The debut of A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, the latest prequel to the iconic Game Of Thrones series, has sparked intense discussion among fans, particularly over a surprising scene featuring full-frontal nudity. The show, which premiered earlier this month, is set a century before the events of the original series and follows the adventures of Dunk, a hedge knight played by Peter Claffey, and his young squire Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell.
Shocking Opening Scene Leaves Fans Gobsmacked
In the opening moments of episode two, viewers were introduced to Ser Arlan Pennytree, portrayed by actor Danny Webb, who serves as Dunk's late mentor. The scene depicted Ser Arlan urinating while completely nude, a moment that many fans found both shocking and bemusing. This unexpected display of nudity quickly became a hot topic on social media platforms, with audiences expressing a mix of surprise and curiosity about its inclusion in the storyline.
Social Media Reactions and Fan Theories
Fans took to platforms like X to share their immediate reactions to the scene. One viewer humorously remarked, 'Guess you could say Ser Arlan was wielding the sword of the morning.' Another questioned the fidelity to the source material, posting, 'Anyone else avoiding the elephant in the room?? Ser Arlan of Pennytree in the opening scene of episode 2? I don't recall that from the book.' A more analytical fan suggested that the scene held deeper symbolic meaning, noting, 'The low-angle image of Ser Arlan urinating contrasts with the speech about honor and chivalry that Duncan himself delivers to win the nobles’ favour.' Meanwhile, a fourth fan added a light-hearted comment, 'I did not need to know that Ser Arlan had a third leg.'
Behind the Scenes: The Prosthetic Revelation
As it turns out, the nudity was not as authentic as it appeared on screen. Prosthetic designer Waldo Mason revealed on Instagram that the scene involved meticulous movie magic. Mason explained that the team was tasked with creating a 10-inch prosthetic penis for Danny Webb to wear during filming. He praised Webb's professionalism, stating, 'Luckily, he was a consummate professional and was happy to work with us to make it as realistic as possible.' The prosthetic included reinforced edges with wig lace to handle its weight and contained tubing to simulate urination, with makeup artists applying a merkin to conceal any visible seams.
Showrunner's Explanation for the Memorable Scene
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Ira Parker provided insight into the creative decision behind the nude scene. Parker expressed sympathy for the character of Ser Arlan, explaining, 'I felt bad for Ser Arlan at some point. He was the only person who's ever looked out for Dunk and really stuck with Dunk.' He elaborated that Ser Arlan's death on a muddy road without ceremony, and Dunk's struggle to find anyone who remembers him, inspired the need to give the character a distinctive moment. Parker added, 'I felt the need to give him his one special thing, to channel a little Boogie Nights, I suppose.' This context suggests the scene was intended to humanise Ser Arlan and highlight themes of memory and honour in the narrative.
Broader Implications and Viewer Engagement
The reaction to this scene underscores the ongoing fascination with Game Of Thrones prequels and their willingness to push boundaries. By blending shock value with character depth, the show has successfully generated buzz and engagement among its audience. As the series continues to air on Sky Atlantic and stream on NOW, it remains to be seen how such elements will shape viewer perceptions and discussions in future episodes.
