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Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones (GoT) remains one of the most iconic performances in television history. Clarke, who played the Mother of Dragons, took on a role that not only earned her a dedicated fanbase but also solidified her as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses. But, now that the show has been over for several years, Emilia has had time to reflect on what her time in Westeros really meant to her. In a recent interview, she shared just how special and rare that period of her life was, acknowledging its importance as she continued her career in Hollywood.
1. The Impact of Game of Thrones on Emilia Clarke’s Career
Emilia Clarke first appeared on Game of Thrones in 2011 when the show made its debut on HBO. Based on George R.R. Martin’s epic A Song of Ice and Fire series, Game of Thrones quickly became a global phenomenon. The show was known for its complex characters, intricate political plots, and, of course, the dragons. Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, was one of the most complex and beloved characters in the series. Over the course of eight seasons, Daenerys evolved from a young, exiled princess into the powerful and often controversial “Mother of Dragons.”
Emilia Clarke’s role on Game of Thrones earned her critical acclaim, multiple award nominations, and international fame. She was nominated for several prestigious awards, including multiple Emmy Awards, Critics’ Choice Television Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys was universally praised for its depth, emotional range, and strength. The show was so influential that it opened doors for Emilia to pursue various other acting opportunities, including roles in the Terminator and Star Wars franchises, as well as starring in films like Above Suspicion and Last Christmas. Despite her success in other projects, Emilia Clarke has often spoken about her Game of Thrones experience as something that is irreplaceable.
2. Reflecting on Game of Thrones—A ‘Special and Rare’ Experience
In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, Emilia Clarke opened up about how she now views her time on Game of Thrones with the benefit of hindsight. She said, “The more distance I have from Game of Thrones, the more I can quantify it.” Reflecting on the early days of her career, Emilia revealed that when she first joined the show, she had no idea just how massive Game of Thrones would become. She added, “When I started, you don’t know what you’re doing, you don’t know what you’re surrounded by and you don’t know what you’re taking part in.”
At the time, Daenerys was only Emilia’s third professional role, and she didn’t fully grasp the global impact the series would have. But as time passed and the show grew in popularity, Emilia began to realize the immense privilege and rarity of the experience. She said, “Now, as more and more time goes between it and me doing it, the more I’m like, that was incredibly special and that was incredibly rare.”
For Emilia Clarke, her time on Game of Thrones wasn’t just a career milestone; it was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. It was an opportunity to play one of the most iconic characters in television history, and it provided her with a level of recognition and fame that few actors ever achieve. The love and support from Game of Thrones fans have followed her throughout her career, and she has spoken about how deeply grateful she is for the chance to have been part of something so extraordinary.
3. Emilia Clarke’s Career After Game of Thrones
While Game of Thrones may have ended in 2019, Emilia Clarke’s career didn’t stop there. In fact, since the show wrapped, she has taken on an array of diverse and exciting roles. She starred in the Terminator reboot, Terminator Genisys, and joined the Star Wars universe in Solo: A Star Wars Story, where she played the character Qi’ra. Despite the success of these big-budget films, Emilia has also ventured into smaller, independent projects, showing her versatility as an actress.
More recently, Emilia voiced the Queen of Hearts in the animated musical The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, which was released in the UK around Christmas 2024. The film features an impressive cast, including Gerard Butler and Simone Ashley of Bridgerton fame.
Looking forward, Emilia has several exciting projects on the horizon. She will star in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Criminal, alongside a talented cast that includes Charlie Hunnam, Adria Arjona, Ricky Lawless, and Kadeem Hardison. Additionally, she will feature in the Peacock series PONIES, and she is set to executive produce a Cold War spy thriller directed by Susanna Fogel, the mind behind The Flight Attendant, with David Iserson, known for Mr. Robot, writing the screenplay. These projects reflect Emilia’s commitment to continuing to explore different genres and styles of storytelling while staying true to her craft.
4. Emilia Clarke’s Lasting Connection to Game of Thrones
Despite her success in these new projects, Emilia Clarke has always been transparent about how much Game of Thrones means to her. The show remains a defining part of her career and life. From her friendships with the cast to the unforgettable experience of playing Daenerys, Emilia carries the legacy of Game of Thrones with her every step of the way.
As the years pass, the actress continues to treasure the moments she spent in Westeros and the ways in which the show shaped her career. In a world where the entertainment industry is constantly changing and evolving, the chance to be part of something as groundbreaking and significant as Game of Thrones is truly rare. For Emilia Clarke, that time in her life will always hold a special place in her heart.
In conclusion, Emilia Clarke’s reflection on her Game of Thrones experience shows just how much she values that chapter in her career. Looking back, she understands the rarity and significance of being part of such a groundbreaking show. As she continues to explore new roles and challenges in her acting career, the impact of Daenerys Targaryen will always be with her, making her journey as an actress even more extraordinary.
