During the House of the Dragon FYC 2025 panel, actor Fabien Frankel offered a revealing perspective on his character Ser Criston Cole—arguably one of the most divisive figures in the series. When asked whether he feels defensive about Cole’s increasingly controversial actions, Frankel admitted that he constantly works to rationalize the character’s choices in his own head.
“I guess you’re always trying to like justify everything… as to why he makes the decisions that he makes,” Frankel said. “And I think there’s a lot.”
Quick read:
- Frankel says he constantly tries to justify Cole’s decisions.
- Cole feels trapped in a role he’s not suited for.
- He’s torn between Alicent and wanting to escape.
Stuck in a Role He Never Chose
Fabien Frankel pointed specifically to a pivotal moment in Episode 8 of Season 2, where Criston Cole shares what the actor calls “probably his most enlightened thoughts” about the life he’s been living. It’s a glimpse into the soul of a man who’s trapped—physically, emotionally, and politically—in a role he neither wanted nor feels equipped for.
“He’s a character who so wants to be away from this place,” Frankel noted. “He’s been firmly put in the middle of a job that I don’t think he’s particularly suited to.” This admission adds nuance to Cole’s aggressive and often unrelenting presence at court. Beneath the cold armor lies a man torn between love, duty, and disillusionment.
Torn Between Love and Escape
At the heart of Criston Cole’s inner battle is his connection to Queen Alicent Hightower. According to Fabien Frankel, that bond is both a tether and a trap. “I don’t think he wants to leave because he’s got these incredibly overwhelming feelings for Alicent,” he explained. “But then I also think there’s this huge desire to get out and no longer be confined to this very intense Machiavellian world.”
It’s this emotional push and pull that Frankel leans into while portraying Cole’s contradictory nature. While he didn’t fully condone all of Cole’s choices, Frankel emphasized that understanding the psychological weight behind them is crucial to playing the role with authenticity.
As Season 3 looms, Cole remains one of House of the Dragon’s most compelling enigmas—both feared and, in moments like this, unexpectedly human.
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