There’s been plenty of discussion about HBO’s “Game of Thrones” spin-off “House of the Dragon,” but amongst the most amusing discourse has been a wave of online thirst for former “Doctor Who” star Matt Smith’s murderous Daemon Targaryen.
Writer and executive producer Sara Hess and director Clare Kilner recently spoke with THR about the ninth episode of the fantasy hit after the moment in which Daemon helped his brother as he stumbled on the way to the Throne exploded across fandom.
It seems both are just as baffled as everyone else as to why the character has become such an object of the internet’s affection.
Hess: “He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me. Not that Matt [Smith] 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. What do you think, Clare?”
Kilner: “I just love the fact people are so involved with these characters, and I think that’s part of the fun of it. 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! He is charismatic. People love a baddie. But I don’t think he’s particularly a good father or a good brother.”
Hess says they expect fans’ view of Daemon will be challenged by this coming Sunday’s finale and the second season as it will show “a different side of him”. They’re in the midst of penning the second season which will explore “the nature of his relationship with Rhaenyra”.
The season finale of “House of the Dragon” will air on HBO this coming Sunday.
