When HBO delivered House of the Dragon, audiences were certainly impressed. The series perfectly showcases the power dynamics that the audience loved in the original series in a completely new fashion, following a story that feels almost brand new. The excellence of the 2022 series can be perfectly encapsulated in one scene.
One of the Best Scenes in House of the Dragon
There is no denying that Matt Smith is one of the most underrated actors in the film industry. Despite starring in multiple critically acclaimed and award-winning projects, he has been counted out time and time again. Although this has been the case, there is no denying that his performance in House of the Dragon was truly spectacular, and the throne room scene perfectly shows this.
The detail surprised many fans, considering how a majority of the series followed Daemon Targaryen as a man deeply jealous of his brother. Ailing Viserys in what may as well have been his final moments, showed a beautiful growth.
The Fall of the Crown Was Unintentional
Geeta Patel, the director of the eighth episode of House of the Dragon, once gave an interview with Entertainment Weekly, where she revealed a very interesting detail about the entire throne room scene. The falling of the crown and its finding its rightful place on Viserys’ head by Daemon’s hand was not scripted.
The crown fell off of Paddy’s head and Matt picked it up, and we just kept going. We didn’t stop [filming]. There was a discovery there of this moment. […]
Rather than cutting the cameras and starting over, he decided to play along. He picked up the delicate circlet, helped Viserys to the throne, and gently placed it back on its head.
I was so thankful [the crown fell off] because it proved to be, at least for me, quite a heavy moment and quite a turning point for a storyline that had started in the pilot: Hey, I want your crown and by the end here I’m gonna put the crown back on your head and I’m gonna help you to your throne.