Matt Smith’s Dark Turn: Doctor to Daemon

When Matt Smith burst onto our screens as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who, he quickly became a fan favorite. With his quirky bow ties, zany energy, and iconic “Geronimo!” catchphrase, Smith captured the hearts of Whovians everywhere.

But as much as we loved his timey-wimey adventures in the TARDIS, it’s his more recent career moves that have sparked some serious debate. Let’s take a fun dive into the dark side of the Doctor and Matt Smith’s most controversial career choice yet!

The Unexpected Turn: From Gallifrey to Westeros

After bowing out as the Doctor in 2013, Matt Smith dabbled in various roles, from playing Prince Philip in The Crown to battling zombies in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. But it was his jump to a much darker universe that had fans talking: Smith took on the role of Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Now, if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones and its fiery spinoff, you know that Westeros is not exactly a place of sunshine and rainbows. The character of Daemon Targaryen is no exception—he’s ruthless, morally ambiguous, and has a penchant for causing chaos. This role was a far cry from the charming, heroic Doctor we were used to seeing. It’s like seeing Santa Claus trade in his sleigh for a Harley and a bad attitude!

The Fans’ Dilemma: Love It or Hate It?

When news broke that Matt Smith was cast as Daemon Targaryen, the reaction was… mixed, to say the least. Some fans were thrilled to see him take on such a complex, layered character. After all, Smith is a talented actor who can definitely handle a role with depth. But others couldn’t help but feel a bit betrayed. How could our beloved Doctor become a scheming Targaryen with questionable morals?

The controversy didn’t just stop at the casting announcement. As the series aired, Smith’s portrayal of Daemon stirred even more debate. Some praised his ability to bring nuance to the role, making Daemon one of the most intriguing characters on the show. Others, however, were put off by the character’s actions, especially in scenes that were particularly brutal or morally grey. The line between loving the actor and hating the character became increasingly blurred, leading to heated discussions on social media.

Matt Smith’s Take: Embracing the Dark Side

In interviews, Matt Smith has been pretty open about his decision to take on the role of Daemon Targaryen. He’s mentioned how the complexity of the character intrigued him and how it was a refreshing change from some of his previous roles. Smith has always been one to embrace a challenge, and playing Daemon definitely fits that bill.

“As an actor, you want to explore different facets of human nature, and Daemon offers a chance to delve into the darker side of ambition and power. It’s a role that’s allowed me to push boundaries and step outside my comfort zone.”

Entertainment Weekly, Matt Smith

While some fans may still be on the fence about his role in House of the Dragon, it’s clear that Smith is fully committed to exploring this darker, more complex side of his acting repertoire.

The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Smith’s Career?

Taking on the role of Daemon Targaryen was a bold move for Matt Smith, and it’s one that’s likely to shape his career moving forward. While some may yearn for the days of bow ties and blue police boxes, it’s important to recognize the growth and evolution of Smith as an actor.

This controversial career choice has allowed him to showcase his range and prove that he’s not afraid to take risks. It’s also opened up new opportunities for him to tackle more diverse and challenging roles in the future. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Smith’s turn as Daemon has added a new layer to his already impressive resume.

The Doctor Will See You Now… in Westeros

So, what’s the final verdict? Matt Smith’s career choice to dive into the dark world of House of the Dragon has certainly ruffled some feathers, but it’s also earned him a whole new set of fans who appreciate his ability to take on such a multifaceted role. Whether you’re cheering for Daemon Targaryen or watching with bated breath to see what he’ll do next, one thing’s for sure: Matt Smith is an actor who isn’t afraid to push the envelope, even if it means leaving behind the light for a little bit of darkness.

In the end, that’s what makes him such a compelling figure on screen—whether he’s saving the universe or causing chaos in Westeros, Matt Smith knows how to keep us all on the edge of our seats.