House of the Dragon fans have long speculated about a deeper connection between Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower, and actor Fabien Frankel has now addressed the popular theory head-on.
When asked whether he was aware that audiences ship the two characters as a couple, Frankel gave a thoughtful and open response.
“I am not aware of it, but Freddie Fox and I are aware of our feelings about Gwayne and Cole. I don’t know that the writers feel necessarily that that’s something they want out there, but I will speak on behalf of Freddie and myself: We back that belief as far as people want to take it.”
Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower (Credits: Instagram/Fabien Frankel)
More than just camaraderie
Frankel went further when discussing a specific moment in which Gwayne invites Criston to live with him in Oldtown. According to the actor, both he and Freddie Fox (who plays Gwayne) have explored the emotional undercurrents of that offer.
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“Freddie did absolutely see that. Freddie has felt that way; there’s definitely an arc that Freddie has been aware of. I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but certainly he and I have had conversations about Gwayne’s feelings for Cole, and that they have developed into more than just camaraderie and a professional working relationship.”
The comments suggest that the actors themselves have discussed a potential romantic or deeply affectionate layer to the relationship, even if the show has left it largely subtextual.
Actors supporting the fans
Frankel’s willingness to “back that belief” is notable. Rather than dismissing the fan interpretation, he and Fox appear to have embraced the idea that Gwayne’s regard for Criston may run deeper than simple friendship or wartime alliance.
Their private conversations about the characters’ dynamic give additional weight to the reading that many viewers have already latched onto. Frankel’s comments now confirm that the actors share at least some of that interest.
