When House of the Dragon premiered in 2022, it carried the immense weight of expectation as the successor to one of television’s most globally recognized franchises. But alongside the excitement came a wave of controversy that had little to do with storytelling and everything to do with prejudice. The casting of Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon—a powerful, wealthy seafaring noble—sparked a disturbing backlash rooted in racism. For Matt Smith, who portrayed Daemon Targaryen, the reaction was both shocking and deeply frustrating.
Reflecting on that period, Matt Smith has described one particular conversation with Toussaint that has stayed with him ever since. Sitting together on set, away from the noise of social media but fully aware of its impact, Smith recalls feeling a mix of disbelief and anger. “The backlash was purely about color,” he acknowledged, cutting through any attempts to disguise the criticism as something else. There was no nuanced debate about character interpretation or narrative fidelity—what Toussaint faced was targeted, personal, and unmistakably discriminatory.
The irony, as both actors recognized, was almost absurd. This was a world filled with dragons, magic, and entirely fictional dynasties—yet some viewers found it impossible to accept a Black actor in a role of power and nobility. Toussaint himself addressed this contradiction publicly, pointing out the selective suspension of disbelief. Audiences could embrace fantasy creatures without hesitation, but struggled with the idea of a Black nobleman commanding fleets and respect. His response was not defensive, but direct—calling out the hypocrisy while refusing to let it define him.
For Smith, what stood out most was Toussaint’s composure. Despite the hostility, he remained focused on the work, channeling his energy into delivering a performance that would speak louder than any online commentary. And it did. When the series aired, Toussaint’s portrayal of Corlys Velaryon—often referred to as the “Sea Snake”—was widely praised. He brought gravitas, authority, and depth to the character, embodying a presence that felt both commanding and nuanced. The very critics who had questioned his casting found themselves confronted with undeniable talent.
Smith was vocal in his support throughout. In interviews and public appearances, he did not shy away from addressing the issue. Instead, he stood firmly beside his co-star, emphasizing that Toussaint was not just deserving of the role, but exceptional in it. His stance reflected a broader responsibility within the industry—one where leading figures use their visibility to challenge injustice rather than ignore it.
The situation also highlighted an ongoing evolution within fantasy storytelling. Traditionally, such genres have been criticized for their lack of diversity, often presenting worlds that feel disconnected from the richness of real human experience. Casting choices like Toussaint’s signal a shift toward more inclusive narratives, where representation is not treated as an anomaly, but as a natural extension of storytelling.
What ultimately silenced much of the backlash was not argument or debate—it was performance. Toussaint’s work spoke for itself, dismantling prejudice not through confrontation alone, but through excellence. His Corlys Velaryon was not defined by controversy, but by presence, intelligence, and strength.
Looking back, Smith’s reflection captures both the ugliness of the moment and the power of solidarity. The conversation he shared with Toussaint was not just about frustration—it was about resilience, about choosing to rise above the noise and let the work lead. In standing together, they demonstrated that progress in the industry is not just about casting decisions, but about the collective willingness to defend them.
In the end, the controversy revealed more about the limitations of its critics than the actors themselves. And through unwavering support and undeniable talent, Steve Toussaint didn’t just overcome the backlash—he redefined what authority and nobility can look like on screen, ensuring that the world of House of the Dragon feels richer, more authentic, and more inclusive than ever before.