LONDON — Matt Smith, known for his roles in “Doctor Who” and “The Crown,” offers a glimpse into the evolution of his acting career and his current portrayal of Daemon Targaryen in HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” which returns for its third season this Sunday. Speaking from his London home, Smith reflected on his trajectory from playing likable heroes to complex antagonists and his approach to inhabiting darker characters.

Smith first rose to prominence in 2010 as the 11th Doctor in the long-running BBC series “Doctor Who.” At just 26, he stepped into the role previously held by David Tennant and brought a youthful yet timeless quality to the character. Serving as a blend of heroism, humor, and fantasy, “Doctor Who” provided Smith with exposure to diverse genres and solidified his status in British television.

Following “Doctor Who,” Smith consciously shifted toward more morally ambiguous and villainous roles. He portrayed Patrick Bateman in a stage adaptation of “American Psycho,” delving into the psychology of a serial killer, and took on the role of Charles Manson in the 2018 film “Charlie Says.” In “The Crown,” Smith portrayed a young Prince Philip, embracing the complexity of the royal consort’s character, often viewed as a misunderstood outsider. These choices demonstrate Smith’s interest in exploring the multifaceted nature of human behavior, often focusing on flawed or controversial figures.

His current role as Daemon Targaryen in “House of the Dragon” continues this trend. The silver-haired prince is a ruthless warrior and politically volatile character, whose actions include violence and manipulation. Smith describes Daemon as a figure of “poetry and destiny and fatalism” with a “psychopathic lust for violence,” but insists he sees the character’s humanity beneath his brutality. Showrunner Ryan Condal highlights Smith’s ability to bring charisma, vulnerability, and a compelling darkness to Daemon, making him relatable despite his violent tendencies.

Smith’s process involves understanding his characters’ motivations deeply, often identifying with their wounded aspects even when they cause harm. He downplays any personal parallels but acknowledges the artistic challenge and appeal of embodying such roles. Despite the intense and sometimes unsettling nature of his characters’ actions, Smith emphasizes the importance of portraying their complexity rather than reducing them to simple villains.

The scale and intensity of filming “House of the Dragon” also pose challenges, requiring Smith to inhabit a violent and dark mindset over long days. He has advocated for more realistic fight choreography to reflect the sudden and brutal nature of combat, aiming to enhance the authenticity of the series’ tone. While uncertain about his character’s fate in forthcoming episodes, Smith expressed an intention to take a break after the current season’s promotional duties.

Before acting, Smith pursued professional soccer until injury redirected him to theater, where he found parallels between sports and drama in terms of discipline and risk. His background and dedication have cultivated what colleagues describe as an “athletic” and magnetic presence, combining stillness with kinetic energy.

Through his varied roles, from heroes to antiheroes, Smith continues to explore the tension between likability and menace, challenging both audience expectations and his own limitations as an actor. For him, the craft remains a “gift”—a means of stepping beyond ordinary life to inhabit characters who exist on the edge, embracing risk and complexity.