Matt Smith Addresses the Inevitable 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 Fan Debates by Brushing Off the Pressure to Please Everyone

Published 06/08/2026, 9:55 PM EDT

Credits: HBO

Matt Smith is not worried about the chatter that may follow House of the Dragon season 3. The show is set to return to the screen nearly two years after Season 2. And it will bring major storylines, complex political strategies, bloody battles, and much more, all of which could have a massive impact on the history of Westeros.

So, understandably, there is a growing curiosity about how the show will ultimately be received, and perhaps some pressure among the cast and crew of the show, too. But when Smith was asked about fans' reactions to the series, he had an intriguing response.

Matt Smith dismissed pressure of fans reaction on House of the Dragon

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Matt Smith recently appeared at the House of the Dragon Season 3 premiere at the Odeon West End in London, England. When asked whether he cares about fans' reactions to the show, Smith said that he does. He explained that he cares deeply about how audiences receive the series and hopes they enjoy it. At the same time, he dismissed any pressure surrounding the show's reception, explaining that opinions on George R. R. Martin's work have always been varied and that not everyone will feel the same way about it. 

"Absolutely ... It's never gonna appeal to everyone, everyone has their opinion [on] George R.R. Martin's work, But for me personally, it’s their show," he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Whether good or bad, George R. R. Martin's work has always sparked conversations among fans. That includes the most famous adaptation, Game of Thrones, which faced massive backlash for its ending. Its prequel series, House of the Dragon, has similarly drawn both criticism and praise, and that raises questions about season 3, too. However, speaking about the fans, Smith added that House of the Dragon is ultimately a show made for its fandom and they have pulled every stop to make the best show. 

More Dragons, Politics, and Chaos: ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Trailer Sets the Stage for a Big Year

And if the early chatter is any indication, Season 3 could be heading toward one of its most intriguing storylines yet.

House of the Dragon will finally put the spotlight on war

There has been immense strategy, political maneuvering, and bloodshed in the first two seasons of House of the Dragon. However, Season 3 is expected to shift its focus to one of the most crucial conflicts in the history of Westeros, as the war between Rhaenyra Targaryen, Prince Aemond, and King Aegon takes a new turn. The season is set to kick off with the highly anticipated Battle of the Gullet.

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This is a major change from the first two seasons, which largely focused on character development, political intrigue, and the gradual buildup to war before the major battles in their later episodes. Following the relatively lighter and more adventurous adaptation of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which was well received by fans, House of the Dragon is expected to return with a much darker tone. How the fans ultimately respond to the new season remains to be seen when it premieres on June 21, 2026.

Meet All 20 Dragons of 'House of the Dragon': Their Riders, Powers, and Ultimate Fates

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What do you think about Matt Smith's opinion of fans' reaction to House of the Dragons? Let us know in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

776 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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