The premiere of House of the Dragon season 2 brought a few surprises for viewers, beyond the shocking murder that occurred. One of the key surprises was the unexpected developments in the relationship between Queen Alicent Hightower and Ser Criston Cole, both members of Team Green. Their interaction takes a romantic turn, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics at play in their characters’ lives.
Actress Olivia Cooke, who portrays Queen Alicent, provides insights into her character’s mindset during this new relationship. Alicent, who married at a young age and became a mother soon after, finds herself experiencing passion for the first time. Cooke describes Alicent’s feelings as a mix of teenage excitement and long-held fantasies finally coming to life. The loss of her husband, Viserys Targaryen, plays a significant role in fueling this newfound passion, as grief and confusion give way to a desire to seize the moment.
Showrunner Ryan Condal sheds light on the decision to explore the relationship between Alicent and Criston, despite it not being part of the original source material. He emphasizes the importance of introducing the characters in an intimate setting, showcasing their desires and vulnerabilities. This creative choice sets the stage for the evolving dynamics among the characters and the challenges they will face as the story progresses.
Cooke and Fabien Frankel, who plays Ser Criston Cole, highlight the role of intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey in choreographing their scenes together. Cooke views the intimate scenes as a form of choreography, emphasizing the professional nature of their work. Despite the expectations set by the history of Game of Thrones, Cooke is relieved that the scenes focus on character development rather than gratuitous content.
The behind-the-scenes dynamics between Cooke and Frankel add a layer of lightheartedness to their intense scenes. Cooke recalls moments of laughter and camaraderie, even in the midst of emotionally challenging scenes. Their ability to balance heartbreak with humor reflects a strong rapport between the actors, enhancing the authenticity of their on-screen chemistry.
As Cooke reflects on her experience filming House of the Dragon, she acknowledges the challenges of delving into complex character arcs. The decision to cut a bedroom scene due to concerns about character development prompts Cooke to consider the balance between storytelling and cinematic expectations. Despite these challenges, Cooke and Frankel’s on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie bring depth to their characters’ evolving dynamics.
House of the Dragon season 2 premiere offers a nuanced exploration of character relationships, particularly focusing on the unexpected bond between Queen Alicent and Ser Criston. The creative decisions behind the plot, coupled with the actors’ commitment to authenticity and emotional depth, elevate the storytelling to new heights. As the season unfolds, viewers can expect to witness the intricate interplay of desire, loyalty, and vulnerability among the characters, setting the stage for a compelling narrative journey.
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