Fabien Frankel is Ser Criston Cole in HBOs House of the Dragon, and his character has undergone some drastic changes throughout the season. His loyalty was first promised to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock/Emma D’Arcy) before his loyalty changed to Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey, Olivia Cooke).
Thanks to Frankel’s amazing performance, Cole quickly went from being a fan favorite to a character everyone loves to hate. As House of the Dragon approaching the season finale, Frankel sat down with the New York Times to discuss his character and his time in the world created by George RR Martin. As it turned out, the actor didn’t know what he was auditioning for when he first read for the role.
“I got an email from my agent saying ‘Untitled HBO Television Series’,” he explains. At the time, he was told that he would be auditioning for a character named Clint. “I auditioned, and heard nothing but that they were looking for something a little more Jason Momoa-type for the part. I certainly wasn’t, and I really didn’t think about it anymore.” Of course Jason Momoa played in the first season of Game of Thrones as Khal Drogo, the leader of the Dothraki army.
Fortunately, Frankel got an offer from HBO six months later. “What I still don’t know, and I’m fascinated to know, is if they couldn’t find their Jason Momoa type, or if they decided to change their casting briefing. If the opportunity arises to ask them, they will I do.” Audiences should be happy with HBO’s decision, as Frankel does a great job portraying Criston Cole, regardless of fans’ feelings toward the character.
Fabien Frankel Says Criston Cole Is Still In Love
Criston Cole confessed his love for Princess Rhaenyra early in the season, and Frankel says his character still has feelings despite the events that have happened since then. During his interview, he tells the New York Times that the first love lasts forever. “First love is first love. I think everyone will always love the person they first fell in love with,” he explains. So despite his loyalty to King Aegon II, Cole will always be attracted to the rightful queen.
“From the first time you hear a beautiful piece of music, you will always love it, even if you have heard it a hundred times, because you remember that first time you heard it. So yes, he will always love Rhaenyra. Unfortunately, the bloody war between the Greens and the Blacks begins, and there is no turning back. Fans can tune in to the epic finale, with House of the Dragon the final episode of the season debuts this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET