AceShowbiz - Fans of House of the Dragon who admire Matt Smith’s portrayal of the "Rogue Prince" Daemon Targaryen should not miss his acclaimed work in the Netflix historical drama series, The Crown. Premiering in 2016, The Crown offered Smith significant experience in playing a royal figure, a skill he would later refine in his role as Daemon. His performance as the unpredictable and magnetic Daemon Targaryen has been praised for its intensity and complexity, and viewers can look forward to seeing more of this character in House of the Dragon season 3.

The contrast between Smith’s Daemon and his other well-known television character, the Eleventh Doctor from Doctor Who, is striking. Where the Doctor is whimsical and kindhearted, Daemon embodies a darker, more volatile charisma. Positioned somewhere between these two extremes is Smith’s role as Prince Philip in The Crown, a character layered with emotional depth and inner conflict.

Matt Smith starred as Prince Philip in the first two seasons of The Crown, which spans nearly six decades of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign across its six seasons. To realistically portray the passage of time, the show replaced its principal cast every two seasons, with Claire Foy playing the Queen in seasons 1 and 2, Olivia Colman taking over in seasons 3 and 4, and Imelda Staunton leading in seasons 5 and 6.

Smith’s portrayal of Prince Philip begins shortly before his 1947 wedding to then-Princess Elizabeth and covers the early years of their marriage, which the show depicts as fraught with tension and resentment. The narrative explores Philip’s difficult transformation from Philip Mountbatten to Prince Philip, highlighting his struggles with identity and subordination to the Queen. Smith does not shy away from presenting the less favorable traits of the historical figure, portraying Philip as often selfish and petulant without turning him into a caricature.

What makes Smith’s portrayal compelling is his ability to reveal the pain behind Philip’s difficult personality. The show illustrates his anguish over giving up a naval career, the frustration of his children bearing a different surname, and the many sacrifices he endures. This nuanced performance offers a portrait of a man wrestling with his role in the royal family and the compromises it demands.

For viewers who appreciate the royal intrigue and layered characters in House of the Dragon, The Crown provides a complementary experience. The historical drama delves into the complexities of monarchy, power dynamics, and personal sacrifice—elements that resonate with the themes explored in the Targaryen saga.

As House of the Dragon fans await the upcoming third season, revisiting The Crown offers an opportunity to see another facet of Matt Smith’s acting range in a royal context. His ability to embody conflicting emotions and flawed humanity brings a rich texture to his characters, whether they are fictional princes or historical figures.

Both series share a deep interest in exploring the burdens of leadership and the personal cost of power. While House of the Dragon focuses on fantasy and dynastic battles, The Crown grounds its story in real historical events and personalities, providing a different but equally engaging perspective on what it means to be part of a royal family.

In conclusion, fans of House of the Dragon looking to deepen their appreciation for Matt Smith’s work and enjoy compelling storytelling about royalty should consider watching The Crown. The series not only showcases Smith’s talent but also enriches the viewing experience by offering a detailed and emotionally resonant portrayal of one of the 20th century’s most scrutinized royal figures.