Fabien Frankel has left House of the Dragon after his character, Criston Cole, was abruptly killed at the start of season three’s sixth episode. The death is notable because Criston had been a central and divisive figure in the conflict, yet was denied the heroic final duel he sought and instead killed by three arrows.

Frankel said playing Criston brought both opportunities and difficulties, particularly because intense audience criticism of the character could feel personal. He described relief at finishing the role and said recent reactions have been more appreciative after years of hostility; he had watched only the opening death scene before the interview, partly from anxiety about his performance.