Fabien Frankel has never shied away from the controversy surrounding his portrayal of Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon. In a new interview with Variety, the actor explained why he cannot view Cole through the same lens as fans who see him as a villain. For Frankel, embodying the character means defending his choices and motivations, even when they are morally questionable.
Quick read
- Criston Cole embraces a suicide mission in Season 3.
- Frankel says Cole is losing the will to motivate.
- He sees Cole’s soldier identity as his truest self.
Criston Cole’s suicide mission
In Season 3 Episode 5, Criston Cole declares he is ready to die honorably, leading his men — including Gwayne Hightower — into a near‑impossible march against the Rivermen. His monologue reveals a man defined by oaths and devotion, determined to die as “the realm’s greatest warrior” rather than return rejected and diminished.
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Frankel on defending Cole
Frankel acknowledged the polarizing fan reaction but explained his approach: “I can only understand why people feel how they feel about him as a character. It’s tricky for me as an actor, because obviously, I just don’t see him in that way. It serves no purpose for me to see him in that way. You always have to be the bastion of your character, and I feel very much the bastion of Criston Cole.”
Soldier as the “honest version”
Frankel described Cole’s soldier identity as the only authentic version of himself. Diplomatic roles, titles, and positions of power are all “pretense,” but wielding a sword and fighting in battle is how Cole wants to be remembered
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Read next: There is no glory left in Criston Cole’s increasingly apocalyptic war
