‘House of the Dragon’ Star Fabien Frankel on Criston Cole’s Suicide Mission and His ‘Nihilism’: ‘He’s Losing the Will to Motivate’
In the latest episode of HBO’s hit series, House of the Dragon, Ser Criston Cole (played by Fabien Frankel) finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating a suicide mission to capture the Iron Throne. The war to claim the throne rages on, and Criston, along with his men, including Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox), sets out to stop the Rivermen from reaching King’s Landing and aiding Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). However, their journey becomes increasingly difficult after one of their horses gets caught in a trap, and they are left with no choice but to regroup and reassess their plan.
A Conversation with Fabien Frankel
Popular on Variety, Fabien Frankel sat down with Variety to break down Criston’s suicide mission, his character’s nihilism, and what fans can expect from the upcoming Butcher’s Ball. Frankel explained that Criston’s thoughts of mortality and legacy have been brewing inside of him since the midpoint of Season 2. ‘These thoughts of, “What am I going to be, and what’s the legacy I’m going to leave behind? In what way do I want to go out?” I suppose that really comes to a head in that fire scene with Gwayne.’
Criston Cole, as a character, has always been driven by a sense of duty and honor. He sees himself as a soldier, and being a soldier is ‘the only honest version of himself.’ Everything else, including being a diplomat or the Hand of the King, is merely a pretense. Frankel explained that Criston finds a sense of purpose and meaning in his role as a soldier, and it is this that drives him to continue fighting. ‘He’s not waiting for Gwayne to figure it out, it’s not a game. Certainly, I didn’t think of it as a game. I think he just knew that as soon as he told Gwayne, that would create a lack of desire to continue.’
Criston’s relationship with Gwayne is a complex one. On the surface, Gwayne appears to be everything that Criston disdains in this world. However, beneath this façade lies a deep and genuine friendship between the two men. Frankel explained that their relationship is built on the foundation of their shared experiences as soldiers, and the bonds that they have formed through their time in battle. ‘You hear any soldier talk about their time in the war, in any war, and they’ll say the relationships they formed are closer than anything you can possibly imagine because you’re living through life and death with these people.’
Criston’s nihilism is a theme that runs throughout the series. He has come to realize that the war is ultimately futile, and that the outcome will be decided by forces beyond his control. Frankel explained that this nihilism is a result of Criston’s growing disillusionment with the world around him. ‘There’s a freedom that comes with nihilism, to a degree. This is a character who, at least at the top of Season 2 and toward the end of Season 3, surrendered himself to the notion that the war is over.’
In terms of what fans can expect from the upcoming Butcher’s Ball, Frankel remained tight-lipped. However, he did hint that Criston’s character will continue to evolve and grow throughout the series. ‘I think I have found it easier to tap into the humanity of him. It’s difficult, you can’t undo his actions. He’s done the things that he’s done, and those things have been, at times, very morally reprehensible or questionable, to say the least.’
Frankel’s portrayal of Criston Cole has been widely praised for its complexity and nuance. He has managed to bring depth and humanity to a character who is often seen as one-dimensional. Through his performances, Frankel has shown that even the most flawed and morally reprehensible characters can be relatable and sympathetic.
