🚨 HOLY STORMS! The Laughing Storm just CRASHED the party in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — and fans are already calling him the NEW MVP of Westeros! 😂⚡

Picture this: A massive Baratheon lord with a booming laugh, antler helmet, endless ale, and zero filter… he spots a giant hedge knight crashing his tent, drags him in, they DRINK, they LAUGH, they even DANCE like madmen — and Dunk accidentally stomps on his foot?! 😱

This guy’s energy is pure chaos — boisterous, brutal in the lists, loved by the smallfolk, and basically Robert Baratheon’s wild great-grandpa on steroids. But wait… there’s a DARK twist coming in his future that could shake the entire realm.

You NEED to see this scene — it’s the most fun we’ve had in Westeros since Robert smashed that boar! Click for EVERYTHING you need to know about the Laughing Storm… trust us, you won’t stop grinning. 🍻🐗

HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms hit the ground running with its January 18 premiere, delivering a fresh, lighter take on the Game of Thrones universe. While the focus stays on hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, one character has stolen scenes and sparked massive fan buzz: Ser Lyonel Baratheon, better known as the Laughing Storm. Played by British actor Daniel Ings, Lyonel bursts onto the screen in Episode 1 with larger-than-life energy that echoes — and perhaps even outshines — his famous descendant, King Robert Baratheon.

In the premiere, titled “The Hedge Knight,” Dunk finds himself in Lyonel’s lavish tent after a mix-up at the Ashford Meadow tourney. What starts as suspicion turns into a raucous night of drinking, laughing, and an unexpected dance floor moment. Lyonel, towering and charismatic, spots the out-of-place giant knight, questions him bluntly, then pulls him into the revelry. Dunk’s accidental foot-stomp on the lord’s toes seals an unlikely bond. It’s chaotic, fun, and a far cry from the grim betrayals fans remember from the original series.

The adaptation expands on Lyonel’s role compared to George R.R. Martin’s novella The Hedge Knight. In the book, the Laughing Storm is a formidable tourney knight who delights crowds with his booming laugh during jousts, earning smallfolk adoration. He’s a skilled fighter, one of the era’s best, and a key participant at Ashford. But the show gives him more screen time and personality early on, turning a supporting figure into a highlight. Reports from ComicBook.com and GamesRadar note that this change — including the tent scene and dance — has made Lyonel an instant fan favorite, with social media calling him the “new MVP” of Westeros.

Lyonel is heir to Storm’s End during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen, set in 209 AC — about 90 years before Game of Thrones. House Baratheon, with its stormy sigil and stormy tempers, traces its roots to Orys Baratheon, a legendary founder. Lyonel embodies the house’s classic traits: black hair, blue eyes, immense height and build (nearly as tall as Dunk, who’s over 6’10”), and a swaggering presence. His nickname comes from his habit of laughing thunderously at opponents mid-battle, a psychological edge that unnerves foes and entertains spectators.

In the broader A Song of Ice and Fire lore, Lyonel’s life extends beyond the Ashford tourney. He eventually becomes Lord of Storm’s End under King Aegon V Targaryen (Egg grown up). Loyal at first, his allegiance sours when Aegon’s son breaks a betrothal to Lyonel’s daughter. In a dramatic turn, Lyonel declares himself the Storm King and launches a brief rebellion against the Iron Throne. The uprising is short-lived; it’s quelled, and Lyonel secures a new marriage alliance for his house. This episode highlights the Baratheon tendency toward defiance when crossed — a trait that echoes in Robert’s own rebellion centuries later.

The family connection is clear: Lyonel is widely considered the great-grandfather of Robert, Stannis, and Renly Baratheon from Game of Thrones. While exact lineage details remain unconfirmed in Martin’s published works, the timeline and house history point strongly to this link. Lyonel’s boisterous, party-loving, battle-hungry personality feels like a direct ancestor to Robert’s own larger-than-life ways — minus the later bitterness and decline.

Daniel Ings brings the character to vivid life. Known for roles in Lovesick, The Gentlemen, Sex Education, and The Crown, Ings infuses Lyonel with charisma, humor, and just enough menace. In interviews, he’s described the role as a “swaggering giant” with a good heart hidden under bravado. The actor’s performance in the premiere — from thunderous laughs to playful intimidation — has drawn praise for making Lyonel feel authentic yet fresh. Fans on platforms like Reddit and Instagram have flooded discussions with memes and clips, many noting how the character captures the “fun” side of Westeros missing in recent entries.

The show’s choice to amplify Lyonel fits its tone. Unlike the dragon-filled intrigue of House of the Dragon or the brutal politics of Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms emphasizes grounded adventures, honor, and class differences. Lyonel adds levity and spectacle to the Ashford tourney, where knights like Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen and others compete. His tent becomes a hub of excess, contrasting Dunk’s humble origins.

Looking ahead, Lyonel’s arc could expand in future episodes or seasons. The first season sticks to The Hedge Knight, where he plays a supportive role in the trial by seven. Later novellas might touch on his lordship era, though the focus remains on Dunk and Egg. If renewed, the series could explore his rebellion — a potential powder keg of drama.

For now, Lyonel Baratheon stands out as proof that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers surprises. He’s not the brooding anti-hero or scheming villain fans expect from Westeros; he’s a joyful storm — loud, loyal (until crossed), and unapologetically larger than life. In a franchise often defined by darkness, his laughter cuts through like thunder.

Whether he’s dancing with hedge knights or charging into tourneys, Lyonel reminds viewers why House Baratheon endures: strength, spirit, and a storm that refuses to be quiet. As the season unfolds Sundays on HBO and Max, expect the Laughing Storm to keep roaring — and keep fans talking.