It Took ‘Distance’ For Emilia Clarke To Really Realize What She Had With Game Of Thrones Compared To Most Other Roles

Emilia Clarke‘s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in “Game of Thrones” significantly propelled her career at an early stage. Even though being the Mother of Dragons was only Clarke’s third acting assignment, she garnered extensive awards recognition and emerged as one of the most renowned figures on television during HBO’s airing of the fantasy series. Five years after the finale, the British actress reflects on appreciating what she actually possessed with the acclaimed show compared to most other roles.

The pathway to securing the part of Daenerys Targaryen in ‘Game of Thrones’ was not a smooth one for Emilia Clarke. She made her entry into the realm of Westeros when the unsuccessful initial pilot had already been filmed. Following several audition sessions in Soho and Los Angeles, executive producers found themselves battling to convince HBO to approve Clarke, who was then an unrecognized actress. In a bid to impress, she performed some extraordinary acts such as the chicken dance, eventually winning the role that would earn her a Primetime Emmy nomination and make her a member of House Targaryen.

Indeed, it’s a fact that Emilia Clarke’s years spent soaring with dragons have come to an end. Yet, in a chat with People, she looked back on her tenure on the HBO series and shared how some “distance” has deepened her gratitude for the experience.

As time passes since I last watched Game of Thrones, I find it easier to evaluate its complexity… Initially, when I first started watching, I had no idea about the dynamics, the environment, or my role within it.

Embarking on a fresh acting venture is often fraught with doubt, as history has demonstrated that even shows with dedicated fanbases can be terminated. However, the hit series Game of Thrones bucked this trend when it swiftly secured a renewal for Season 2 only days after its debut in 2011, which significantly boosted Emilia Clarke’s career. Her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen showcased her versatility to viewers, as she evolved from a fragile character at the start of the series to a powerful force across eight seasons.

As a devoted fan, it’s truly heartwarming to know that my love for “Game of Thrones” continues to resonate with the incredibly talented actress who brought Daenerys Targaryen to life. The immense popularity of the series has paved the way for Westeros to expand on HBO, with “House of the Dragon” entering its third season in production and another prequel series, “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” scheduled for release this year. Emilia Clarke, who portrayed Daenerys, confides that as more time elapses since her final scene, her connection to the show only deepens, keeping a piece of Westeros forever in her heart.

With each passing day since then, I find myself increasingly appreciating how unique and extraordinary that moment was.

It was equally captivating for viewers to witness Emilia Clarke excel at portraying George R.R. Martin’s iconic character. Though she will always be synonymous with Daenerys Targaryen from “Game of Thrones,” Clarke had a rich body of work beyond that series. For instance, she delivered heartwarming performances and brought tears to our eyes in romantic films such as “Me Before You” and “Last Christmas.

In a new turn of events, the actress from the “Terminator Genisys” has expanded her horizons by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in her upcoming TV show “Secret Invasion.” Moreover, she will provide her voiceover for the 2025 Netflix film “The Twits.” Don’t forget to look out for her upcoming crime drama series “Criminal,” which is scheduled to stream on Amazon Prime Video soon.

Even though Emilia Clarke has taken on new roles since her days on Game of Thrones, she needed to step back from the show in order to fully savor her experiences there. The affection that viewers continue to hold for this Golden Globe-nominated series remains strong, so you’re welcome to revisit characters like Daenerys Targaryen and others who stirred up trouble on Game of Thrones as part of your Max subscription.

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2025-01-08 08:08