In a piece published on September 6, 2025, Yahoo reports that House of the Dragon star Olivia Cooke has addressed the darker side of fandom that has followed the HBO series. Cooke, who plays Alicent Hightower, said some reactions have been “f—ing horrible.” She’s frustrated by the expectation that actors must endure hateful behavior. She added that the cast leans on one another when the discourse turns ugly.
Cooke doesn’t understand why Alicent provokes such hostility. She tries to portray the queen with complexity rather than contempt. Still, she’s had strangers approach her, snap a photo, and say they “hate” her character — sometimes in jest, sometimes with malice. As House of the Dragon continues to dominate the conversation, the actress is drawing a line on where criticism ends and personal abuse begins.
Even so, Cooke stresses that it isn’t all toxic. She’s grateful that Emma D’Arcy receives deserved support, and she praises Matt Smith’s calm in the storm. She credits his Doctor Who years for preparing him for intense fandom. Her message lands as the show heads toward Season 3.
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Why ‘House of the Dragon’ Fandom Discourse Matters
The Yahoo report also notes that the show’s creative choices have sparked debate, with even author George R.R. Martin publicly airing grievances about parts of Season 2 before later deleting those comments. For Cooke, that broader noise only underscores why she won’t “bow down” to the loudest, most hateful voices — while still embracing thoughtful critique.
What’s Next for House of the Dragon
According to the same report, Season 3 of House of the Dragon is expected to arrive in 2026. Cooke hopes the conversation shifts toward the work — not harassment — as Westeros returns to HBO and Max. In short, House of the Dragon star Olivia Cooke addresses fan hate while championing co‑stars who handle it with grace.
Bottom line: The House of the Dragon cast deserves engaged discussion, not abuse — and Cooke’s candor offers a timely reminder as anticipation builds for Season 3.
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