'House of the Dragon' Star Incites Firestorm Over Creative Decisions!

Recent content from Collider offers a dual focus: an exclusive interview with Fabian Frankel about his controversial character Ser Criston Cole in HBO's House of the Dragon, and an engaging interactive quiz challenging readers' survival instincts across iconic sci-fi universes.

Fabian Frankel, the actor portraying Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon, has openly shared his candid thoughts on his character's turbulent journey. Cole's reputation has significantly deteriorated throughout the series, evolving from a once-sympathetic figure to one of the show's most divisive characters due to his choices, shifting loyalties, and tendency to exacerbate situations. During a junket interview with BlackGirlNerds for House of the Dragon Season 3, Frankel expressed a desire for Criston to become more likable. He recounted how attempts to infuse humanity into the character were often cut by writers Ryan and Sarah, who seemingly prefer to maintain Criston's 'unlikable' persona. This sentiment echoes broader criticisms, including those from A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin, who has publicly voiced concerns over changes made in House of the Dragon Season 2.

Frankel also questioned the very notion of Criston Cole's 'code.' He described it as constantly shifting: initially supporting Rhaenyra with a code of honor, then abandoning it after becoming a Kingsguard and engaging in illicit affairs, and later betraying Alicent despite being on her team. This inconsistency, Frankel notes, makes it difficult to pinpoint any stable moral compass for the character. When asked about Criston's deepest, unexpressed desires, Frankel suggested that the character might simply wish for a chance to restart, specifically regretting having accepted the position in the Kingsguard. He believes Criston was better suited as a soldier and was placed in a world he was ill-equipped to navigate. House of the Dragon Season 3 is set to premiere soon, with more details expected from Collider.

In a separate feature, Collider presents a 'Sci-Fi Survival Quiz' designed to determine which dystopian or futuristic world one's instincts are best suited for. The quiz explores five iconic universes: The Matrix, Mad Max, Blade Runner, Dune, and Star Wars, each presenting unique challenges and threats. Through eight thought-provoking questions, participants assess their approaches to sensing danger, resource management, confronting threats, dealing with authority, enduring harsh environments, forming alliances, defining morality, and identifying their ultimate purpose.

Upon completion, the quiz calculates a survival profile for each potential world:

• The Matrix: For the systems thinker who inherently questions reality and seeks to dismantle illusions. Such individuals are drawn to the Resistance, leveraging information and freedom to expose and break the system.
• Mad Max: Rewards those who are resilient, hard to kill, and unsentimental. Survivors in the wasteland prioritize a reliable vehicle, fuel, and the ability to outrun threats, maintaining a pragmatic decency amidst brutality.
• Blade Runner: Suited for individuals who can navigate moral ambiguities without losing their core identity. They are astute observers, distrustful, and keep their circle small, retaining functionality in a city where humanity is often redefined.
• Dune: Favors those with exceptional patience, discipline, and political acumen. These survivors understand the long game, learning the harsh logic of Arrakis and, over time, even reshaping its destiny.
• Star Wars: For those who find purpose in a grander cause, like the Rebellion. They are driven to fight against oppression and gravitate towards pockets of resistance, believing that the Empire's grip can be broken through unwavering commitment and action.