Olivia Cooke, the actress captivating audiences as Alicent Hightower inHouse of the Dragon, recently shared a story on BBC’sThe Claudia Winkleman Showthat left both the studio audience and her co-star reeling. It began as a harmless prank, a playful attempt to inject some levity into the intensity of filming a pivotal scene.
The scene required intimacy, necessitating the use of modesty padding. Cooke, known for her mischievous spirit on set, decided to take things a step further. She requested a remarkably realistic, and generously proportioned, pubic hairpiece – a fiery red merkin designed to match her own hair. She envisioned a moment of comedic surprise.
What unfolded, however, was far from the laughter she anticipated. Her scene partner, Fabien Frankel, who plays Ser Criston Cole, was utterly stunned. He didn’t react with amusement, but with genuine shock and, according to Cooke, visible disgust. He actually recoiled, leaping away as if confronted by something truly horrifying.
Cooke was immediately mortified. She questioned whether she’d crossed a line, even fearing accusations of inappropriate behavior. “I was like, ‘Surely you’ve seen pubes before?’” she recounted, bewildered by his reaction. Frankel, it seemed, was genuinely convinced the hairpiece was real, and the experience left him deeply unsettled.
The actress described Frankel as “stricken with anxiety” by the unexpected sight. The prank, intended as a lighthearted moment, had inadvertently triggered a strong emotional response. It was a stark reminder of how easily intentions can be misconstrued, and how deeply personal reactions can be.
Despite the initial distress, the story resonated with many. Fellow guest Michelle de Swarte enthusiastically supported Cooke’s boldness, declaring a desire to “bring back pubes.” Online, fans shared their amusement, celebrating Cooke’s audacity and the unexpected fallout.
The incident offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of a major television production, revealing the unexpected challenges and humorous moments that can arise during the creation of epic fantasy. AsHouse of the Dragonprepares for its third season, the story serves as a memorable anecdote from the set, a testament to the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the power of a well-executed – or perhaps, slightly miscalculated – prank.
Season three promises to deliver even more dramatic conflict, including the brutal Battle of the Gullet, a pivotal naval engagement in the history of Westeros. The series, now confirmed to span four seasons, continues to build momentum, captivating audiences with its intricate political maneuvering and breathtaking spectacle.
