During press for House of the Dragon Season 3, actor Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole) spoke about sharing scenes with Tommy Flanagan, who debuts as Roderick “Roddy the Ruin” Dustin. Frankel admitted in an interview with Extra TV that Flanagan’s performance was intimidating, describing him as “quite scary” when he delivered lines with his trademark voice. At the same time, Frankel emphasized how privileged he felt to act in such moments, noting that the experience fulfilled childhood dreams of being part of knightly battles.
Quick read
- Frankel says Flanagan’s Roddy the Ruin was “quite scary.”
- He praised Flanagan’s powerful voice and presence.
- Frankel felt privileged to act in knightly battle scenes.
Flanagan’s intimidating presence
Tommy Flanagan’s arrival as Roddy the Ruin brought a new level of intensity to the set. Known for his commanding voice and fierce screen presence, he quickly established himself as a formidable figure in Season 3. Frankel admitted: “I got scared when Tommy Flanagan gives it… when Tommy gives his voice, ’cause he can. Tommy’s got it about him. But it’s pretty amazing, to be honest.” His words underline how Flanagan’s portrayal added raw power to the Winter Wolves storyline, making him one of the season’s most memorable additions.
Fabien Frankel talks living his boyhood dreams with #HouseOfTheDragon battle scenes — and admits Tommy Flanagan (aka "Roddy the Ruin") is quite scary! ⚔️
Full interview 🔗: https://t.co/Z58MJ7wb7R pic.twitter.com/gK7Rb6LMul
— ExtraTV (@extratv) June 9, 2026
Privileged to play knightly battles
For Frankel, acting alongside Flanagan wasn’t just intimidating—it was a reminder of why he became an actor. He reflected on how the experience connected to childhood dreams: “I have to say that stuff is… those days, some stuff this season, you do really feel very privileged to be in the position to get to do that stuff. ’Cause, you know, as a kid, that’s the stuff you watch movies and imagine being a knight in that, you know? So yes, it is.”
Read next: Fabien Frankel hints Criston Cole might get more unhinged in House of the Dragon Season 3
Add WoT as a preferred source on Google.

















![[Book Review] The Blade Itself (The First Law Trilogy) by Joe Abercrombie](https://bendthekneegot.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/1516047103_maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)











