Matt Smith

“You are on this big plinth and they hurl rain and wind at you,” says Smith, 39, whose character, Prince Daemon, is a skilled dragonrider. “It does give you a ...

We’re never going to recreate the gargantuan success of that show, it’s its own moment in time, it’s its own cultural phenomenon. But hopefully we can add something to the pot.” “Or what side of the coin you’re gonna get from moment to moment.”

Exclusive: House of the Dragon star Matt Smith shares some insight into the connection between Daemon and Rhaenyra.

"And one of them is Rhaenyra and the other is his brother. By the end of episode one, however, the pair are now on opposing sides – Rhaenyra as the heir, and Daemon banished. "He’s got a more interesting journey, I suppose in terms of how [he] looks." And I think it really worked as a conceit." After King Viserys (Paddy Considine) risks everything to get an heir and fails, the choice is left up to him: should he name his younger wayward brother Daemon (Matt Smith) as his heir – or buck tradition to give the title to his only daughter Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock)? By the end of the episode, we know his choice, which is about to send ruptures through Westeros.

'House of the Dragon', the spin-off series of 'Game of Thrones', comes to HBO. We share some things you likely don't know about one of its main stars.

In Doctor Who, the actor was able to demonstrate his talent on the guitar. Smith originally planned to be a professional footballer, before his career was cut short by a back injury. Martin and is set 200 years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’.

'So odd to see Matt Smith in this kind of role but he is killing it,' one viewer wrote.

[House of the Dragon ](/topic/house-of-the-dragon-0)has finally arrived. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. [recent interview with Considine](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/daemon-targaryen-matt-smith-house-of-the-dragon-b2137876.html) for “The Official Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon”, Smith said he sought to “subvert” the idea that Daemon was simply a “bad guy, good warrior”. [George RR Martin](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/george-rr-martin), Daemon is referred to as “dashing, daring, and dangerous” with a hot temper.

Fabien Frankel, who plays skilled swordsman Ser Criston Cole in the series, speaks about his epic duel with Matt Smith's Prince Daemon Targaryen.

[HBO](https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=127X991730&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hbomax.com%2F&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40950149%2Fhouse-of-the-dragon-fabien-frankel-fight-scene-matt-smith-on-set%2F), and on August 22 in the UK on Sky Atlantic and NOW. [House of the Dragon](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwirnqDRz9j5AhWVScAKHY2AC9cQFnoECD8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40697891%2Fhouse-of-the-dragon-cameo-george-rr-martin%2F&usg=AOvVaw0piGttQtAMw72jVLmMjxxs) is set in. There's definitely a feeling of the stakes are highest here and obviously fighting against Daemon who's very much touted as the greatest fighter in King's Landing – I think, to him, that’s the perfect matchup." But because Smith's Daemon is known as perhaps the most fearsome fighter in Westeros' capital, it's a shocking moment when Criston trumps the favoured warrior. I felt pretty good about it, beating Matt Smith up. [Game of Thrones](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi6-MrJz9j5AhVTiFwKHWUIDVoQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40696508%2Fgame-of-thrones-george-rr-martin-responds-criticism%2F&usg=AOvVaw27chLQhTjTF5geiRoTVP7x) and follows the Targaryen war of succession. Frankel said that this tournament is a pretty big deal for Ser Criston Cole. [House of the Dragon review: Can it save Game of Thrones?](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a40931842/house-of-the-dragon-review/) Frankel himself enjoyed the fact that his character won the duel. Game of Thrones [seasons 1-8](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Thrones-Seasons-1-8-Complete/dp/B07TD6BQHR/) are available on DVD and Blu-ray. [House of the Dragon](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwirnqDRz9j5AhWVScAKHY2AC9cQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40931842%2Fhouse-of-the-dragon-review%2F&usg=AOvVaw1L01hP-KqtnSoNQBjlo3o0) explodes onto our TV screens this coming week, with [HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwirnqDRz9j5AhWVScAKHY2AC9cQFnoECEAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40932280%2Fgame-of-thrones-timeline-house-dragon%2F&usg=AOvVaw18EjF3Ltif8dMueRzdz0GD) promising plenty of political intrigue, Machiavellian machinations, and Westorosi brutality. [Matt Smith's Prince Daemon Targaryen](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwim5MX9z9j5AhXLh1wKHYrTDK8QFnoECBQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40824628%2Fhouse-of-the-dragon-matt-smith-outsider-character%2F&usg=AOvVaw3g9X2AX8cOZSbrw-aqjzOm) duels with [Fabien Frankel's Ser Criston Cole](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwirnqDRz9j5AhWVScAKHY2AC9cQFnoECD4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.digitalspy.com%2Ftv%2Fustv%2Fa40948698%2Fhouse-of-dragon-fabien-frankel-important-episode%2F&usg=AOvVaw3mh2mWiYEE1mHgLsSamq4B) in a tournament in series' opening episode.

Matt Smith plays a very blonde Prince Daemon Targaryen in the 'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon.'

[Game of Thrones](https://www.cheatsheet.com/tag/game-of-thrones/), House of the Dragon tells the dramatic story of the fall of House Targaryen. [House of the Dragon](https://www.cheatsheet.com/tag/house-of-the-dragon/) star Matt Smith hasn’t read the book the new Game of Thrones prequel is based on. There’s a very strong connection between the dragon and the dragonrider,” Smith explained, who added that it wasn’t all done with CGI. He’s a bit of an avatar of Daemon — he’s grumpy, sardonic, insular, volatile, chaotic. He said that one thing they’ve got going for them is that the new series is based on Martin’s Fire & Blood, so they’re “not just plucking fantasy out of thin air.” [King Viserys](https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-the-history-of-king-viserys-targaryen.html/) (Paddy Considine) is on the Iron Throne as the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Martin’s](https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/george-r-r-martin-confirms-giving-game-of-thrones-fans-always-wanted-different-ending.html/) Fire & Blood in its entirety is that it’s a “big f**king book.” Smith does, however, have one complaint about his role — wearing the wig. “It took an hour and a quarter to put on every day. “He’s not black and white, there are shades of grey with him, which is what interested me about him. And his relationship with his brother is really interesting. ‘House of the Dragon’ Star Matt Smith Calls 1 Part of His Character a ‘F**king Pain in the Arse’

Get to know Matt Smith's character in House of the Dragon, Prince Daemon Targaryen, who George R R Martin has described as his favourite Targaryen.

