Matt Smith emphasized the need to allow audiences to engage with art without forewarning, stating, "Too much policing of stories and being afraid to bring them out because a climate is a certain way is a shame. I'm not sure I'm on board with trigger warnings." He believes that trigger warnings could dilute storytelling, stressing that feeling discomfort or provocation is a natural part of experiencing art.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Smith said, "It's OK to feel uncomfortable or provoked while looking at a painting or watching a play, but I worry everything's being dialed and dumbed down. We're telling audiences they're going to be scared before they've watched something." He finds this preemptive warning unnecessary and detrimental to the impact of art.
Commenting on his formative viewing experiences, Smith recounts, "Friday the 13th absolutely ruined me." He highlights his belief that intense experiences from films can enrich understanding and engagement with narratives, suggesting a need for audiences to experience stories without prior warnings.
Earlier this year, Smith shared his reservations about trigger warnings in Doctor Who, noting, "I always thought that was one of the great things of doing Doctor Who, that you scared kids a little bit, and potentially taught them how to face their fears through stories." His remarks reflect a broader perspective on the importance of confronting fear through storytelling.
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