Summary
Matt Smith reveals that he improvised a key moment inHouse of the Dragonseason 2. This is not the first time Smith has improvised in theGame of Thronesspinoff series, as he famously improvised the moment in season 1, episode 8, “Lord of the Tides,” in which thecrown falls off the ailing King Viserys Targaryen, and Daemon Targaryen (Smith) picks the crown up, helps him to the Iron Throne, and places the crown back on his brother’s head. Daemon supporting his brother despite their contentious history was a pivotal moment for both characters in the critically acclaimed episode.
During an interview withNOW, viaWinter is Coming,Smith shares that he improvised when Daemon says,“It was a mistake"to Rhaenyra Targaryen(Emma D’Arcy) in season 2, episode 2, “Rhaenyra the Cruel.” Watch this portion of the interview below:
The season 2 scene Smith refers to is when Rhaenyra and Daemon argue after Blood and Cheese murder young Prince Jaehaerys in King’s Landing, and Rhaenyra tells Daemon,“You struck a child.“Smith’s improvisation adds further layers to the ambiguity of the full orders he gave Blood and Cheese.
Matt Smith Is One Of The Best Parts Of House Of The Dragon
Daemon Is A Fascinating Character To Watch
Smith’s portrayal of Daemon has consistently made him one ofHouse of the Dragon’s most compelling characters.Daemon is neither a hero nor a villain, but is instead a deeply conflicted individual who has performed courageous acts to defend others while also committing atrocities. The character is well-written, but Smith also understands him deeply, leading to moments of improvisation that define Daemon and his arc throughout the series.
Daemon’s heroic actions during the War of the Stepstones and the role he played in the death of his former wife, Rhea Royce, demonstrated his complex nature in season 1.
Smith’s season 1 improvisation was essential to demonstrating the love Daemon had for Viserysand that he was willing to put aside their past conflicts to now help him and Rhaenyra. As for the season 2 scene, it helps flesh out Daemon’s inner turmoil, as his"It was a mistake"line expresses his regret over his actions leading to the innocent young prince’s brutal death. At the same time, Daemon does not regret striking back at the Greens after the death of Rhaenyra’s son, regardless of the result.
House Of The Dragon Turns Daemon Targaryen Into Its Jon Snow Replacement
The book changes in House of the Dragon season 2 result in Daemon having a new narrative purpose that parallels Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.
While the storyline ofDaemon’s visions at Harrenhalproved to be divisive in season 2, Smith’s performance remained as impeccable as ever. Now that he has seen what the future holds, is done chasing his own dreams of the Iron Throne, and is fully committed to Rhaenyra, he is sure of himself and what he must do.It will be intriguing to see how Smith adapts his performance inHouse of the Dragonseason 3and if he adds any further improvisation.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
