Matt Smith and Emma D'Arcy Play the Ultimate House of the Dragon Character Swap

If given the chance to spend a day in someone else's shoes in Westeros, who would Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra Targaryen choose to become?

That's the question I posed to House of the Dragon stars Matt Smith and Emma D'Arcy. Their answers were equal parts thoughtful and unexpected.

Emma was quick to pick one of the show's most mysterious figures.

"I might take a walk in Larys Strong's shoes," Emma said. "He's found a real corner for himself to sort of live and thrive in, and I fancy a bit of that."

Larys has spent much of the series operating from the shadows, quietly influencing some of the biggest political decisions in the realm. While others fight openly for power, he often gains leverage simply by observing. It's perhaps no surprise that Emma was curious about what life looks like from that unique vantage point.

Matt, meanwhile, chose someone who spends most of his time doing the exact opposite of Daemon: sitting on the Iron Throne.

"I wouldn't mind being Aegon for a day on the chair when he's, you know, bossing everyone around," he joked.

But the conversation became even more entertaining when the question was flipped: Which character would struggle the most if they suddenly had to live as Daemon or Rhaenyra?

Matt immediately nominated Ser Criston Cole.

"I'd quite like to see Criston Cole have a go at Daemon for a day," he laughed. "See how he got on."

Emma's answer was shorter but perhaps even more revealing.

"Rhaenyra struggles to be... Rhaenyra."

The remark drew laughs, but longtime fans will recognize the truth behind it. Across three seasons, Rhaenyra has constantly wrestled with the demands of duty, family, and the crown. The idea that no one, not even Rhaenyra herself, could easily live her life perfectly feels surprisingly fitting.

Watch the full Matt Smith and Emma D'Arcy interview.

Photo courtesy of HBO Max PH.