House of the Dragon Season 3 is finally here, and one of the show’s most hated characters is about to get a deeper backstory. Fabien Frankel, who plays Ser Criston Cole, recently teased that the upcoming season will “flesh out” details about his character’s mysterious past. The third season premieres on HBO on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET.
Since his introduction in Season 1, Criston Cole has become one of the most polarizing figures in the series. He started as Rhaenyra Targaryen’s lover, but after she rejected his marriage proposal, he turned against her with a vengeance that has only grown stronger. His snide comments and unfair treatment of Rhaenyra’s children have made him a villain in the eyes of many viewers.
What Frankel Said About Criston’s Past
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Frankel opened up about what fans can expect in Season 3. He revealed that the show will finally explore aspects of Criston’s life that have remained hidden until now.
“There’s a lot that’s not talked about and I think that will be fleshed out more this season about his past. And opposed to some of the other characters in the show, you meet them very early in their lives or at least all of their pasts prior to the story are alluded to in the story. Whereas, I think, with Cole, all you know is that he was a soldier and that’s it, and then he’s put into this world.”
Frankel also pointed out two unexplored time periods that could shed light on Criston’s motivations. The first is his life before the story began. The second is the 20-year gap between Episode 5 and Episode 6 of Season 1.
“To me, the thing is, one, his past prior to the story beginning and, two, the 20-year gap that took place between episode five of season 1 and episode six of season 1 are unexplored time periods. And if you fill those time periods with your own, you fabricate your own story that helps enlighten your version of this character or your view on him.”
What We Already Know About Criston Cole
Currently, very little is known about Criston’s background. He is the son of a steward for House Dondarrion and comes from the Dornish Marches. He served as a foot soldier for a long time before being knighted and arriving at King’s Landing.
Unlike other characters like Daemon, Aemond, and Aegon, whose pasts and motivations have been explored in detail, Criston has remained somewhat of a mystery. The show has offered glimpses of his bitterness and resentment, but the reasons behind his transformation from an honorable knight to a ruthless enforcer have never been fully explained.
Will Criston Cole Get Even Worse in Season 3?
Frankel also hinted that Criston’s controversial behavior might reach new extremes in Season 3. When asked about the character’s future, the actor suggested that fans who are already frustrated with Criston should brace themselves.
“I’m excited for people to see what Criston Cole gets up to in season three. If you’ve got worries now, watch the next eight episodes, I think.”
Frankel admitted that even he finds the character frustrating at times. When a host mentioned that Criston “gets on my nerves,” Frankel laughed and replied, “Me too. More than I would like to, okay?”
Adding Humanity to a Villain
Despite playing one of the show’s most disliked characters, Frankel has tried to find moments of humanity in Criston. But those moments don’t always make it to the final cut.
“They cut it. Anytime we try to bring a little bit of humanity to the thing, Ryan and Sarah just want me f*cking really down and dumped.”
The actor also playfully admitted that he had hoped Criston would be more likable in Season 3. He joked that the writers seem intent on keeping the character unpopular.
“Man, I know. I also wanted to. It was a turn I didn’t expect, but the writers want to keep me unsympathetic.”
What’s Coming in Season 3
Season 2 ended with both Targaryen factions preparing for war. Criston is still leading the Greens’ army alongside Gwayne Hightower. As the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and Hand of the King, he holds immense power.
Frankel has described playing Criston as a “great pleasure” despite the character’s flaws. He noted that it is rewarding to portray morally questionable characters because it allows him to explore the justifications behind their actions.
The actor also shared a favorite memory from filming Season 3: working with Freddie Fox, who plays Gwayne Hightower. Frankel called Fox “an extraordinary movie buff” and said spending time with him on set was “really great.”
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What This Means for the Series
Criston’s complicated past and his role in the civil war are about to take center stage. The new season will offer a more complete picture of who he is and why his motives have become so twisted. With the war escalating and tensions rising, understanding Criston’s character could make his actions and inevitable fate much more impactful.
House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET on HBO and Max. New episodes will air weekly.
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