Matt Smith Reveals Daemon Targaryen's True Motivation in 'House of the Dragon'

In a recent interview with Black Girl Nerds, Matt Smith, who portrays Daemon Targaryen in HBO's 'House of the Dragon,' offered new insights into the character's motivations for the upcoming third season. Smith challenged the popular fan assumption that Daemon is driven by a desire for power or the throne, arguing instead that his true ambition is to dominate through violence.

"Lots of people ask me about his ambition," Smith explained. "And I've never felt he had this great ambition to sort of rule. It wasn't about that, because he plays by the beat of his own drum." According to Smith, Daemon comes alive in moments of conflict, battlefields, and duels, where he feels most comfortable and in control. Violence, the actor suggests, is not just a tool for Daemon but an extension of his very identity.

The actor also delved into the complexity of Daemon's psyche, noting that he is driven by a mix of love, ego, and survival instincts. "Probably all three things," Smith said, describing them as "all enmeshed into one." He emphasized that love, particularly regarding his relationship with Rhaenyra Targaryen, may be a deeper driver than Daemon would ever publicly admit. "He thinks they are destined to lead and be as one, I think, and has always felt that," Smith added, reframing the character's violent and impulsive actions as part of a profound emotional connection.

Smith's observations highlight the contradictory nature of the rogue prince, a man who thrives in conflict yet is motivated by a sense of shared destiny. As 'House of the Dragon' explores the consequences of power and loyalty, Daemon Targaryen emerges not as a simple villain or antihero, but as a complex figure driven by intertwined and often conflicting impulses.