House of the Dragon Producer is 'Baffled' by Daemon Targaryen's 'Internet Boyfriend' Status

Not everyone is on board with Daemon Targaryen's status as an Internet Boyfriend.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, House of the Dragon producer Sara Hess and director Clare Kilner expressed their confusion regarding viewers' affection for Matt Smith's silver-haired prince. 

"He's become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me," said Hess. "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." 

Kilner seemed to understand the fan reaction a little bit more, though agreed that Daemon isn't a particularly great guy. "I just love the fact people are so involved with these characters, and I think that’s part of the fun of it," said Kilner. 

"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," she continued. "People love a baddie. But I don’t think he’s particularly a good father or a good brother."

Hess also promised viewers would "see a different side of him" in the upcoming Season 1 finale and Season 2, which is due out sometime in 2024. 

House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9:00 PM ET on HBO and HBO Max.

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.