# The RSC unveils first cast photo from George R.R. Martin’s stage play

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/george-r-r-martins-new-game-of-thrones-spin-off-reveals-first-official-image/
- Published: 2026-08-02T00:32:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-02T06:47:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Collider
- Original article: https://collider.com/george-rr-martin-game-of-thrones-the-mad-king-cast-image/
- Topics: Americas, Art, Culture, World

## Key points

- RSC unveils first cast photo for Martin's "The Mad King" stage play
- Story covers Aerys II Targaryen's fall and Robert's Rebellion
- Previews resumed after delays; first audience gave standing ovation

## Summary

The Royal Shakespeare Company has released the first official cast image for "The Mad King," a new stage production written by "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin, giving audiences their first proper look at the ensemble bringing this chapter of Westerosi history to the stage. The play dramatises the downfall of King Aerys II Targaryen and the tensions that ignite Robert's Rebellion, events set decades before the original A Song of Ice and Fire novels, offering an early glimpse of a pivotal period previously only referenced in passing within the franchise.

The four-hour production, directed by Dominic Cooke, had a rocky start after several preview performances were cancelled owing to what the RSC described as unforeseen production delays. Previews resumed the following week, and the first full audience gave the show a standing ovation after Cooke addressed the crowd beforehand, suggesting the production has now settled into its run despite its troubled opening.

## Coverage

- [Collider: The RSC unveils first cast photo from George R.R. Martin’s stage play](https://collider.com/george-rr-martin-game-of-thrones-the-mad-king-cast-image/)
- [IGN: Game of Thrones: The Mad King Reveals Full Stage Cast and First Portrait](https://www.ign.com/articles/game-of-thrones-the-mad-king-cast-first-look)

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