Key Takeaways:
– Matt Smith, known for his roles in Doctor Who and The Crown, stars as Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones spinoff, House of the Dragon.
– Despite initial uncertainties regarding the success of the show, Smith's fears have not materialized as the series received wide acclaim, outdoing the original show Game of Thrones.
– The second season of House of the Dragon will focus on the anticipated Targaryen Civil War, with Smith's character at the center of unfolding events.
– Unlike Game of Thrones based on the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, House of the Dragon focuses on Fire & Blood, centering on the Targaryens.
– HBO's massive budget of $20 million per episode for House of the Dragon has showcased a larger scale compared to its predecessor.
Matt Smith's Role in House of The Dragon
Matt Smith, famously known from Doctor Who and The Crown, brings to life the character of Daemon Targaryen in the Game of Thrones prequel, House of The Dragon. However, the acclaimed actor revealed that he had initial skepticism about assuming this role.
Like many others, Smith was concerned about the show's potential to live up to the legacy of the original series. Sharing with Variety, Smith expressed concern about whether audiences, whose viewing habits and preferences have changed over time, would embrace the new show. In this age of content saturation, the actor worried if the market could accommodate a revisit into the world of the Seven Kingdoms.
Positive Turnaround Post-Premiere
Despite his apprehensions, Smith was pleasantly surprised by the audience's overwhelmingly positive response. Furthermore, House of The Dragon secured a victory among two highly anticipated fantasy series released this year, including The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power.
Taking a humbler approach to success, Smith noted that while the show may never replicate the Game of Thrones phenomenon, it is judged on its own unique merits and scales.
Intense Drama in Season Two
As House of The Dragon transitions into its intense second season, Smith will be at the nucleus of anticipated events. The animosities intensify between Emma D'Arcy's character, Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Olivia Cooke's character, Alicent Hightower. Both are making strong claims to the Iron Throne.
The Unique Lure of House of The Dragon
What sets House of The Dragon apart from Game of Thrones is its focus. It centers solely on the drama and dynamics of the Targaryen clan, based on parts of George R. R. Martin's novel, Fire & Blood. A significant part of the plotline will explore the catastrophic Dance of the Dragons, a war of succession among the Targaryens.
The scale of House of The Dragon is unmatched, thanks to HBO's massive budget of $20 million per episode. Such a hefty investment has lent visual richness, evident in the extravagant settings and scenes, such as the jousting tournament scene.
In conclusion, Matt Smith's initial fears for House of The Dragon may have proved baseless, but they shaped his commitment and performance. With an exciting second season lined up, fans have more exciting tales from the Seven Kingdoms to look forward to.
House of The Dragon Season 1 is now streaming on Max. The countdown starts for the second season premiere on HBO and Max on Sunday, June 16.
