The epic saga of House of the Dragon has captivated audiences’ attention with its rich storytelling, notable cast showcasing complex characters, and political drama that continues the Game of Thrones legacy. However, the prequel series decided to take a bold approach in the sixth episode, taking its biggest time jump, leaping ten years into the future. That move left fans puzzled as several characters were recast including the lead role of Rhaenyra Targaryen.
In the first five episodes, Milly Alcock portrayed the role but Emma D’Arcy eventually stepped in to portray the older version of the lead character. The sudden switch faced criticism from a segment of the fanbase. However, this situation was something that their co-star, Matt Smith understood better than anything.
Matt Smith Reflected on Why Emma D’Arcy Received Fans’ Hate for Their Work in House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon has quickly become a sensation with several factors contributing to the same, be it its rich source material or compelling storytelling. However, fans had a mixed reaction when the franchise took its time loop way too far- slipping 10 years in the sixth episode.
This affected fans to get a complete makeover of the show, as several characters were completely different from what they looked earlier including Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Initially portrayed by Milly Alcock, Emma D’Arcy finally took over the role from her.
However, fans were already used to watching the former in the role as the character got more complex with the narrative progression.
Their performance was a new concept for fans, garnering mixed reactions, leaving them confused about the hate. However, her co-star, Matt Smith, who plays Rhaenyra’s uncle/lover Daemon Targaryen, fully understood that D’Arcy had big shoes to fill.
The Wanderlust actor told the Independent,
I had a nice chat with Matt the other day, and he said it’s like the Doctor Who curse. You’ve got to regenerate. And yeah, unfortunately, Rhaenyra is going to completely change body and face in a couple of hours.
Smith is no stranger to the time-loop concept thanks to his work in The Crown and Doctor Who, where actors switch out to play the same character.
Emma D’Arcy Reflected on Stepping into Milly Alcock’s Shoes to Portray Older Rhaenyra Targaryen
Transitioning from one actor to another within a role can be a complicated process, especially when the character in the subject is one of the fan favorites. Succeeding Milly Alcock to portray the character in her older years, was met with mixed responses, which they knew would not be an easy path.
They reflected in the same interview,
It’s complicated, isn’t it? It’s a difficult point at which to meet an audience. They only get me when they lose Milly, so they meet me in a place of grief, of losing someone they just spent five hours with. I’m… I’m well aware of that.
As to why this major time-lap happened, it has a pretty good reason. Season 1 showrunners, Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik had no interest in dragging the show for years to depict the events of the Dance of the Dragon on-screen.
However, they needed to showcase the conflict that built up the tension toward a terrible civil war between Rhaenyra’s Blacks and Queen Alicent Hightower’s Greens. Since, Season 2 will focus on the Dance, Season 1 needed to showcase Targaryen’s background and the stirring tension between the older characters.
House of the Dragon is available on HBO.
