Olivia Cooke, who portrays Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon, recently spoke candidly about the intense criticism cast members have faced from fans. Following the global success of the Game of Thrones prequel, viewers have not hesitated to share strong opinions on the show’s direction, particularly in Season 2. Cooke described some comments as “f—ing horrible,” highlighting the emotional toll such feedback can have on actors.
Despite the negativity, Cooke emphasized the support among the cast, explaining that the actors rely on each other to navigate the pressures of a passionate fanbase. “Thankfully, we’ve all experienced it in our own way, and we’ve got each other, which doesn’t make it right,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
Criticism vs. Targeted Hate
While constructive criticism is a natural part of any popular series, Cooke noted the difference between critique and personal attacks. Even George R.R. Martin himself shared some grievances about Season 2 before removing his comments. Cooke made it clear that actors are simply performing the story written for them, and being targeted for their roles can be deeply hurtful.
Co-Stars Handling the Spotlight
Cooke praised co-stars Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith for how they manage fan backlash. D’Arcy, who took over the role after the Season 1 time jump, has navigated questions about gendered award categories and fan expectations with grace. Smith, no stranger to passionate audiences from his time on Doctor Who, handles criticism with poise, letting it roll off without letting it affect him personally. Cooke described both as “fantastic and wonderful humans,” showing the importance of camaraderie on set.
Season 2 of House of the Dragon featured emotionally charged scenes between Alicent and Rhaenyra, highlighting the tension of the Targaryen civil war. Fans will have to wait until 2026 for Season 3, but the hope remains that the cast will face less vitriol in the future. In the meantime, viewers can revisit the first two seasons via HBO Max to catch up on the saga of House of the Dragon.
