House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal and star Tom Taylor clarify what’s next for newcomer Cregan Stark during season 2 and beyond of the fantasy series. Cregan (Taylor) was introduced in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1, speaking with Rhaenyra Targaryen’s son, Jace Velaryon, about pledging his allegiance to the queen at Dragonstone. He decides to give their side some of his older troops, prioritizing the safety of the North while also showing which side of the war he aligns with. This sets him up as an important leader in the war’s future.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, though, Condal and Taylor explained that Cregan won’t have a major role in House of the Dragon season 2 going forward. While the showrunner and actor acknowledge interest in bringing him back due to his importance later on, their statements indicate this will be the last the audience sees of the Stark leader for quite some time. Check out what Condal and Taylor had to say below:

Ryan Condal: We’ll see how that plays. Anybody that reads the books knows that he does play a role in the larger Dance of the Dragons. I would love to have Tom back. We really enjoyed working with him, but I think we need to play the story out a bit and see where it takes us.

Tom Taylor: I was just itching to do more, as well. I was in the costume. I was like, ‘I just want to keep acting.’ But, yeah, it’s just a little tease for now.

How Cregan Stark Will Be Important For House Of The Dragon’s Future

Although there are no plans for Cregan to return as a key part of House of the Dragon season 2’s cast, he plays a crucial role in the Targaryen civil war later on. In George R.R. Martin’s original book, Fire & Blood, the Stark becomes a major player in the conflict when Jace is killed in battle, prompting an agreement between him and Rhaenyra for a stronger army from the North. This includes a battalion of 10,000 men the leader of the North himself commands, marching south in one of the largest assaults within the Dance of the Dragons.

However, since he’s only just pledged loyalty to Rhaenyra and the Blacks, it seems his time on the show is at an end for right now. Depending on how much of the war is covered over the course of season 2, Cregan could make his return in House of the Dragon season 3, pledging to become a more direct force within the conflict. This would make sense, as having him away for too long after only one scene could make him feel less important to the overarching story than he actually is.

While it’s disappointing that House of the Dragon season 2 won’t feature more of Cregan directly, the troops he gives to Rhaenyra will be vital for the upcoming civil war. His presence will still be felt in the conflict despite not showing up himself, perhaps indicating the power he holds even when he’s not onscreen. With the Starks now part of the brewing war, it seems his return will be inevitable, especially when bloodier conflicts begin to happen across Westeros.