Emilia Clarke Waves Goodbye To Fantasy Worlds Post-Game Of Thrones

Shaking Off the Dragon Scales

Emilia Clarke is making a bold move away from the fantasy genre after her legendary role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones. The actress, who soared to fame as the dragon-riding queen, confessed in a recent interview with The New York Times that she's ready to part ways with mythical creatures.

“You’re highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever again,” she asserted.

Game of Thrones was a massive part of Clarke's life, spanning eight seasons from 2011 to 2019. Her portrayal of Daenerys earned her four Emmy nominations. Yet, after years of living in a fantasy world, Clarke is eager to explore new territories.

New Beginnings in Espionage

While Clarke is venturing into new roles, she's particularly excited about her upcoming project – Peacock’s espionage series, Ponies. Transitioning back to TV was daunting for Clarke, as she explained that committing to a lead role felt monumental after her stint on Thrones and her subsequent focus on film roles.

“I was definitely, like… a lead in a TV show? I know what that commitment feels like,” Clarke revealed to the Times. This new chapter in her career comes after a reflective period during the pandemic, where she gained clarity on her post-Thrones path.

Finding Peace With the Past

Clarke has also come to terms with the bittersweet ending of Game of Thrones. Despite her initial annoyance at Daenerys's villainous turn in the finale, she now feels at peace with the storyline's conclusion. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2021, Clarke shared, “Daenerys has a part of my heart. She is in there, and I’ll never forget.”
Her journey through Westeros may be over, but Clarke's career is clearly headed in an exciting new direction.