Fabien Frenkel, who plays the contemptuous kingsguard knight Ser Criston Cole on House of the Dragon, recently sat down with The New York Times and had a lot to say about his character’s journey. When asked if Cole still has feelings for Rhaenyra, Frankel had this to say:
"First love is first love. I think everyone will always love the person that they fell in love with for the first time. From the first time you hear a beautiful piece of music, you’ll always love it, even if you’ve heard it a hundred times, because you remember that first time you heard it. So yeah, he will always love Rhaenyra."
Cole certainly did not take Rhaenyra’s rejection well; in fact, he beat a man to death because he was so salty about it. He’s now taken a central role in the faction that opposes Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne, and things are not going to get better.
Criston Cole played a large part in Episode 9, drawing first blood in the coming war by smashing Lord Beesbury’s head onto the small council table. Frankel did not reveal if Cole committed this murder on purpose and said that he wants to leave it up for fans to decide. He did comment on being the one to crown King Aegon II, fulfilling his book nickname of “kingmaker”:
"I think he sees it as his duty, by proxy of being Alicent’s sworn protector, to protect these boys. He’s been very close to a father figure to them. Criston Cole taught these kids to fight, taught these kids respect."
Fabian Frankel is “team green” all the way on House of the Dragon
Criston seems particularly close to Aemond, with whom he spends much of Episode 9 tracking down the missing Prince Aegon. The interviewer opined that Cole and Aemond are two of the cooler characters on the green side of things, which pleased Frankel. “Oh, mate, I’m loving you saying that,” he said. “I’m very Team Green, and proud of it. That’s kind of how I’m programmed to think now. I’m glad to hear there’s some love for the Greens out there. I think we are a force to be reckoned with. It’s a good solid crew. I’d back us in a street fight.”
With the war ready to kick off, I would not want to mess with Aemond or Criston, not after all the time they’ve spent training in the courtyard. And Criston is growing more bitter as time passes. “The sourness and bitterness of this world has washed off on him. You are your surroundings; you are the people you’re surrounded by. Ser Criston happens to be surrounded by an incredibly ambitious group of very Machiavellian human beings whose sole ambition is power. Eventually, you go; ‘Well, that’s the life I live. That’s what I am now. I’m in too deep.'”
Criston’s role will be important going forward. It also looks like he will be taking over as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard now that Harrold Westerling turned in his white cloak.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels