Actor on edge at raunchy scenes
House of the Dragon follows Thrones’ proven formula
DON’T ask Matt Smith about his sex scenes in the much-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon.
The popular British actor, known for his work as Doctor Who and for playing Prince Philip in The Crown, is not a huge fan.
“I don’t love that scene, I have to say,” Smith told News Corp of a scene that will play out when the first episode premieres on BINGE and Foxtel on August 22.
The respected actor, who plays the complex Prince Daemon Targaryen, revealed his feelings towards filming his own intimate scenes after previously questioning producers about the need for so many graphic moments in the series – however, he also acknowledged it was important that Dragon did not stray too far from the no-punchespulled style loved by millions of Thrones fans.
Smith is the biggest star attached to the 10-part series, which is based on the books of George RR Martin and is set about 200 years before the events of the original Game of Thrones.
“We are not trying to reinvent the wheel … it’s not a completely different feeling, the palate, the feeling, it’s set in the same world, just previously,” Smith said.
“Inevitably we are trying to make something original because we are embarking on something new. There’s a huge legacy that comes attached to it and a huge fanbase, and you don’t go into that blind, you sort of know what you are taking on.”
Smith said he was attracted to the fact Prince Daemon, with his Targaryen family peroxide blond hair, could be seen as both good and evil.
“I was really taken by him, … he’s not black and white, he’s not a villain, he’s not just a bad guy, there’s a lot of grey areas.”
He added: “As an actor you are always trying to stretch yourself, aren’t you, and play parts that feel slightly outside of your wheelhouse. I mean, I got seduced by the blond wig, if I am honest. I always felt when I read it initially, I thought ‘wow what a brilliant character’. Hopefully it is a departure of sorts.”
House Of The Dragon will be available to stream on BINGE and watch on Foxtel from August 22. The original Game Of Thrones is on both platforms now.