Emilia Clarke, the name synonymous with the Targaryen legacy in Game of Thrones, has emerged as one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation. Yet, before she was ever crowned Queen of Dragons or graced the cover of magazines, Clarke’s journey to stardom was paved with early roles in short films, television appearances, and a relentless pursuit of her craft. This article takes an in-depth look at Clarke’s early filmography, focusing on her humble beginnings in short films, her breakthrough roles on television, and the steps she took to solidify her career in feature films. Through it all, Clarke’s trajectory is a testament to perseverance, raw talent, and a dedication to honing her craft, long before the world knew her as Daenerys Targaryen. 1. Beginnings in Short Films Before Emilia Clarke became a household name, she spent the early years of her acting career in the realm of short films. It is in these smaller, more intimate projects where Clarke’s early talent shone, allowing her to hone her skills as an actress while carving out a name for herself within the indie film community. One of her first notable appearances was in The Pearl (2009), a short film directed by Marc Munden. Based on a story by John Steinbeck, The Pearl is a gripping tale of greed, morality, and fate. Clarke portrayed the wife of the protagonist, Kino, a poor fisherman who finds a valuable pearl, only to have his life spiral into tragedy as he grapples with his newfound wealth. In this role, Clarke demonstrated a subtle, restrained performance, perfectly capturing the internal conflict of a woman who is both deeply connected to her husband and fearful of the changes his newfound fortune will bring. Although the film is a short, Clarke’s performance spoke volumes, showcasing her ability to evoke emotion and depth even in the shortest of time frames. Another significant early project was Shackled (2010), a psychological thriller in which Clarke played a young woman who is trapped in a prison-like relationship. In this film, Clarke’s performance was marked by intensity, channeling the internal struggle of a character who yearns for freedom but is bound by fear and circumstance. Shackled allowed Clarke to flex her dramatic muscles, portraying a character caught in a psychologically oppressive situation, and it helped her develop a reputation as an actress capable of delivering nuanced, complex performances. Working on these early short films was crucial for Clarke, as they allowed her to explore various genres, characters, and emotional landscapes. In an industry where breakout roles are often hard to come by, these indie projects provided her the opportunity to develop a range of acting techniques while also building relationships with directors, producers, and other actors. The experience of working in short films provided Clarke with invaluable insight into the mechanics of storytelling, character development, and performance – all of which would serve her well in her future career. 2. Television Breakthroughs It was in television that Emilia Clarke first garnered widespread attention, and it was here that her career took a dramatic turn. Before Game of Thrones made her a global sensation, Clarke appeared in a range of television projects, each of which helped solidify her acting chops and prepared her for the monumental role that would soon define her career. Clarke’s first significant television role came in 2009 with the British medical drama Doctors. In this series, she appeared in a handful of episodes, playing the character of Saskia, a young woman caught in a dramatic storyline. Although her appearance in Doctors was brief, it marked a critical point in her career, as it gave her exposure to a wider audience. The show itself was known for casting up-and-coming actors, and it served as a stepping stone for many in the British acting scene. In the same year, Clarke also appeared in an episode of the British sitcom Trial & Retribution, in which she played a small role. Again, her part was not significant in terms of screen time, but her performances in these early television roles allowed her to experiment with different types of characters, from comedy to drama, and it set the stage for more substantial opportunities in the future. However, it was 2011 when Clarke truly achieved her breakthrough in television with Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. When Clarke was cast as Daenerys Targaryen, the exiled princess with a destiny to rule, it was a role that would change the trajectory of her career forever. In many ways, Game of Thrones was the perfect platform for Clarke to demonstrate her versatility as an actress. Daenerys’s journey from a timid, vulnerable young girl to the powerful, determined “Mother of Dragons” spanned eight seasons, allowing Clarke to explore a wide range of emotional depth, from fear and uncertainty to the resolute strength of a leader. The role required Clarke to embody a character who was at times both vulnerable and fierce, compassionate and calculating, and she rose to the challenge with a combination of grace and power. What set Clarke apart from many other actresses in the series was her ability to convey the complexity of her character’s internal world. Daenerys was not merely a fantasy heroine; she was a woman grappling with the weight of her destiny, the burden of power, and the personal cost of leadership. Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys earned her critical acclaim, with many noting how she brought emotional depth and humanity to a character who, on paper, could easily have become a two-dimensional figure of power and ambition. But even in the midst of her Game of Thrones fame, Clarke continued to seek out diverse roles in other television projects. For instance, she appeared in Fargo (2017), the critically acclaimed anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name. In the third season of Fargo, Clarke played the role of a mysterious character caught in a complex web of crime and deceit. Although her role in Fargo was a departure from the high fantasy of Game of Thrones, it showcased her ability to navigate different genres and prove her versatility beyond the fantasy world. Throughout her early career, Clarke showed a deep commitment to working across a variety of genres and formats, whether it was drama, crime, or period pieces. These television roles provided her with an opportunity to refine her craft while steadily building a reputation as one of the most promising actresses of her generation. 3. Transition to Feature Films Following her meteoric rise to fame with Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke made the natural transition into feature films. As she moved into Hollywood’s more glamorous spotlight, Clarke faced the challenge of establishing herself as a leading lady outside of the fantasy genre. Her early film roles would not only allow her to step out from the shadow of Daenerys Targaryen but also demonstrate her ability to tackle a variety of film genres, from romance to drama to sci-fi. One of her earliest feature film roles came in 2015 with Terminator Genisys, a science fiction action film directed by Alan Taylor. Clarke played the role of Sarah Connor, the iconic figure previously portrayed by Linda Hamilton in the Terminator franchise. This was a significant role for Clarke, as it marked her first major Hollywood blockbuster outside of Game of Thrones. While the film received mixed reviews, Clarke’s performance was widely praised, particularly for her ability to take on such an iconic role and put her own spin on it. The film allowed Clarke to show off her action chops, portraying Sarah Connor as both a fierce warrior and a protective mother – a role that required her to balance strength with vulnerability. In 2016, Clarke starred in Me Before You, a romantic drama based on the bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes. In this film, Clarke played Louisa Clark, a quirky, optimistic young woman who becomes a caregiver to Will Traynor (played by Sam Claflin), a wealthy man left paralyzed after an accident. Me Before You was a departure from Clarke’s action-oriented roles and allowed her to explore her softer, more emotional side. The film was a commercial success and Clarke received widespread praise for her portrayal of Louisa, capturing the character’s warmth and vulnerability with ease. The film solidified her standing as a versatile actress capable of thriving in romantic dramas as well as action-packed blockbusters. Another notable film role came in 2019 with Last Christmas, a holiday rom-com inspired by the music of George Michael. In this film, Clarke played the role of Kate, a young woman struggling to find her place in the world. Last Christmas was another opportunity for Clarke to show her range, offering a much lighter, comedic performance compared to her previous roles. The film, while not a major critical success, was beloved by audiences, particularly for Clarke’s charming and heartfelt portrayal of the lead character. Through her transition from television to feature films, Clarke proved that she was not just the “Mother of Dragons,” but an actress with depth, versatility, and a wide emotional range. The roles she selected demonstrated her desire to step outside of her Game of Thrones persona and explore new creative territories. As she continued to expand her career into the realm of feature films, Clarke solidified her place in Hollywood as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Conclusion Emilia Clarke’s early filmography is a testament to her talent, versatility, and determination to succeed in an industry that is notoriously difficult to break into. From her humble beginnings in short films and television, Clarke’s career trajectory took an upward turn with Game of Thrones, which catapulted her into international stardom. Yet, even in the shadow of her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen, Clarke remained committed to her craft, seeking out a range of roles that allowed her to showcase her emotional depth and versatility.