Matt Smith criticizes trigger warnings, says they "dumb down" storytelling

The "House of the Dragon" actor believes trigger warnings are unnecessary and stifle creative expression.

Matt Smith, known for his roles in "House of the Dragon" and "The Crown," has reiterated his stance against trigger warnings in a recent interview with The Times of London.

He believes that preemptively alerting audiences to potentially upsetting content "dumbs down" storytelling and limits the impact of art.   

Smith, who first gained recognition in "Doctor Who," argues that it's acceptable to feel uncomfortable or challenged by a piece of art, and that trigger warnings rob audiences of the element of surprise. He also expressed concerns about the growing trend of "policing stories" and the potential chilling effect it has on creative expression.   

Smith's comments echo those of other British actors, including Judi Dench and Ralph Fiennes, who have recently criticized trigger warnings. They argue that warnings dilute the emotional impact of art and underestimate the audience's capacity to handle challenging themes.