How Does Criston Cole Die in House of The Dragon? Who Played Criston Cole in House of The Dragon?
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Updated Jul 03, 2024
How Does Criston Cole Die in House of The Dragon?
In "House of the Dragon," Criston Cole narrowly avoids death when Baela Velaryon chases him on her dragon, Moondancer, in season two, episode three. This differs from his fate in George R. R. Martin's book "Fire and Blood," where he dies at the "Butcher's Ball."
In the book, during the Targaryen civil war, Cole tries to surrender to his enemies but is killed by archers led by Ser Garibald Grey, Ser Pate of Longlead, and Lord Roderick Dustin. They mount his head on a spear, a brutal end echoing the harsh tone of "Game of Thrones."
Who Played Criston Cole in House of The Dragon?
In "House of the Dragon," Ser Criston Cole is portrayed by British actor Fabien Joseph Frankel. Frankel, born on April 6, 1994, in West London, is known for his role in this HBO fantasy series, which debuted in 2022. He comes from a diverse background: his father, English actor Mark Frankel, and his mother, Italian-French advertising executive Caroline Besson.
Frankel pursued his acting education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) before landing his prominent role in "House of the Dragon.
Why Did Ser Criston Kill The Knight of Kisses?
Ser Criston Cole killed Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, known as the Knight of Kisses, in "House of the Dragon". After having a romantic affair with Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Criston was devastated when she chose duty and marriage to Ser Laenor Velaryon over him.
Feeling betrayed and ashamed for breaking his vows as a Kingsguard, Criston's anger boiled over when confronted by Ser Joffrey, who knew about the affair. In a fit of rage and emotional turmoil, Criston violently attacked Ser Joffrey during a brawl at Rhaenyra's wedding, tragically ending the Knight of Kisses' life in a moment of uncontrollable fury and despair.
House of the Dragon: Season 2
Season 2 of "House of the Dragon," based on George R.R. Martin’s book "Fire & Blood," consists of eight episodes. It premiered with "A Son for a Son" on June 16, 2024, airing on HBO and Max, and concluded with its finale on August 4, 2024.
The series is set in the world of Westeros and explores the tumultuous history of the Targaryen dynasty during the Dance of the Dragons civil war. Themes of power, betrayal, and ambition play out as different factions compete for control of the Iron Throne.
House of the Dragon: Season 2 Plot
After King Aegon II becomes king and Queen Rhaenyra's son dies, House Targaryen splits into two groups. Aegon II rules from King's Landing with Queen Alicent and the Green Council supporting him. They have the strongest dragon in Westeros protecting them. Meanwhile, Queen Rhaenyra and her Black Council plan their next moves from exile on Dragonstone.
The kingdom is on the brink of civil war as both sides gather support from powerful noble families across Westeros. They are building armies and gathering dragons to strengthen their positions. The conflict intensifies as each faction prepares for a decisive battle to seize control of the Iron Throne and determine the future of the Targaryen dynasty.
House of the Dragon: Season 2 Cast
Actor |
Character |
Matt Smith | Daemon Targaryen |
Emma D'Arcy | Rhaenyra Targaryen |
Olivia Cooke | Alicent Hightower |
Rhys Ifans | Otto Hightower |
Steve Toussaint | Corlys Velaryon |
Eve Best | Rhaenys Targaryen |
Fabien Frankel | Criston Cole |
Matthew Needham | Larys Strong |
Sonoya Mizuno | Mysaria |
Tom Glynn-Carney | Aegon II Targaryen |
Ewan Mitchell | Aemond Targaryen |
Phia Saban | Helaena Targaryen |
Harry Collett | Jacaerys Velaryon |
Bethany Antonia | Baela Targaryen |
Phoebe Campbell | Rhaena Targaryen |
Jefferson Hall | Tyland Lannister / Jason Lannister |
Freddie Fox | Gwayne Hightower |
Gayle Rankin | Alys Rivers |
Kurt Egyiawan | Orwyle |
Abubakar Salim | Alyn of Hull |
Clinton Liberty | Addam of Hull |
Tom Bennett | Ulf |
Kieran Bew | Hugh |
Tom Taylor | Cregan Stark |
Ellora Torchia | Kat |
Sir Simon Russell Beale | Simon Strong |