Emma D’Arcy has given fans a vivid and entertaining new insight into Matt Smith’s intense physical performance as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon Season 3.
In a new interview with Hindustan Times, D’Arcy highlighted one particular violent scene they filmed together this season, revealing how Smith brings a raw, chaotic energy to the Rogue Prince.
Quick read:
- Emma praises Matt Smith’s improvisation of Daemon in his own way
- He compares him to a “football hooligan” who’s unhinged and ruthless
- Matt Smith himself also compared Daemon’s character to football
Speaking about Smith’s acting style, D’Arcy said:
“There was a scene we did this season, and I got to watch Matt, who is an amazing physical performer, do some violence. The way Matt approaches it is allowing Daemon to be like a football hooligan.”
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A still from Season 3 (Credit: HBO)
Matt Smith’s unhinged Daemon
The “football hooligan” comparison is both funny and fitting. It perfectly captures the reckless, aggressive, and almost gleeful violence Daemon often displays. Unlike polished, calculated fighters, Smith’s Daemon fights with raw fury; unpredictable, brutal, and personal. This approach makes his fight scenes feel chaotic and dangerous rather than choreographed and elegant.
Emma D’Arcy’s praise also speaks about Smith’s commitment to physical performance. Known for throwing himself fully into stunts and action sequences, Smith has consistently delivered some of the most visceral fight choreography in the series. His willingness to make Daemon messy and full of rage adds layers of realism and intensity to the character.
The Daemon we’ll see in Season 3
This description strongly suggests that Season 3 will feature a more unleashed version of Daemon. After his more introspective (and hallucinatory) arc at Harrenhal in Season 2, Daemon is returning to the battlefield with full force, sword in hand, blood on his face, and zero restraint as seen in the Season 3 trailer.
Even Matt Smith himself commented and added upon this referring to football as well.
“It was good. I think both character and actor were sort of happy to be back on home turf. Daemon, I don’t know, his addiction and his predilection towards violence, that is his burning desire. He’d have joined a football firm or something. Do you know what I mean? He wants to be about it. And for me as an actor, it was nice to be able to get to come back and interact with all the brilliant actors that I get to every day now. Thank the God, not just a random goat.”
The power of their on-screen partnership
Emma D’Arcy’s admiration for Matt Smith’s process shines through in the quote. Their real-life creative partnership has clearly helped elevate both characters. D’Arcy watching Smith perform these intense scenes also hints at strong on-set chemistry that translates powerfully to the screen.
Fans have long praised the electric dynamic between Rhaenyra and Daemon, and comments like this only heighten anticipation for their scenes together in the upcoming episodes.
