House of the Dragon is off to a strong start on HBO, with much of the praise going to the performances from the cast. Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Ewan Mitchell have been a few standouts through the first season. However, Matt Smith has undoubtedly been a fan favorite in his role as Daemon Targaryen.
The brother of King Viserys, Daemon, has led the charge at the Battle of the Stepstones, helped his brother ascend the throne as he lost his strength, and married his niece Rhaenyra Targaryen. His character continues to steal every scene he’s in, however, most of his motives seem to be in his own self-interest. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, House of the Dragon writer and executive producer Sara Hess discussed his character and said she doesn’t understand why the internet has completely fallen for him.
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“I agree with you. He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me. Not that Matt isn’t incredibly charismatic and wonderful, and he’s incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is … I don’t want him to be my boyfriend! I’m a little baffled how they’re all, ‘Oh, daddy!’ And I’m just like: ‘Really?’ How — in what way — was he a good partner, father or brother — to anybody? You got me. He ain’t Paul Rudd.”
Of course, Hess is blown away by the performance of Smith but not as impressed with his character’s actions. Hess teases what’s to come in the finale and Season 2, saying fans might change their viewpoint on Daemon. “We will see a different side of him,” Hess said regarding the upcoming finale. “And right now, we’re writing season two and figuring out, what is the nature of his relationship with Rhaenyra. There are many interpretations [in George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood] to that.”
Related: George R.R. Martin Praises Paddy Considine’s Performance in House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon Director Clare Kilner Relates to the Daemon Love
HBO
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 may constantly switch sides between who they love and hate.
“I just love the fact people are so involved with these characters, and I think that’s part of the fun of it,” Kilner explains. “One minute you like someone, and the next minute you like someone else. But I’m not surprised. Matt is such a risk-taker in his performances and he’s got that little smile and, you know… you can’t help it!” She continues, admitting he may not be a great member of the family. “He is charismatic. People love a baddie. But I don’t think he’s particularly a good father or a good brother.”
Fans can see the climactic conclusion to the first season, with the finale arriving at the end of the week. Fans can tune into HBO and HBO Max this Sunday at 9 pm E.T. to see the Dance of the Dragons begin.
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