Fabien Frankel is opening up about the journey of Criston Cole on House of the Dragon. Portraying a complex villain isn’t easy, and Frankel believes Cole’s arc needed more depth on screen. Fans will soon get more of that nuance, as Frankel hints at a richer portrayal in the coming seasons.
Quick read:
• Frankel discusses Criston Cole’s three-dimensional journey
• Season 3 promises more depth for Cole
• Actor values authentic, complex villain roles
Striving for More Than a Villain
For Fabien Frankel, playing Criston Cole means going beyond standard villain tropes. He believes Cole’s character wasn’t fully developed in the early episodes of House of the Dragon. As Fabien explains (via Esquire), “It never felt like it was ironed out on House of Dragon in the right way… there were moments in season 2 where you got to see more of that three-dimensionality [from Cole], and there will be more in season 3.
Not that that’s a spoiler, but it’s something you fight so much for as an actor—especially if you’re playing a villain—is for things not to be two-dimensional. And I felt so lucky that Grasso is such a three-dimensional character.”
Credit: Max
For Frankel, it’s all about pushing for growth and realism. Season 3 looks set to bring the richer storytelling he craves for the controversial knight.
The Challenge of Complexity
Frankel is quick to draw parallels between his work in House of the Dragon and other roles. He champions scripts that don’t settle for flat villain archetypes. Instead, he pushes for authenticity. The actor feels grateful for characters full of internal conflict—who evolve as their worlds shift. With Season 3 already anticipated, Frankel’s dedication ensures viewers can expect a Criston Cole even more layered and real.
Read next: House of the Dragon Season 3 Delay: Why We Might Not See It Until Late 2026
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