‘Home of the Dragons: Matt Smith Talks ‘Sport of Thrones’ Spinoff

Days after hovering into San Diego Comedian-Con’s Corridor H to preview the “Sport of Thrones” prequel, the “House of the Dragon” forged re-assembled for the sequence’ world premiere on the Academy Museum of Movement Photos in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening.

Set practically 200 years earlier than the occasions of the mega-hit HBO sequence, “Home of the Dragon” focuses on the Targaryen dynasty in all their dysfunction — and with all their dragons.

With 17 winged creatures showing within the first season alone, lots of the actors spent a substantial period of time pretending to fly. Matt Smith, who stars as Prince Daemon Targaryen, advised Selection that driving the mechanical buck that mimicked a dragon was “good enjoyable.”

“You’re on a distant management, and somebody’s there transferring it round, after which they fireplace a load of wind and rain at you,” he quipped. “Beats working for a residing.”

However the sword combating proved a little bit extra harmful. At Comedian-Con, his co-star Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole) admitted he by accident “axed” Smith within the face throughout a rehearsal.

“I actually remorse saying this as a result of I’ve been requested if I severely injured him,” Frankel stated when reminded concerning the revelation. “However I did really feel on the time, ‘God of all of the those that I may have presumably axed within the face, Matt was the worst one.’ I used to be prepared for them to go, ‘Matt Smith, is it? You’re out the present.’”

Smith had no exhausting emotions concerning the accident although, saying: “He chinned me, however it was alright. I lived to combat one other day.”

There are just a few much less swords concerned in Olivia Cooke’s portrayal of Alicent Hightower (save for one notorious catspaw dagger seen within the trailers), however her character’s storyline nonetheless cuts deep. The connection between Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) is integral to the present’s plot, because the sequence chronicles their friendship as younger ladies (with Alicent portrayed by Emily Carey and Rhaenyra by Milly Alcock) and the mayhem that breaks out when Rhaenyra’s declare to the Iron Thorne is challenged, resulting in a civil battle recognized to followers because the Dance of the Dragons.

“It’s these two ladies who who’re a lot stronger collectively however the patriarchy has pushed a wedge between them. And they’re used as political pawns all through their lives when actually they’re a lot extra,” Cook dinner teased, explaining what intrigued her concerning the story arc. “They notice that because the sequence goes on, they’ve energy and energy and willpower, however the males round them are simply so set on watching the world burn round them for legacy.”

Legacy is a giant buzzword on the subject of “Sport of Thrones,” and provided that “Home of the Dragon” has to comply with the success of each George R. R. Martin’s e-book sequence and the popular culture juggernaut that was the Emmy-winning HBO present, there’s fairly a little bit of strain.

Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys Velaryon) famous the reduction he felt in Corridor H witnessing followers’ pleasure first hand.

“It was overwhelming. From the minute the present was introduced, there was loads of anticipation and lots of people going, ‘I hope they do a very good job,’” Toussaint defined. “So lastly, to have the ability to truly be surrounded by a usually a supportive embrace — folks simply going, ‘I can’t wait to see it, I do know it’s going to be nice.’ It’s nonetheless fairly nerve wracking, however … we’re pleased with what we’ve carried out, and I believe individuals are gonna prefer it.”

With nods to “Thrones” like banners bearing the Home Targaryen sigil adorning the walkway to the after celebration, in addition to a bronzed dragon cranium on the entrance to the museum, HBO gave friends a tiny style of the manufacturing design the forged and crew skilled on set.

Nevertheless, lacking from the group — which additionally included stars Paddy Considine, Eve Greatest, Rhys Ifans and Gavin Spokes, and co-showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik –was “Sport of Thrones” creator Martin. Earlier than the screening started, HBO and HBO Max’s chief content material officer Casey Bloys advised the viewers that Martin, who additionally serves as co-creator and EP on “Home of the Dragon,” was unable to attend the event after testing positive for COVID-19.

Again on the carpet, co-showrunner Condal mirrored on being the “chosen one” whom Martin entrusted to adapt “Fireplace and Blood,” which has been his ardour challenge.

“It’s lots to course of. I imply, it’s an enormous duty,” Condal shared. “I deeply love George as as a person, as a author, as a creator. I really like his world. That’s why I ended up right here. I got here right here as a fan; I used to be employed as a result of I used to be a fan.”

However whereas he successfully “requested for this” task,” the creator admits, “I don’t suppose I knew what I used to be actually getting myself into.”

Total, although, being invested as a fan first had its benefits, as Condal endeavored to make the sequence he “would have wished to see if I used to be simply sitting on my sofa tuning in” and he feels the staff has succeeded in doing simply that.

For his half, Sapochnik is among the most profitable alumni of the unique “Sport of Thrones” sequence, having earned two Primetime Emmys as an government producer and director on the present, with the latter award received in 2016 for his epic “Battle of the Bastards” episode.

Whereas Sapochnik will direct three of the brand new present’s episodes, followers shouldn’t count on any extra battle scenes from the filmmaker. “I’m retired from doing battles, I’m afraid,” he confirmed, earlier than sharing the recommendation he gave to the administrators who helmed the extra bombastic scenes. “Don’t go massive for the sake of larger,” he suggested. “In the event you do a battle, make sure that it’s acquired a narrative and ensure it’s for a personality’s objective. In any other case there’s no level in doing a battle.”

Briefly, Sapochnik’s recommendation to the opposite filmmakers becoming a member of the franchise: “Don’t fuck it up.”

“Home of the Dragon” debuts Aug. 21 on HBO and HBO Max.

(Pictured above: Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke Emma D’Arcy and Steve Toussaint.)