Matt Smith’s improvisation gave one of the most iconic moments in House of Dragon

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.

 

Olivia Cooke in House of the Dragon [Credit: HBO]
The eighth episode of the first season was certainly an emotional rollercoaster. While a lot was already going on and a lot of iconic moments happened in the duration of this, one scene stands out like no other. A moment that was supposed to be the most important for Rhaenyra Targaryen, ended up being the biggest show of power for Viserys Targaryen.

 

 

House of the Dragon [Credit: HBO]
The King’s entrance into the throne room at one of the most vital moments in the series marks a shift in dynamics fans still cannot stop talking about. Considering just how iconic the sequence is, many would be surprised to know that one of the most important parts of the entire scene was not scripted.

 

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.

 
Matt Smith in House of the Dragon [Credit: HBO]
While Viserys Targaryen’s walk to the Iron Throne was poetic enough, the perfect way to finish the scene was through the falling of the crown. Even though he was waiting for death in his quarters, the King walked to the throne one last time to support his daughter. This, surprisingly, was followed by his brother helping him through the agonizing journey.

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.

 
House of the Dragon [Credit: HBO]

This was emphasized when the King’s crown fell on the floor, and Smith’s character entered the scene by picking it up, and eventually putting it on his brother’s head. There is no denying that the little detail added so much more depth to the action.

 

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.

 
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon [Credit: HBO]
She revealed that originally, Matt Smith’s character was simply supposed to help his brother walk up to the throne. However, when the scene was being filmed, the crown actually fell off.

 

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.

 
Matt Smith in House of the Dragon [Credit: HBO]
It is safe to say that many fans would be surprised that a detail that seemed the most intentional in the entire scene was never supposed to happen.