Olivia Cooke Fires Back at ‘House of the Dragon’ Fan Backlash- “It makes me really angry”

In the sprawling world of Westeros, few television series
have captivated audiences and ignited fervent debate quite like HBO’s House
of the Dragon. As fans have navigated the intricate web of Targaryen family
drama and political intrigue, their reactions have been as varied and
impassioned as the characters themselves. While some have embraced the nuanced
portrayals, others have turned their intensity on the cast, particularly those
playing the more controversial figures. The sheer force of this
backlash, a torrent of online vitriol and in-person confrontation, has left
some performers deeply affected. Olivia Cooke, however, is not taking the
criticism sitting down.

Putting her foot down where reel ends and real begins, Olivia Cooke has a lot to say about the backlash that she faced.

Olivia Cooke gives it back to the haters

About the constant witch hunt against actors, Olivia Cooke expressed her anger, “It makes me really angry”, stating that actors should not have to
tolerate such debased behavior, both online and in person. The former Bates
Motel star added during the interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she
is not exactly sure why her character of Alicent, is so controversial among
fans. She recalled instances of people approaching her for a picture and then
saying they “hate” her character, sometimes with clear malice.

Olivia Cooke finds it strange that her portrayal of Alicent
has stirred such strong reactions. She explained in the interview that she
plays the character with as much complexity as possible and does not intend to
portray her negatively. She also shared how her co-stars have handled the
intense scrutiny. This highlights the challenge actors face when their nuanced
performances are misconstrued as an endorsement of their character’s
questionable actions.

Despite the drama, the actors are now looking toward the future of the series,
with many returning to reprise their roles.

House of the Dragon Season 3- Production and release

Production for House of the Dragon season 3 is well
underway in the UK, with reports indicating filming began in early 2025 and is
scheduled to conclude in October. The new season is expected to be more
expansive, focusing on the full-blown civil war known as the Dance of the
Dragons. Showrunner Ryan Condal has teased that the upcoming episodes will
feature intensified action scenes and adapt key moments from the source
material, Fire & Blood. A premiere in mid-to-late 2026 seems likely,
given the extensive post-production required for the show’s intricate visual
effects.

The third season will see amazing casting as done in season 2 and some returning stars, too,
including Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, and Olivia Cooke, as the conflict between
their characters escalates. Several new actors have also joined the cast in
pivotal roles, further expanding the already sprawling ensemble. While specific
plot details are under wraps, fans can expect the war for the Iron Throne to
bring significant battles and a heightened level of drama, as promised by the
show’s creative team.

What do you think about Olivia Cooke’s powerful response to her
fans? Let us know in the comments below.