House of the Dragon's Matt Smith has opened up about what convinced him to take a role in the Game of Thrones spin-off series. In the new fantasy show, which premiered on Sunday, August 21 in the US, he plays Daemon Targaryen - the heir presumptive to the Iron Throne. You can find out everything you need to know about the new show here.
Following the series' debut, Matt has been universally praised for his role in the show. The 39-year-old actor is no stranger to big franchises as between 2010-2013, he played the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who.
Despite this, he has said that he was initially hesitant to accept a role in House of the Dragon. But what made him change his mind? Read on to find out.
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Matt told The Hollywood Reporter that he had been in a car park when his agent told him about the part. “And I was like, ‘Ohhh. I don’t know. It’s a tough one, isn’t it? It’s a tough one to follow. Haven’t we seen this before?” But then [the offer] sort of didn’t go away. Then it came up again, and then I went in for a screen test, and then that was that,” he said.
“I became aware that Paddy Considine was doing the show as well. He’d already been offered the role of King Viserys, and I was such a huge admirer of Paddy’s and I’d always wanted to work with him. So that was a real draw,” he said on what swayed his decision.
Matt continued: “And then there are so many elements to Daemon. I love the relationship with his brother. He’s a brilliant character because you never quite know what he’s thinking.”
The series returns with its second episode to the US on HBO Max on Sunday, August 28 and on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Monday, August 29 in the UK.
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