The latest episode of HBO's Game of Thrones spin-off, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has generated significant buzz for an unexpected reason: a remarkably large prosthetic penis that required structural reinforcement to withstand its own weight during filming.
A Shocking Visual Moment
In the opening minutes of episode 2, titled 'Hard Salt Beef', viewers witnessed Ser Arlan of Pennytree, portrayed by veteran actor Danny Webb, in a fully nude scene performing a morning routine. The character's anatomical proportions were so substantial that they immediately captured audience attention, leading to a noticeable spike in related Google searches following the episode's broadcast.
Behind the Scenes of the Prosthetic Creation
Prosthetic designer Waldo Mason has revealed fascinating details about the creation process for what he described as "Ser Arlan Pennytree's formidable weapon." According to Mason's Instagram post, the team was commissioned to create a 10-inch prosthetic penis for Webb to wear during the nude scene.
"Because of the size, we reinforced the contact area and edges with wig lace for minimal stretch under its weight," Mason explained. "Makeup designer Pip Woods and Lucille Wigs applied a knotted merkin to hide any visible edges."
The prosthetic was so convincing that even showrunner Ira Parker reportedly questioned whether it was genuine. The design team incorporated hidden tubing that allowed the prosthetic to urinate on command, adding to its realistic appearance.
Professional Collaboration and Intimate Application
Mason praised Webb's professionalism throughout the process, noting that the actor participated in multiple fittings that culminated in what he described as "a very intimate application process in a white tent in the Belfast countryside." This collaborative approach helped achieve the remarkable realism that has surprised both cast members and audiences alike.
Storytelling Purpose Behind the Prosthetic
When questioned about the narrative significance of such a prominent physical attribute, showrunner Ira Parker provided an unexpectedly sentimental explanation. "I felt bad for Ser Arlan at some point," Parker told Entertainment Weekly. "He was the only person who's ever looked out for Dunk and really stuck with Dunk."
Parker elaborated on the character's tragic backstory: "He died on a muddy road in the middle of nowhere, was buried without ceremony, and now Dunk is going around trying to find somebody who just even remembers him."
The showrunner revealed that the decision to give Ser Arlan this distinctive physical characteristic was born from a desire to provide the character with "his one special thing," drawing inspiration from the film Boogie Nights to create a memorable attribute for a character otherwise forgotten by the world of Westeros.
Critical Reception and Series Context
Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continues to expand the Westeros universe by focusing on characters lower in the feudal hierarchy than those featured in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The series has been praised for its exploration of characters who take it upon themselves to protect the innocent within this brutal medieval world.
This attention to detail in character development, extending even to prosthetic design choices, demonstrates the production team's commitment to creating a rich, immersive viewing experience that continues to engage Game of Thrones enthusiasts while attracting new audiences to the expanding franchise.
