‘The House of the Dragon’: Its producer, baffled by the success of Daemon, the new “boyfriend of the Internet”

Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is one of the most important characters in the storyline of “The House of the Dragon” and will star in important moments of the upcoming conflict, The Dance of the Dragons. In addition to being one of the great protagonists of the series, he too He has become one of the most beloved characters of the Internet fandom who, week after week, fills the networks with comments and memes extolling the attitude of the rogue prince. Daemon is an object of desire for most fans, and this is a fact and phenomenon that seems unstoppable.

This Targaryen has been revered from the start, however there were two particular moments in the series where his fans exploded with excitement. We saw one in the eighth chapter, when Daemon helps his sick brother, Viserys, to ascend the Iron Throne, as well as crown him, creating a truly tender and fraternal scene. Another of the character’s highlights was the beheading of Vaemond Velaryon, who had the audacity to insult the prince’s wife, Rhaenyra, before the entire court and received her brutal punishment. However, the fandom seems to forget that Daemon also committed several crimes and atrocities, such as the murder of his first wife, Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford).

The Hollywood Reporter recently spoke with “House of the Dragon” writer / executive producer Sara Hess and director Claire Kilner and asked them about moments where Daemon was seen as a benevolent character, such as the scene where he helps. Viserys. Media reflection highlighted this character performs actions like these not because it is good in itself, but because it suits him to be benevolent at that moment, since he too is good for himself, performing acts more selfish than compassionate.

“I agree with you. He has become the internet boyfriend in a way that confuses me. Not that Matt isn’t incredibly charismatic and wonderful, and he’s fantastic in the role. But Daemon himself is … I don’t want him as a boyfriend! I’m a little taken aback to see how everyone tells him, “Oh, Dad!” And I’m like “Really?” How, in what way, was he a good companion, father or brother, to anyone? you’re kidding me It’s not Paul Rudd “Hess replied.

On the other hand, director Claire Kilner seemed to understand the fandom’s feelings for Daemon a little more: “I love that people are so involved in these characters and I think it’s part of the fun. One minute you like someone, the next minute you like someone else. But I’m not surprised. Matt is so bold in his performances and he has that little smile, you know … you can’t help it! He is charismatic. People like bad guys. But, in particular, I don’t think he’s a good father or a good brother. “

From love to hate there is a step

Currently, Daemon is a favorite of the fandom, despite being a rather gray character, however, This could change in the future with the arrival of the final chapter on Sunday and the second season, which are scheduled to premiere in 2024.

“We will see a different side of him” Hess teased for the season finale. “And right now we’re writing season two and trying to figure out what the nature of his relationship with Rhaenyra is. There are a lot of interpretations. [en el libro Fuego y sangre de George R.R. Martin] about that”the manufacturer said. Also, many fans of the novel claim that various characters are bleached in general, on both the green and the black side, but Daemon is one of the most notable cases of this, being a much darker character in the book. . We will have to wait until the next episode to witness that change mentioned by Hess and see how the rogue prince fandom reacts.