Dan Fogler has made a comeback to major TV in House of the Dragon, and the casting lands with extra weight for The Walking Dead fans. The former AMC favorite now appears as Ser Torrhen Manderly in season 3 episode 3, turning a familiar face into one of the episode’s most talked-about additions.
His debut also connects two of the biggest fantasy and genre franchises of the last decade. undeadwalking.com notes that Fogler’s arrival had already been anticipated after he was cast in the role back in April 2025, when filming was underway.
From Luke Abrams to Ser Torrhen Manderly
Fogler is best known to The Walking Dead viewers for playing Luke Abrams, a fan-favorite character who entered the story during the season 9 time jump after Rick Grimes’ departure. Luke’s run stretched across seasons 9, 10, and 11, where he quickly became important to the group’s survival and their search for refuge at Alexandria.
| Role | Show | Run | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Abrams | The Walking Dead | Seasons 9-11 | Former music teacher, fan favorite, tied to Alexandria’s refuge |
| Ser Torrhen Manderly | House of the Dragon | Season 3, Episode 3 | Sharp Northman knight loyal to Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen |
That loyalty is clear early in his first appearance, when Ser Torrhen applauds Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s efforts to gather money for the crown. The character is presented as a sharp, well-spoken knight from the North, and the episode suggests he will be an ally going forward.
Why The Return Matters For TWD Fans
Luke’s story on The Walking Dead ended in tragedy, with the character dying after walkers attacked and bit his leg as he tried to save Jules from the horde. It was one of the show’s major final-episode deaths, and it left many fans wishing he had been granted a happier ending.
Because Luke died in the series finale, Fogler cannot return in the ongoing The Walking Dead spinoffs Dead City, Daryl Dixon, or The Ones Who Live. That makes his new role in House of the Dragon especially notable for viewers who have been hoping to see him back on screen in a high-profile series.
Since The Walking Dead ended, Fogler has stayed active across film and television. His credits include Spinning Gold, DC League of Super Pets, A Complete Unknown, and Juliet and Romeo, along with TV roles in The Offer and The Rainmaker.
House of the Dragon season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, giving Fogler a fresh spotlight in a franchise that remains a major draw for genre audiences.