A producer on House of the Dragon has revealed how she doesn't understand why fans love Daemon so much.
Daemon Targaryen has so far proven himself to be a murderer, manipulator, abuser, and a liar in the series - all in all a pretty terrible person.
However, fans have expressed their love for the character - as well as his relationship with his niece and wife, Rhaenyra Targaryen.
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Producer Sara Hess is puzzled by fans' reactions, telling The Hollywood Reporter: "He's become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me."
She continued: "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. He ain't Paul Rudd."
However, House of the Dragon's director Clare Kilner had a different view, saying that she wasn't surprised with the love and affection for Daemon, despite him being a terrible guy.
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In the same interview, she said: "I just love the fact people are so involved with these characters, and I think that's part of the fun of it.
"One minute you like someone, and the next minute you like someone else. But I'm not surprised. Matt is such a risk-taker in his performances and he's got that little smile and, you know ... you can't help it! He is charismatic. People love a baddie. But I don't think he's particularly a good father or a good brother."
Hess also hinted to the publication about what may be on the cards for Daemon in the upcoming season one finale and series two.
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Hess said: "We will see a different side of him.
"And right now, we're writing season two and figuring out, what is the nature of his relationship with Rhaenyra? There are many interpretations [in George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood] to that."
And Matt Smith's performance wasn't the only performance that has captivated audiences, as George R.R Martin heavily praised Paddy Considine for his portrayal of King Viserys I.
Taking to his blog, the Song of Ice and Fire author called Considine's character 'much more powerful and tragic and fully-fleshed than my own version', and even went as far as calling for the actor to 'win an Emmy Award' for his performance.
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The season finale for House of the Dragon will air on HBO and stream on HBO Max on 23 October.
Topics: House of the Dragon, TV and Film, Game of Thrones
Callum Jones