House of the Dragon has a strong start on HBO, with high praise for the cast’s performances. Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy and Ewan Mitchell were a few stars in the first season. However, Matt Smith is undoubtedly a fan favorite in his role as Daemon Targaryen.
King Viserys’ brother, Daemon, led the charge in the Battle of the Stepstones, helped his brother ascend the throne when he lost his power, and married his cousin Rhaenyra Targaryen. His character still steals every scene he’s in, but most of his motives seem to be in his own best interest. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, House of the Dragon writer and executive producer Sara Hess discussed his character, saying she doesn’t understand why the internet has fallen for him at all.
“I agree with you. He’s become an internet friend in a way that baffles me. Not that Matt isn’t incredibly charismatic and awesome, and he’s incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is… I don’t want him to be my boyfriend is I’m a little baffled how they all say, ‘Oh, daddy!’ And I’m like, ‘Really?’ How — in what way — was he a good partner, father or brother — to someone? You have me. He’s not Paul Rudd.”
Sure, Hess is blown away by Smith’s performance, but not too impressed with his character’s actions. Hess teases what’s to come in the finale and season 2, saying fans can change their view of Daemon. “We will see a different side of him,” Hess said of the upcoming final. “And right now we are writing season two and are figuring out the nature of his relationship with Rhaenyra. There are many interpretations [in George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood] on that.”
House of the Dragon Director Clare Kilner covers the Daemon Love
Clare Kilner, who directed the ninth episode of House of the Dragon, says she can relate to the internet’s obsession with the character. During her THR interview, Kilner pointed out the ambiguity of the cast and how fans can constantly switch sides between who they love and hate.
“I just love the fact that people are so involved with these characters, and I think that’s part of the fun of it,” explains Kilner. “One minute you like someone and the next you like someone else. But it doesn’t surprise me. Matt is such a risk taker in his performances and he has that little smile and, you know… you can’t help the!” She goes on to admit that he may not be a big member of the family. “He’s charismatic. People love a bad guy. But I don’t think he’s really a good father or a good brother.”
Fans can watch the climax of the first season, with the finale at the end of the week. Fans can tune in to HBO and HBO Max this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET to watch the Dance of the Dragons begin.