Emilia Clarke was synonymous with dragons, destiny, and one of the most recognizable characters in modern television history for over a decade. She became a worldwide icon as Daenerys Targaryen on ‘Game of Thrones’, under the burden of a fantasy epic that transformed pop culture.
However, now, years after the controversial conclusion, she made it clear that this part of her life is closed. In a recent interview, Clarke has indicated that she has no urge to go back to the fantasy genre that brought her fame, however alluring or nostalgic it may appear to the outside world. Her choice is not based on bitterness or regrets, but because of what that experience required of her.
Emilia Clarke Is Prepared To Quit Fantasy Forever
In an interview with The New York Times, Clarke talked about her future in fantasy storytelling. She joked, but with unmistakable finality, that audiences are “highly unlikely” to ever see her on a dragon again, or even standing next to one. The humor was backed by a definite line that she has drawn around herself after living the majority of her twenties in one role. Between 2011 and 2019, Clarke could not live without Daenerys Targaryen.
The role was undoubtedly a huge success. However, it was accompanied by a lot of pressure, physical fatigue, and emotional stress. All this became particularly worse when Daenerys’ arc became darker in the last season. The fact that the character became the Mad Queen was hotly debated by fans. And Clarke has never been afraid of admitting the criticism. She has already confessed that she knows why viewers were furious.
Related: Emilia Clarke On The Exact Moment Daenerys’ Story On ‘Game Of Thrones’ Broke Her
However, as an actor, she explained, committing to a character for that long means fully inhabiting their journey, even when you personally struggle with where it leads. Clarke poured “blood, sweat, and tears” into Daenerys. So, she chose to respect the narrative she was presented with instead of fighting it. Such an investment is expensive. Clarke appears to be prepared for something more down-to-earth and more human after years of living in a world of fire, prophecy, and power. Leaving fantasy is not abandoning ‘Game of Thrones’; it is a survival strategy and a creative development.
Emilia Clarke’s Next Chapter Is Beyond Just Epic Worlds
Since ‘Game of Thrones’ ended, Clarke has deliberately avoided being boxed into one genre or archetype. Her post-Thrones work is indicative of her wish to experiment. Her projects are full of vulnerability, romance, humor, and moral complexity without the burden of epic mythology bearing her name. She has appeared in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, stretched her emotional muscles in ‘Me Before You’, and indulged in festive spirit for ‘Last Christmas’.
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Even her MCU debut with ‘Secret Invasion’ did not indulge in the fantasy elements that used to characterize her career. Instead, they show relief on espionage and paranoia. Clarke is currently taking her first big television lead since ‘GOT’ with ‘Ponies’, a spy thriller on Peacock. The series is a milestone not only for her career but also for her personal life. For Emilia Clarke, the fantasy genre provided her with all that she could have had, but demanded everything as well.
