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.

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.

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

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.

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