‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ stars Peter Claffey and Finn Bennett on their acting journeys and career highlights.
With the season finale releasing this Sunday, 22 February, the journey of ‘Ser Duncan the Tall’ and his squire ‘Egg’ is reaching a fever pitch. But before the final credits roll on this first chapter of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, we’re sitting down with the men behind the armour (and the Targaryen ego).
In these exclusive interviews, Peter Claffey and Finn Bennett – both named as 2025 Stars of Tomorrow – reflect on their journey from drama school and Saturday classes to leading one of the biggest franchises in television history.
From Peter’s transition from sketch comedy to the “bad guy” of crime drama, to Finn’s masterclass in acting alongside Jodie Foster, the pair offer a refreshing look at the reality of building a sustainable career in a fast-paced industry.
Beyond the dragons and the hype of the Seven Kingdoms, they share their practical habits – from staying proactive with self-generated work to the vital importance of maintaining a life and interests outside the audition room.
What you’ll learn from these interviews:
- How writing your own material and sketch comedy can be a powerful gateway into the industry.
- The importance of “staying loose” and being able to pivot your performance on a director’s cue.
- Why looking at a career through the lens of a ‘Star of Tomorrow’ is about appreciating the cohort and alumni around you.
- The value of a life outside of acting – from reading Jean Rhys to the simple, vital advice of “going out dancing.”
The Road to the Seven Kingdoms
For both Peter and Finn, the path to Westeros was paved with early exploration and a late-blooming realisation of their professional potential.
Peter Claffey didn’t settle on acting as a career until his early twenties. His entry point was proactive and creative – he began by writing and performing sketch comedy for social media. This DIY approach led him to formal training at the Bow Street Screen Acting School in Dublin, proving that creating your own work is often the fastest way to get noticed by top-tier representation.
Finn Bennett, by contrast, felt the spark much earlier. A Saturday drama school performance in the West End at age 14 provided the “stage moment” that solidified his ambitions. Since then, his journey has been defined by high-stakes drama, most notably his breakout role in True Detective: Night Country.
Career Highlights and Modern Inspirations
Both actors have already shared the screen with industry titans and explored diverse genres.
Before donning the armor of ‘Ser Duncan the Tall’, Peter’s favorite role was playing a villain in the crime series Harry Wild. A fan of the “nightmare comedy” genre, he mentions Ari Aster and Robert Eggers (specifically Nosferatu) as his creative inspirations.
Finn credits much of his professional growth to working alongside Jodie Foster. He notes her ability to foster talent and create a supportive environment on set as a career highlight that shaped his approach to the craft.
Advice for the Next Generation
The common thread between both actors is a blend of discipline and a refusal to take themselves too seriously:
- Work ethic: Finn shares a vital piece of advice gifted to him by Jodie Foster: “Go out dancing.” To Finn, this means taking the work seriously, but keeping your ego out of the way. If a director needs a change, an actor must be fluid enough to “change tracks” without hesitation.
- Collaboration: Peter emphasises the collective effort behind A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, noting the immense work the crew and cast put into the shoot. His advice to those watching his journey is to stay observant and appreciate the collaborative nature of the Game of Thrones machine.
- Feed your mind: When they aren’t on set, both actors remain students of culture. Finn recommends a heavy rotation of reading – from ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ to ‘The Bee Sting’ – and even catching up on TV classics like Lost, proving that a well-rounded actor is a well-read one.
What’s Next for Finn Bennett and Peter Claffey?
While the finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrives this weekend, this is only the beginning for these two.
After the success of the show, hopefully we’ll see Peter Claffey back on our screens soon for season 2.
Finn Bennett will soon be in the A24 film The Back Rooms, continuing his streak of working with some of the most exciting names in cinema.
As they move beyond the Seven Kingdoms and into the next chapters of their burgeoning careers, their stories serve as a powerful reminder to trust your own unique path.
Whether you are preparing for your first audition or navigating the transition into major franchise work, Peter and Finn’s experiences offer a vital roadmap. Their journeys prove that while talent is essential, longevity is built on a foundation of proactive creation, a willingness to stay curious, and the humility to remain a student of the craft.
Take a look at our website for more interviews and advice from casting directors.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ is available to watch on Sky in the UK.
