House Of The Dragon Producer Discusses Everyone Being Thirsty For Daemon -- "He Ain't Paul Rudd"

Some of House of the Dragon's key creatives have discussed how Matt Smith's Daemon Targaryen has become an "internet boyfriend." Executive producer Sara Hess and director Clare Kilner spoke about how Daemon, despite being objectively not a very good person, has managed to captivate audiences and inspire many thirsty memes. This story and the video immediately below contain spoilers for House of the Dragon.

Hess and Kilner spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about all those thirsty tweets and memes about Daemon. Some people have found an element of virtue and honor about Daemon to fall for, in addition to his good looks. But Hess thinks people ought to look further and consider who Daemon really is.

"He's become Internet Boyfriend in a way that baffles me," Hess said. "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 sees it a little differently, explaining that viewers are on-board for the journey. Daemon might sometimes do horrific, dishonorable things, but the next minute, he's so captivating and alluring.

"I just love the fact people are so involved with these characters, and I think that's part of the fun of it," she said. "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."

Finally, Hess teased that the House of the Dragon Season 1 finale coming up this Sunday will show "a different side" of Daemon. Beyond that, the writers are putting together House of the Dragon Season 2 and there could be further changes to come for Daemon.

"Right now, we're writing Season 2 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."

Martin has said he believes House of the Dragon needs four full seasons to tell its story properly.

For more, check out GameSpot's House of the Dragon review and what other critics are saying about it. Beyond House of the Dragon, HBO is developing a Jon Snow TV series with Kit Harington and Martin.