Warning: SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon season 1 episode 9 and George R.R. Martin's Fire & BloodHouse of the Dragon executive producer Sara Hess responds to the online love for Prince Daemon Targaryen with confusion. Introduced as the dangerous City Watch commander in the show's pilot, Daemon has taken on a central role in House of the Dragon through his major bids for power across the Seven Kingdoms. After being dismissed from his post by his brother, King Viserys, Daemon soon earns the trust of House Velaryon, wedding Lady Laena Velaryon, who tragically takes her own life after complications during childbirth guarantee her death. In House of the Dragon's most recent episodes, Daemon has married his niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen, who is set to inherit the Iron Throne after her father dies.
Daemon has committed a plethora of heinous acts over the years to get himself to Rhaenyra's side and gain her trust. These actions included taking a young Rhaenyra to a brothel in King's Landing, killing his first wife, Lady Rhea Royce, and executing Vaemond Velaryon in Viserys' throne room. Despite his brutal, cunning actions in his quest for power, fans of Daemon have taken to social media over the course of the show, expressing support for his marriage of Rhaenyra and confessing attraction to him as a character. Declarations of love are what's most confounding for some working on the show.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, House of the Dragon writer and executive producer Hess reveals her bewilderment at fans lusting after Prince Daemon Targaryen. Hess admits that actor Matt Smith is perfect for the role, but is surprised by how much fans have been taken in by his charisma and charm. Check out what Hess had to say below:
He’s become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me. 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! 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.
Daemon's Role In House Of The Dragon's Finale
Hess' confusion at House of the Dragon fans' attraction to Daemon hints at the possibility that their opinions of him may alter come the season 1 finale. The most recent episode didn't feature Daemon or Rhaenyra, instead focusing on characters in King's Landing and their reactions to Viserys' death. Alicent's misinterpretation of Viserys' final words lead her to crown their son Aegon king, despite Rhaenyra still having claim over the Iron Throne. In George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood, the source material for House of the Dragon, this event acts as a major catalyst for the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Daemon then helps speed the event along by crowning of Rhaenyra Queen at Dragonstone and declaring himself Protector of the Realm. Later in Fire & Blood, Daemon orchestrates the assassination of Jaehaerys Targaryen, Aegon's eldest son, after the young king kills Rhaenyra's son Lucerys Velaryon. While it's unclear if all this will happen in the House of the Dragon season 1 finale, the episode trailer has teased the Blacks' response to Aegon's coronation, and Daemon fans will be happy to see their beloved Rogue Prince play a major role by declaring his wife and niece the true ruler of Westeros.
Source: THR