But I’m also big on having hobbies that have nothing to do with acting. I’m a bit of a golf fanatic and I’m into my Muay Thai, despite being pretty terrible at both.

As you look ahead to 2026, what’s next for you? Any dream roles or projects on your horizon?

I’m lucky enough to have a couple of projects lined up for 2026 that I’m really excited about. Hopefully I’ll be able to share more on those soon. As for dream roles, it’s really about variety for me, doing different kinds of projects, taking risks, and keeping myself challenged.