Matt Smith: House Of The Dragon is ‘at its best’ in its ‘darkest moments’
House Of The Dragon star Matt Smith said he thinks the show is “at its best” when it is in the “darkest of moments”.
The 43-year-old, known for his stint in BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, fronts the HBO prequel fantasy series – which is set 200 years before the events of Game Of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen.
The hit show is based on George RR Martin’s series of novels A Song Of Ice And Fire and sees Smith star as deadly warrior Prince Daemon Targaryen, who is set to go to war in the upcoming third instalment.
Speaking to the Press Association at the world premiere for the eagerly awaited new season, Smith reflected on why he finds his role as the charming but dangerous Prince Daemon so exciting.
He said: “It’s always the part, and it’s always the character, and it’s the world that you get to invest in.
“The parts are exciting because they’re exciting really, to be honest, and I guess it’s my job to keep it entertaining.”
Smith is known for portraying a variety of characters, including the eccentric 11th Doctor in Doctor Who, the young Prince Philip in historical drama The Crown, and villain Milo in superhero film Morbius (2022).
The new series picks up from 2024’s second season which saw Westeros on the brink of civil war as the Green Council and Black Council fought for King Aegon Targaryen and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen respectively.
Reflecting on the atmosphere behind the scenes, Smith told PA: “We actually do keep it light in the darkest of moments, strangely.
“But I’m pleased it’s back in that world. I think that’s where the show really is at its best, and I think that’s where (Prince Daemon Targaryen) is particularly at his best as well.”
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Smith looked sharp in an all-black suit, a black shirt and a pair of sunglasses as he attended the event at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square, London.
He was flanked by his co-stars including Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke and series newcomer Dan Fogler – who told PA that the latest instalment of the show will be “exciting to watch”.
The American actor and comedian also reflected on joining the extended fantasy world of Game Of Thrones said the experience was “surreal” with him being a fan of the franchise.
Fogler said: “It’s wild when you’re watching the show at home on the couch like, ‘Oh man, I love this, I love their art’.
“Then all of a sudden, you’re wearing a costume that weighs 50 pounds, sweating under it.
“Then suddenly, your favourite character walks up and he’s like, ‘So we have dialogue now’, and you’re like, ‘Oh my God’.”
The star, known for Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (2016), continued: “Everyone’s so lovely, and it’s such a machine that they have going (on set).
“It’s so flawless that you just have to watch and just be amazed.”
House Of The Dragon series three debuts on June 22 and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
The eight-episode series will air new episodes weekly leading up to the season finale on August 10.