Matt Smith, who continues to captivate audiences as Daemon in House of the Dragon, is back in the spotlight. While his role may not have been as central in season two compared to the first, his portrayal of the Targaryen prince remains mesmerizing, leaving fans eagerly anticipating more. As the upcoming season looms, promising Daemon at the center of the brewing conflict between the Greens and the Blacks, Smith has taken a moment to voice his strong opinions on a growing trend in the entertainment industry.
In a recent interview with The Times of London, Matt Smith didn’t hold back when discussing the increasingly common use of trigger warnings in films and TV shows. Trigger warnings, designed to alert audiences to potentially disturbing content, don’t sit well with the British actor. According to Smith, these warnings are diluting the very essence of art.
Trigger Warnings: Diluting the Artistic Experience?
“It’s a disgrace to over-monitor information and hold back from revealing things due to a certain climate,” he said. “I’m not sure I agree with these warnings. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or challenged when watching a film or a play. That’s what art does, but I fear everything is being dumbed down. We’re telling audiences they’ll be frightened before they’ve even seen a thing.”
Drawing from his own experiences, Smith reflected on watching films like Basic Instinct, Disclosure, and Friday the 13th when he felt he was “far too young.” He joked that the latter “scared him senseless” but never implied it was something he should have been shielded from.
A Controlled Environment for Fear
This isn’t the first time Smith has shared his views on the matter. In an interview with the BBC back in February 2024, he used Doctor Who as an example. Having played the iconic role for four years, he highlighted how the show often thrilled and frightened children in a controlled way.
A Nuanced Debate on Content Warnings
While Smith’s perspective resonates with many who value the raw, unfiltered experience of art, it also opens up a broader debate. In an age where streaming platforms are easily accessible to audiences of all ages, the issue of warning viewers—especially younger or more sensitive ones—about graphic content is a nuanced one.
Sure, some may align with Smith’s stance that art should challenge and provoke, even if it makes us uncomfortable. However, others argue that content warnings can serve a useful purpose, ensuring that viewers are prepared for material that may be too intense. In a world where anyone can access almost anything with a click, is it really so unreasonable to give people a heads-up on what’s coming?
A Creative Freedom vs. Sensitivity Conundrum
Regardless of where one stands, Matt Smith’s comments highlight an ongoing tension between creative freedom and the evolving sensitivities of audiences. As for Smith himself, if you’re expecting a warning before he dives into another dark, intense role—don’t count on it.
