Full Cast Revealed for 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King' Stage Play Premiering in 2026
Let's go back in time to a troubled era in Westeros. Robert's Rebellion has long been a popular chapter of Westerosi history among fans, and it's ripe for an adaptation. Enter Game of Thrones: The Mad King, a new stage play set to take Stratford-upon-Avon by storm (and maybe some fire and blood).
Premiering at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the prequel will chronicle the volatile reign of King Aerys II Targaryen, colloquially known as the Mad King. The ensuing rebellion and the dangerous monarch's subsequent assassination lay the groundwork for George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones novels and the mega-hit TV show.
Here's an official synopsis per the Royal Shakespeare Company:
"A long winter thaws in Harrenhal, and spring is promised. At a lavish banquet on the eve of a jousting tournament, lovers meet, and revelers speculate about who will contend. But in the shadows, amid growing unease at the bloodthirsty actions of the realm's merciless Mad King, dissenters from his inner circle anxiously advance a treasonous plot. Far away, the drums of battle sound.
Family bonds, ancient prophecies, and the sacred line of succession will be tested in a dangerous campaign for power. Who will survive? Who will rise?"
Game of Thrones: The Mad King is written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke. The Royal Shakespeare Company announced the full cast for the highly anticipated production, and the players are as follows:
- Michael Abubakar as Eddard "Ned" Stark
- Harmony Rose-Bremner as Lyanna Stark
- Alexander Newland as Rickard Stark
- Marty Breen as Catelyn Stark
- Luke Brady as Brandon Stark
- Miles Barrow as Benjen Stark
- Michael Shaeffer as Kig Aerys II Targaryen
- Mariah Gale as Queen Rhaella Targaryen
- Noah Ritter as Prince Rhaegar Targaryen
- Callum Woodhouse as Robert Baratheon
- Marcello Walton as Tywin Lannister
- Maxim Ays as Jaime Lannister
- Daisy Franks as Cersei Lannister
- Daniel Hawksford as Barristan Selmy
- Richard Hansell as Grand Maester Pycelle
- Kel Matsena as Arthur Dayne
- Tanisha Spring as Ashara Dayne
- Hughie O'Donnell as Varys
- Islam Bouakkaz as Howland Reed
- Adrian Christopher as Prince Lewyn Martell
- Edem-Ita Duke as Prince Oberyn Martell
- Elizabeth Ayodele as Princess Elia Martell
Brace yourself for an immersive experience when Game of Thrones: The Mad King opens on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The play will take a bow on Saturday, Sept. 5. Tickets are on sale now.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 11:04 AM.