A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gears up for its second season, set to premiere in 2027 and adapts George R.R. Martin’s novella The Sworn Sword. Amidst season 1’s culmination, Fans have been wondering about the fate of one of the show’s most important figures: Ser Arlan of Pennytree. He is the wise, weathered hedge knight who served as Dunk’s mentor.
Showrunner Ira Parker has provided clear reassurance regarding this character. He said that Ser Arlan, portrayed by Danny Webb, will not return as a recurring presence in season 2.
Quick read:
• Ser Arlan won’t be returning in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ season 2
• Ira Parker possesses great respect for the actor Danny Webb
• He leaves the door open for including possible flashback scenes when needed
Image: HBO
About Ser Arlan’s further fate
In a recent interview with IGN, Parker addressed the character’s symbolic sendoff in season 1’s finale; where Arlan’s specter rides away from Dunk and Egg on horseback, marking a bittersweet parting of ways.
“We’re done with Ser Arlan. He is allowed to go rest. He has done his job with Dunk. Dunk is now a knight and he’s heading off to […] have his own journeys with his own squire.”
This narrative choice aligns perfectly with the source material. In Martin’s Dunk and Egg stories, Ser Arlan dies early in the first novella (The Hedge Knight), serving primarily as a catalyst for Dunk’s path. He imparts lessons on honour and survival in young Dunk, and leaves him to forge his own way.
Image: HBO
Ira Parker’s admiration towards the Arlan actor
Parker expressed genuine admiration for Danny Webb’s performance, leaving the door slightly open for future cameos.
“Would Ser Arlan ever come back? I would love that. First of all, I just love Danny Webb and I think he’s a genius and I think he is Ser Arlan and he just did such a brilliant job for us. But we will do flashbacks when they’re appropriate for the story. For the moment, I would say we’re probably not even doing them as frequently as we did [in] season 1. They’re different, they’re changed. They’re a reflection of the story that we’re in and where Dunk is in his life.”
This measured approach ensures flashbacks remain purposeful tools for character growth rather than frequent crutches.
By letting Ser Arlan “rest,” the series honors the emotional arc of mentorship and independence. Dunk must now embody the lessons Arlan taught him, without his guide looking over his shoulder.
