Fans Defend Peter Claffey's Physique After Critic's "Dad Bod" Remark Sparks Backlash

The premiere of HBO's 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' a 'Game of Thrones' spinoff based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg, aired recently, drawing attention to its lead actor Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall. Claffey, a 29-year-old former Irish rugby player standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, has been lauded for embodying the hedge knight character with authenticity.

In a review video by YouTube critic Grace Randolph of her channel Beyond the Trailer, she praised Claffey's casting, calling him "a find" and noting his rugby background and height as ideal for the role. However, Randolph concluded her comments on his physique by saying, “Thankfully, the next generation of dad bod has arrived with Claffey definitely getting the HBO treatment.” The term "dad bod" typically refers to a fit but soft, relaxed athletic build, often associated with middle-aged fathers.

The remark quickly ignited a viral backlash on social media platforms like X , where fans described it as "idiotic" and defended Claffey's visibly muscular frame. One user posted, "Is she blind?? How is that a dad bod? Boy, do people have unrealistic standards!" comparing it to hypothetically labeling actress Sydney Sweeney as having a "mom bod." Others questioned whether Randolph understood the term, with comments like "Does she know what a dad bod is?" and insisted Claffey's body resembled a "gym bod."

This controversy echoes prior body image discussions within the 'Game of Thrones' franchise. Jason Momoa, who portrayed Khal Drogo, faced similar "dad bod" labels after bulking up for Aquaman roles; in a 2019 TMZ interview, he expressed indifference, stating it didn't bother him "at all." Momoa later joked on The Late Show in 2022 about maintaining his "dad bod" longer. Pedro Pascal, known for Oberyn Martell, has been positively celebrated by fans for his "fit dad bod," with one netizen writing, “I LIVE for Pedro’s beautiful dad bod.”

Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have a history of featuring shirtless male scenes in 'Game of Thrones' and 'House of the Dragon,' sometimes for non-narrative reasons like continuity. At SXSW in 2017, Benioff admitted a pilot scene with shirtless Stark boys was "the worst scene we’ve ever written," existing solely for beard continuity, though actors were flexing. Such moments, including Kit Harington's Jon Snow resurrection, became iconic talking points.

Despite the debate, Claffey garnered strong endorsements. George R.R. Martin praised him directly, stating, “He’s tall… His readings were terrific. I think you’re going to love him.” Connacht Rugby, Claffey's former club, shared supportive posts highlighting his athletic past. Early reactions to the series emphasize its lighter tone compared to predecessors, positioning Claffey as a new kind of Westeros hero.

The fan response underscores broader conversations about body positivity and unrealistic standards in media, particularly for male actors in fantasy genres. While no direct LGBTQ+ community statements on this specific incident were identified in available coverage, the debate aligns with ongoing affirming discussions around diverse body representations for all people, including transgender and non-binary individuals who advocate for person-first language and rejection of shaming critiques. Claffey's portrayal contributes to inclusive storytelling in a franchise with complex representations, though primary focus remains on the physique controversy.