Matt Smith has really become famous with his portrayal of the complex and charismatic Daemon Targaryen in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon‘. He has never been one to shy away from controversy — whether on-screen or off.
With a career that spans everything from historical drama in ‘The Crown‘ to sci-fi in ‘Doctor Who‘, Smith is no stranger to challenging roles that push the boundaries of storytelling. But it’s not just his characters that get people talking; Smith himself has some strong opinions about the current state of television.
Matt Smith Criticizes Trigger Warnings
Recently, in an interview with The Times, Matt Smith spoke out against the increasing use of trigger warnings on TV shows. He sparked a debate about whether these advisories help or hinder the viewer’s experience.
During his interview, Smith didn’t hold back when asked about the rise of trigger warnings on television. The ‘House of the Dragon’ star expressed his frustration with what he calls the “the tedious modern idea that adults cannot cope with being upset by art.”
“Isn’t being shocked, surprised, stirred the point?” Smith asked. For him, the essence of storytelling — especially in a show as intense as ‘House of the Dragon‘ — is to provoke strong reactions and leave viewers questioning what they’ve seen.
Smith went further, criticizing what he perceives as the “policing” of stories to fit a certain climate or avoid offending sensitivities. “Too much policing of stories and being afraid to bring them out because a climate is a certain way is a shame. I’m not sure I’m on board with trigger warnings,” Smith remarked.
Judi Dench Weighs In On The Wider Debate
Interestingly, Matt Smith’s views echo those of another British acting legend, Dame Judi Dench. In an interview with Radio Times magazine, Dench suggested that if audiences are too sensitive to handle potentially shocking material, they might be better off avoiding the theater altogether.
“Why go to the theater if you’re going to be warned about things that are in the play? Isn’t the whole business of going to the theater about seeing something that you can be excited, surprised, or stimulated by? It’s like being told they’re all dead at the end of ‘King Lear.’ I don’t want to be told,” she said.
In Case You Missed: Matt Smith Dating History: How Many Has The Actor Dated?
When asked if he seeks out polarizing roles, Smith’s response was unequivocal. “100 percent! That’s the fucking point.” He went on to share how, as a child, he watched films like ‘Friday the 13th‘ and ‘Basic Instinct.’ “I was way too young to be watching them. I watched ‘Friday the 13th’ when I was nine,” he confessed.
“Actually, that scarred me. Absolutely ruined me,” Smith admitted, though it’s clear that those early experiences helped shape his approach to acting today.
