Matt Smith is receiving widespread acclaim for his respectful correction of a reporter who misgendered his “House of the Dragon” co-star, Emma D’Arcy. The incident occurred during the London premiere of the show’s second season, where Smith and D’Arcy, who portray Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen respectively, were interviewed on the red carpet.
Sue Perkins, the host of Sky’s fan show “House of the Dragon: War Room,” mistakenly used “she” pronouns when referring to D’Arcy. Perkins mentioned that she had spoken to D’Arcy earlier and said, “she gave you all the credit” for a pivotal scene in the first season finale. In this scene, Daemon informs Rhaenyra about the tragic death of her son, Lucerys.
Smith, without missing a beat, responded by using D’Arcy’s correct pronouns. “I can’t take the credit, [but] I have to say, aren’t they brilliant?” he said, emphasizing D’Arcy’s preferred “they/them” pronouns. “They are absolutely brilliant and you’re in for a real treat with Emma this year, I think Emma’s put in a really great performance.”
Emma D’Arcy identifies as non-binary and has been open about their gender identity in various interviews. They have described themselves as a “trans-masc presenting person” and have spoken about the pressures they faced earlier in their career to conform to traditional gender norms. In an interview with Them, D’Arcy revealed that they felt compelled to “present as a woman” to succeed in Hollywood, a practice they eventually found unsustainable.
“It wasn’t sustainable, and I stopped pretending,” D’Arcy shared. “And weirdly at that point I got nominated for best actress for the Golden Globes [thanks to ‘House of the Dragon’], which is like beautifully ironic.”
Smith has consistently praised D’Arcy, highlighting their talent and the depth they bring to their role. In a recent Variety cover story, Smith expressed his disappointment at not having as much screen time with D’Arcy in the second season due to their characters being separated for much of the new episodes.
“It was difficult to do it without them because I love them — a person of real depth and sardonic humor and fierce intellect,” Smith said, reflecting on the challenge of filming without D’Arcy as a scene partner.
The second season of “House of the Dragon” is set to premiere on June 16 on HBO and Max, and fans are eagerly anticipating the new episodes. Smith’s respectful correction has been lauded by the LGBTQ+ community and fans alike, who appreciate his support for D’Arcy’s identity.
D’Arcy has also spoken about their fashion choices and how clothing plays a significant role in their self-expression. In an interview with Highsnobiety, they explained, “Clothing, for most people, is central to who they are and how they express themselves. But for gender-fluid or trans people, clothes play an even more fundamental role.”
“I’m a trans-masc presenting person, and broadly, my instinct is to wear rigid shapes softly. I used to be more into texture, but now I’m gradually getting more into bright colors,” D’Arcy added.
Smith’s actions on the red carpet have sparked a positive conversation about the importance of respecting and using correct pronouns, especially in public and professional settings. His subtle yet impactful correction serves as a reminder of the significance of allyship and the role it plays in supporting non-binary and transgender individuals.
As “House of the Dragon” continues to captivate audiences, the camaraderie and mutual respect between its cast members, particularly Smith and D’Arcy, add an extra layer of depth to the show’s appeal. Fans are looking forward to seeing more of their dynamic performances in the upcoming season.
