Daniel Ings’ Surprising MCU Past Before Game of Thrones Spin-Off

British actor Daniel Ings, now making waves as Ser Lyonel Baratheon in HBO’s latest fantasy epic, once found himself in a rather different universe. Long before donning the Baratheon sigil, Ings appeared in a Marvel film that, for many, slipped quietly under the radar.

His stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe saw him as Ty-Rone, a Kree scientist and trusted advisor to Dar-Benn, the film’s principal antagonist. Dar-Benn, a revolutionary figure, was determined to revive her devastated homeworld, and Ty-Rone was right there in the thick of it, offering counsel and technical expertise. Despite sharing the screen with the likes of Brie Larson and Iman Vellani, Ings’ role was not one that lingered in the public memory for long.

From Kree Labs to Command Decks

Ty-Rone’s presence aboard Dar-Benn’s command ship was more than mere background dressing. He played a part in tracking down the elusive Quantum Bands and manipulating the Universal Neural Teleportation Network, all in service of Hala’s desperate resource raids. Air, water, whatever could be siphoned from other worlds—Ty-Rone was instrumental in the operation.

Though his screen time was limited, the character was woven into several key moments: overseeing Quantum Band experiments, participating in the atmospheric restoration ceremony, and delivering damage assessments during combat. Unlike many fleeting Kree, Ty-Rone was crafted specifically for the film, with Ings fully transformed by elaborate prosthetics and costuming. Even in what many consider the MCU’s most lacklustre outing, Ings’ dry wit managed to shine through, hinting at the charisma he would later bring to more prominent roles.

Stepping Into Westeros: A New Chapter

Ings’ career has been anything but one-note. With credits in Sex Education, The Crown, and The Gentlemen, he’s no stranger to British television. Yet, his casting as Ser Lyonel Baratheon in the new HBO series marks a significant step up. The show, set nearly a century before the events of Game of Thrones, introduces viewers to a Westeros ruled by the Targaryens, with Ings portraying the heir to Storm’s End—a knight known for his charm and bravado.

The series, created by George R. R. Martin and Ira Parker, has already been renewed for a second run, with the first season comprising six episodes. Critics have been quick to praise Ings’ performance, describing it as both hedonistic and scene-stealing, particularly in the opening episode, The Hedge Knight. One review even declared,

HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Is The Best Fantasy Adaptation of the Decade

Onward to Prestige and Beyond

With HBO’s backing and a role that allows him to flex his range, Ings has firmly established himself in the upper echelons of television drama. His portrayal of Lyonel Baratheon, a character with a reputation for both laughter and stormy temperament, is a far cry from his earlier, more forgettable Marvel appearance.

Looking ahead, Ings is set to appear in Star Wars: Starfighter and Prima Facie, signalling a career on the rise. As audiences grow increasingly fond of the so-called “Laughing Storm,” it’s clear that Ings’ days of being overlooked are well and truly behind him.

Both The Marvels and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are currently available to stream in the US, offering viewers a chance to witness the actor’s transformation from Kree scientist to Westerosi knight.