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article) and get the next 12 issues for only £1. [NOW](https://www.nowtv.com/) on Monday 22nd August 2022. She gave the sword to her 13-year-old son, Maegor Targaryen, but he chose to fight with the other Valyian sword, Blackfyre. But it is said that whenever a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air…" She would go on to establish the Kingsguard. It is one of two ancestral swords tied to House Targaryen. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the [Radio Times podcast](https://www.radiotimes.com/podcasts/) with Jane Garvey. Check out more of our [Fantasy](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/) coverage or visit our [TV Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/) to see what's on tonight. [Doctor Who](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-60th-anniversary-special-release-date/) and [The Crown](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/the-crown-diana-panorama-interview-newsupdate/) star Matt Smith takes on the role of Prince Daemon Targaryen, arguably one of the more complex characters we can expect to see in House of the Dragon. "I’m notorious for my love of grey characters and one of the greyest characters in the entire history of Westeros is Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince," he said. [House of the Dragon](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-of-the-dragon-thrones-release-date/) takes a look at the tumultuous Targaryen reign in the times before Game of Thrones. [terms and conditions](https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/) and [privacy policy](https://policies.immediate.co.uk/privacy/).

Paddy Considine (King Viserys Targaryen) · Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) · Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower) · Emma D'Arcy (Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen).

Baela Targaryen is portrayed by Bethany Antonia in House of the Dragon. Last but not least, we have Jacaerys Velaryon, who is portrayed by Harry Collett in House of the Dragon. She also had smaller roles in the musical films La La Land and Beauty and the Beast, as well as the [amazing romantic comedy](https://www.cinemablend.com/new/30-Best-Romantic-Comedies-All-Time-43134.html), Crazy Rich Asians. Phoebe Campbell plays Rhaena Targaryen in House of the Dragon. She most recently appeared in Trying and the miniseries No Return, both in 2022. She’s starred in films such as Ex Machina and the Next up, we have Ser Criston Cole, who is portrayed by Fabien Frankel in House of the Dragon. She also had a role in one of the episodes of Modern Love. She’s also had parts in several other TV shows, like The Shadow Line, The Honorable Woman, and more. And while a [sequel series is actually in the works](https://www.cinemablend.com/television/game-of-thrones-sequel-is-developing-at-hbo-to-bring-back-kit-harington-as-jon-snow) right now, the prequel, House of the Dragon, is coming out soon, featuring several never-before-seen key Targaryen figures. Next up on the least, we have Steve Toussaint, who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon, otherwise known as The Sea Snake in House of the Dragon. First up, we have Paddy Considine, who portrays King Viserys Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

'So odd to see Matt Smith in this kind of role but he is killing it,' one viewer wrote.

[House of the Dragon ](/topic/house-of-the-dragon-0)has finally arrived. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. [recent interview with Considine](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/daemon-targaryen-matt-smith-house-of-the-dragon-b2137876.html) for “The Official Game of Thrones Podcast: House of the Dragon”, Smith said he sought to “subvert” the idea that Daemon was simply a “bad guy, good warrior”. [George RR Martin](https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/george-rr-martin), Daemon is referred to as “dashing, daring, and dangerous” with a hot temper.

Smith's character, Prince Daemon, was an agent of chaos in the series premiere, but “he's got a strange moral compass of his own,” the actor said.

He lives down in the belly of the beast, and he lives back in the Red Keep, in palaces and all that. The thing with Daemon is he just keeps pushing — pushing the envelope, pushing the boundaries, pushing the rules that were in place around him. It’s always just felt like a very instinctual trust and bond between the two. They’re really the only two people in the whole of the kingdom who Daemon will concede to. You know that in the world that George has created, these elements and these scenes will probably be a part of it at some point. And probably he feels a certain kinship with her that he’s maybe lost with his brother. Is he doing it in pursuit of good things? Is it the throne?” It’s not. As the potential heir to the Targaryen dynasty and its royal seat, the Iron Throne, Daemon is a dragon-rider, and a dangerous one at that. When you speak a different language, it accesses a different part of you. I preferred being on a horse with a sword in the hand.” Stories like this are possible because of our deep commitment to original reporting, produced by a global staff of over 1,700 journalists who have all dedicated themselves to helping you understand the world.

Matt Smith and Fabien Frankel open up about their "House of the Dragon" characters, their episode one joust, and where their rivalry is going.

Smith says both characters are "quite complicated creatures," and while Daemon is ambitious, he doesn't think power is exactly the thing he's after. I think you feel things out in your body and react accordingly," he says. Frankel says they had "a lot of fun" filming their brutal joust. "When you're dealing with life or death on a battlefield, I can't imagine that many things are cerebral. "He does initially," Smith adds, perhaps hinting that though Criston beats Daemon in their first face-off, he won't always. They're both slightly ostracized or self-ostracized by the community that they're in," Smith says. "I think there's a sort of strange similarity between them in many ways. He's a real soldier. He's a soldier. Cole comes out on top in the battle, but the show sets up the pair as rivals for the foreseeable future. Smith and Frankel speak to POPSUGAR about the dynamic and where it might be going. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.