INTERVIEW | Riding dragons was essentially the most enjoyable: ‘House of the Dragon’ actor Matt Smith

Express News Service

How daunting was it to step into one thing as enormous as House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones?

It’s undoubtedly daunting, however on the similar time, the stress is eliminated as a result of it’s unrealistic to suppose this present can ever succeed on the identical scale as Game of Thrones did. Thrones are a cultural phenomenon. I’m undecided something will ever match that. House of the Dragon may be very a lot its personal factor. Hopefully, individuals will obtain it positively and luxuriate in it as one thing actually totally different from the sensible authentic collection.

You play Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. What attracted you to the function?

Daemon Targaryen, as many followers will know, is the son of Baelon Targaryen and the brother of Viserys. I simply beloved how darkish and disturbed he was. He’s an enchanting character. Besides, who wouldn’t need an opportunity to fly dragons and have sword fights? But, it was the blond wig that sealed the deal (laughs).

How was it taking pictures struggle scenes with a wig on? Was it uncomfortable?

It was a ache to place it on. I’ve to confess, I didn’t know the wig was going to be such a giant factor. Emilia Clarke (who performed Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones) informed me years in the past about what a chore it was to placed on the wig daily. Now I do know what she meant. It took me about an hour and a half every day. I’ve darkish hair, so I needed to have a bald cap glued on after which they put the wig on over that. It’s so much, however I feel it appears to be like actually cool, and I like being blond.

How would you describe Daemon’s relationship along with his brother?

It’s an advanced relationship. I had such a wonderful time with Paddy Considine, who performs Viserys. Daemon’s relationship along with his brother and the depth and richness Paddy and I discovered in our scenes collectively are very a lot the core of our half on this story.

How do the scenes when you find yourself driving dragons work?

The scenes after we get to experience them are essentially the most enjoyable. It’s mainly carried out as for those who’re driving a bucking bronco. You sit on this mechanical factor and it strikes round whereas they blow a great deal of wind in your face. The relaxation is completed in post-production, so it takes somewhat creativeness, but it surely’s additionally plenty of enjoyable.

What are you able to inform us about your dragon?

I’ve a giant purple dragon known as Caraxes, who I grew relatively keen on regardless of the actual fact he’s relatively grumpy and, in fact, an important massive fake dragon. On set, he was mainly this 10-foot mechanical contraction, however to me he was about as shut as I may get to having my very own dragon. I like Caraxes regardless that he’s massive, purple, scary and indignant.

Did you undergo any sword-fighting accidents?

A lower on the brow throughout rehearsals for one struggle. Nothing too severe.

You have performed fairly a couple of baddie roles since leaving Doctor Who. Daemon Targaryen too is
a gray character. Were the alternatives made consciously?

No, not likely. I simply suppose it’s good to have breadth as an actor and problem your self with one thing totally different for those who can. Certainly, for the reason that Doctor, I’ve actively been trying to do issues that really feel utterly totally different.

How do you look again in your time on Doctor Who?

With nice affection. I used to be very fortunate that I acquired the chance to work with sensible pals like Karen (Gillan), Arthur (Darvill) and Jenna (Coleman). We had such nice chemistry and we had such a good time making that present. It was an actual journey. I’m so proud, to this present day, to be a part of that world. There is a big quantity of stress that comes with it, simply as there may be with House of the Dragon, but it surely’s very rewarding.

Have you spoken to Ncuti Gatwa to move on any recommendation about being the brand new Doctor Who?

I did communicate to him to want him nicely, however he doesn’t want my recommendation. Ncuti is an excellent actor and he’s going to be an unimaginable Doctor. I’m excited to see it and to see the place Russell (T Davis) and Ncuti take the present.

Finally, if Matt Smith have been to rule in House of the Dragon, what would your first decree be?

I might permit them to dye their hair, so I don’t need to get the wig on.

How daunting was it to step into one thing as enormous as House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones?

It’s undoubtedly daunting, however on the similar time, the stress is eliminated as a result of it’s unrealistic to suppose this present can ever succeed on the identical scale as Game of Thrones did. Thrones are a cultural phenomenon. I’m undecided something will ever match that. House of the Dragon may be very a lot its personal factor. Hopefully, individuals will obtain it positively and luxuriate in it as one thing actually totally different from the sensible authentic collection.

You play Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. What attracted you to the function?

Daemon Targaryen, as many followers will know, is the son of Baelon Targaryen and the brother of Viserys. I simply beloved how darkish and disturbed he was. He’s an enchanting character. Besides, who wouldn’t need an opportunity to fly dragons and have sword fights? But, it was the blond wig that sealed the deal (laughs).

How was it taking pictures struggle scenes with a wig on? Was it uncomfortable?

It was a ache to place it on. I’ve to confess, I didn’t know the wig was going to be such a giant factor. Emilia Clarke (who performed Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones) informed me years in the past about what a chore it was to placed on the wig daily. Now I do know what she meant. It took me about an hour and a half every day. I’ve darkish hair, so I needed to have a bald cap glued on after which they put the wig on over that. It’s so much, however I feel it appears to be like actually cool, and I like being blond.

How would you describe Daemon’s relationship along with his brother?

It’s an advanced relationship. I had such a wonderful time with Paddy Considine, who performs Viserys. Daemon’s relationship along with his brother and the depth and richness Paddy and I discovered in our scenes collectively are very a lot the core of our half on this story.

How do the scenes when you find yourself driving dragons work?

The scenes after we get to experience them are essentially the most enjoyable. It’s mainly carried out as for those who’re driving a bucking bronco. You sit on this mechanical factor and it strikes round whereas they blow a great deal of wind in your face. The relaxation is completed in post-production, so it takes somewhat creativeness, but it surely’s additionally plenty of enjoyable.

What are you able to inform us about your dragon?

I’ve a giant purple dragon known as Caraxes, who I grew relatively keen on regardless of the actual fact he’s relatively grumpy and, in fact, an important massive fake dragon. On set, he was mainly this 10-foot mechanical contraction, however to me he was about as shut as I may get to having my very own dragon. I like Caraxes regardless that he’s massive, purple, scary and indignant.

Did you undergo any sword-fighting accidents?

A lower on the brow throughout rehearsals for one struggle. Nothing too severe.

You have performed fairly a couple of baddie roles since leaving Doctor Who. Daemon Targaryen too is
a gray character. Were the alternatives made consciously?

No, not likely. I simply suppose it’s good to have breadth as an actor and problem your self with one thing totally different for those who can. Certainly, for the reason that Doctor, I’ve actively been trying to do issues that really feel utterly totally different.

How do you look again in your time on Doctor Who?

With nice affection. I used to be very fortunate that I acquired the chance to work with sensible pals like Karen (Gillan), Arthur (Darvill) and Jenna (Coleman). We had such nice chemistry and we had such a good time making that present. It was an actual journey. I’m so proud, to this present day, to be a part of that world. There is a big quantity of stress that comes with it, simply as there may be with House of the Dragon, but it surely’s very rewarding.

Have you spoken to Ncuti Gatwa to move on any recommendation about being the brand new Doctor Who?

I did communicate to him to want him nicely, however he doesn’t want my recommendation. Ncuti is an excellent actor and he’s going to be an unimaginable Doctor. I’m excited to see it and to see the place Russell (T Davis) and Ncuti take the present.

Finally, if Matt Smith have been to rule in House of the Dragon, what would your first decree be?

I might permit them to dye their hair, so I don’t need to get the wig on.