Fabien Frankel is Ser Criston Cole in HBO’s House of the Dragon, and his character has undergone some drastic changes throughout the season. His loyalty was first pledged to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock/Emma D’Arcy) before his allegiance changed to Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey, Olivia Cooke).
Thanks to Frankel’s terrific performance, Cole quickly went from a fan favorite to a character everyone loves to hate. As House of the Dragon approaches the season finale, Frankel sat down with the New York Times to discuss his character and his time inside the world created by George R.R. Martin. As it turns out, the actor didn’t know what he was auditioning for when he first read for the part.
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“I got an email from my agent that said ‘Untitled HBO Television Series,'” he explains. At the time, he was told he would be auditioning for a character named Clint. “I did the audition, and heard nothing back other than that they were looking for a slightly more Jason Momoa type for the part. That certainly wasn’t me, and I really didn’t think about it again.” Of course, Jason Momoa starred in the first season of Game of Thrones as Khal Drogo, the leader of the Dothraki army.
Luckily, Frankel received an offer from HBO six months later. “What I still don’t know, and I’m fascinated to know, is whether they couldn’t find their Jason Momoa type, or if they decided to change their casting brief. If the opportunity arises to ask them, I will.” Audiences should be happy with HBO’s decision, as Frankel does an excellent job portraying Criston Cole regardless of fans’ feelings toward the character.
Related: House of the Dragon Producer Doesn’t Understand the Daemon Targaryen Obsession
Fabien Frankel Says Criston Cole is Still in Love
HBO
Criston Cole confessed his love for Princess Rhaenyra early in the season, and Frankel says his character still has feelings despite the events that transpired since. During his interview, he tells the New York Times that first love always lasts. “First love is first love. I think everyone will always love the person that they fell in love with for the first time,” he explains. So despite his loyalty to King Aegon II, Cole will always be drawn to the rightful Queen.
“From the first time you hear a beautiful piece of music, you’ll always love it, even if you’ve heard it a hundred times, because you remember that first time you heard it. So yeah, he will always love Rhaenyra.” Unfortunately, the bloody war between the Greens and the Blacks is set to begin, and there’s no turning back. Fans can tune into the epic finale, with House of the Dragon debuting the final episode of the season this Sunday at 9 pm E.T.
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