Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightower may be fighting on the same side, but that does not mean they see the world the same way. In a joint interview with ScreenRant, Fabien Frankel and Freddie Fox reflected on the evolving relationship between the two characters, explaining why their partnership becomes increasingly strained as the war drags on. While the actors formed a close friendship behind the scenes, the men they play are heading in very different directions.
Quick read
- Fabien Frankel discussed Criston and Gwayne’s dynamic.
- Criston views Gwayne as entitled.
- The pair come from different worlds.
Criston sees Gwayne as everything he is not
The relationship begins with two men who could not be more different. One is a self-made knight who earned every step of his rise. The other comes from one of the most powerful families in Westeros.
Discussing that divide with ScreenRant, Fabien Frankel said:
“Chalk and cheese, man. They’re chalk and cheese. They come from completely different worlds, have completely different opinions. And I think that comes to fruition. There’s an entitlement, I think. Criston thinks to Gwayne that, especially in their first encounter, he’s very condescending and, famously, Criston Cole isn’t one to forget. So I don’t know if that’s going to bode well for their future, but love Freddie Fox.”
Frankel’s comments highlight why tensions develop so naturally between the pair. Criston immediately notices traits in Gwayne that irritate him, particularly what he perceives as arrogance and privilege.
Add WoT as a preferred source on Google.
HBO
Different views of war push the friendship to its limit
As the campaign continues, Gwayne begins to see the conflict differently than Criston. Freddie Fox told ScreenRant that Gwayne still believes there is something worth fighting for, even when those around him begin surrendering to despair.
Reflecting on Gwayne’s mentality, Fox said:
“I think yes, that’s a very good read on it. I think he feels more responsible, in a way, because I think he feels like he can keep everyone alive. I think he feels there’s something still to live for.”
Fox also explained that the growing divide between the two men comes down to fundamentally different philosophies:
“I think the developing relationship as the two characters becomes very strained. And it becomes very strained because they have two completely different views on how this war should go. And that obviously is tested to breaking point.”
