Warning: House of the Dragon season 2 spoilers ahead
After what felt like, frankly, forever, viewers were finally treated to the second season of House of the Dragon - the spinoff series from the beloved Game of Thrones.
Now, while many fans of the fantasy-drama were beyond buzzing to sink their teeth into the latest instalment, it's clear that others had some proper difficulty with one character in particular.
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Fabien Frankel, who plays Criston Cole in the TV series, has since been forced to take action after receiving an onslaught of abuse from seemingly confused fans.
In the latest series, Criston turns against Rhaenyra Targaryen after getting tangled up in a romantic relationship with Alicent Hightower.
Oh yeah, and he also steals Otto Hightower‘s job as Hand of the King.
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And since seeing Criston's antics play out, a bunch of die-hard House of the Dragon fans were to bring their hatred for his character to Fabien in real life, prompting him to 'limit' his Instagram comments.
One faithful Game of Thrones fan account urged: "Fabien Frankel has now limited his comments on Instagram due to harassment.
"Please remember to separate the character from the actor. Fabien has done a wonderful job portraying Ser Criston Cole and he deserves praise for it."
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The X account attached a screenshot of some of the comments Frankel was subjected to on Instagram with one reading: "How did you go from being the most liked character and became the worst character in GOT history?"
A second hit out: "Where were you when heir to the throne was murdered?"
"Man I hope someone jumps this guy," slammed a third while a fourth lashed out: "I hate you Criston."
And a final Instagram user echoed: "I hate you."
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Fans of the actor were quick to rush to his defence and pointing out the bleeding obvious that he is simply playing a fictional character on an equally fictional TV show.
One X user penned: "How people can't separate actors from characters is baffling."
"People are so parasocial towards fictional characters man jesus christ," quipped a second.
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A third chimed in: "It's a shame people often forget to separate the character from the actor."
"Some people can’t differentiate between fiction and reality," pointed out a fourth while another urged: "Hate his character but damn leave the guy alone lol."
And a final X user praised: "He's so amazing at his job that people are made at the actor because of the character.
"Testament to the fantastic writing."
Indeed.
House of the Dragon season 2 is currently available to watch on NOW TV.
Topics: Game Of Thrones, TV And Film, Celebrity
Rhiannon Ingle