RED-HOT MATT’S NO PAUL RUDD!

Speaking of royal sizzles, House of the Dragon heartthrob MATT SMITH’s on fire! The 40-yearold actor, who once charmed as dashing young PRINCE PHILIP on The Crown, is now making women swoon to the moon on HBO’s red-hot Game of Thrones prequel. “He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me,” quips the hit show’s executive producer SARA HESS. “Not that Matt isn’t incredibly charismatic and wonderful, and he’s incredible in the role. But Daemon himself is … I don’t want him to be my boyfriend,” she adds, referring to Smith’s ruthless, literally cutthroat character. “I’m a little baffled how they’re all, ‘Oh, daddy!’ And I’m just like: ‘Really?’ How — in what way — was he a good partner, father or brother — to anybody? You got me. He ain’t PAUL RUDD.” Meanwhile, manly Matt’s embracing the notoriety. “today matt smith was at an event looking stunning and signed something as ‘Daddy Daemon,’ ” gushes a fan online, which prompted this cheeky response: “He should’ve signed The Crown merch, ‘Papa Philip’ lol!”

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