When Emilia Clarke was cast as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, no one could have predicted the indelible mark she would leave on the cultural landscape. Clarke, a relatively unknown actress at the time, was about to embark on a journey that would transform her life and career, while giving the world one of the most iconic characters in television history. As the Mother of Dragons, Clarke brought depth, intensity, and a unique humanity to Daenerys, a character that went from an exiled princess to a powerful leader, whose evolution captivated millions of fans globally.
Clarke’s casting as Daenerys was no small feat. It wasn’t a simple decision for the showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who were adapting George R.R. Martin’s sprawling fantasy epic A Song of Ice and Fire. The role demanded an actress who could embody innocence, vulnerability, and eventually an iron will. They initially cast another actress in the role but recast with Clarke, a choice that would come to define not only the series but also Clarke’s career.
Daenerys Targaryen, or Dany as she was affectionately known by fans, was central to the story’s complex web of political intrigue, war, and survival. From her journey in the first season, where she is sold into marriage with a warlord, to her rise as a queen determined to reclaim her family’s throne, Daenerys became a symbol of empowerment. Her evolution was both thrilling and tragic, and Clarke’s ability to convey Daenerys’ internal struggles made her a key figure in the emotional heart of the show.
Preparation for the Role
Playing Daenerys required Clarke to undergo extensive preparation. From the moment she was cast, Clarke threw herself into the demands of the role. This meant learning new skills that were essential for the character’s journey. Horse riding, for instance, was a major requirement, as much of Daenerys’ early storyline involved her living with the nomadic Dothraki, a horse-centric warrior culture. Clarke had to master the art of riding, sometimes in incredibly harsh conditions.
Beyond physical skills, Clarke also had to learn to speak High Valyrian and Dothraki, two fictional languages created specifically for the show. These languages were not merely background elements; they became crucial to the character’s development. Clarke’s command of these languages added layers of authenticity to Daenerys’ leadership and helped viewers see her as someone who could inspire and command armies. Her ability to make these invented tongues sound natural on screen is a testament to her dedication to the role.
Yet, the preparation for Daenerys went beyond just learning new skills. It also required an emotional resilience that Clarke would develop over the course of filming. The character arc Daenerys followed was one of intense emotional highs and lows, and Clarke had to navigate the physical and psychological challenges that came with portraying such a layered character. Clarke often spoke of the pressure of living up to the expectations of both the show’s creators and its dedicated fanbase. It was a balancing act, requiring her to remain grounded while bringing the increasingly larger-than-life character to life.
Memorable Moments During Filming
There are certain moments in Game of Thrones that have become legendary, and Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys is at the center of many of them. Some of the most iconic scenes in television history were brought to life through her fearless dedication to the role.
The moment Daenerys emerges unscathed from the burning pyre in season one, her dragons hatching around her, is one such unforgettable moment. Clarke’s embodiment of this awe-inspiring transformation, from the vulnerable, terrified girl into the powerful Mother of Dragons, set the tone for the entire series. The intensity of the scene is etched into the minds of viewers, with Clarke’s serene expression as the flames die around her becoming a defining image of the show.
Another of Clarke’s most talked-about scenes was the fire walk in season six, where Daenerys once again proves her Targaryen blood by walking through a burning building and emerging as the unburnt queen. The filming of this scene was both a technical marvel and a physically grueling experience for Clarke. The emotional weight of Daenerys reclaiming her power in front of the Dothraki horde was enormous, and Clarke delivered a performance that captured both the ferocity and grace of her character. It was one of the many moments in the series where Daenerys’ strength as a leader was cemented in the minds of fans.
Filming such epic scenes wasn’t without its challenges. Clarke has spoken at length about the difficult conditions on set, from the freezing temperatures in remote locations to the physical demands of wearing heavy costumes and prosthetics. Many scenes, particularly those filmed in Iceland and Northern Ireland, required the cast to endure brutally cold weather. Despite the hardships, Clarke always maintained a sense of humor and determination, a trait that endeared her to the cast, crew, and fans alike.
Clarke’s Bond with the Cast and Crew
Behind the camera, Clarke formed lasting bonds with her fellow actors. Her close relationship with Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, became a source of joy for fans. The two shared many pivotal scenes, especially as their characters’ fates became intertwined in the later seasons. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and their mutual respect and friendship off-screen added depth to their performances.
Jason Momoa, who played Khal Drogo, was another cast member with whom Clarke shared a special bond. Their early scenes together, which were both intense and intimate, required a level of trust and vulnerability. Momoa often referred to Clarke as his “moon of his life,” both in character and as a friend, and the two have continued to share a strong connection long after Momoa’s character exited the show.
The sense of community on the set of Game of Thrones was something Clarke has spoken about fondly in numerous interviews. The cast and crew spent long hours together in often harsh conditions, and this forged deep connections. Clarke, in particular, became known for her positive attitude and the way she uplifted others around her. The camaraderie on set was one of the reasons why the show was able to maintain its quality over the years, with the cast supporting each other through the intense and sometimes grueling demands of the production.
Impact of the Role on Clarke’s Career and Personal Life
It’s no exaggeration to say that Game of Thrones changed Emilia Clarke’s life forever. Before being cast as Daenerys, Clarke was a relatively unknown actress, with a handful of small roles to her name. The success of the show catapulted her into international stardom, and Daenerys Targaryen became a household name.
Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys earned her multiple award nominations and solidified her status as one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry. The role opened doors for her, leading to major film roles in projects like Me Before You and Solo: A Star Wars Story. However, Clarke has often reflected on how the role of Daenerys was both a blessing and a challenge. While it gave her unprecedented opportunities, it also placed her under an intense spotlight.
On a personal level, playing such a beloved and controversial character came with its own set of challenges. Clarke has been open about the pressures she faced, particularly towards the end of the series, when Daenerys’ storyline took a darker turn. The intense scrutiny from fans and critics alike made the experience emotionally taxing at times, but Clarke remained gracious and committed to giving her best performance.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
As with any long-running series, Game of Thrones had its fair share of behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and Clarke was at the center of many of them. One of the more humorous stories involved Clarke’s experience with the dragon-riding scenes. While the final product on screen showed Daenerys soaring majestically atop her dragons, the reality was quite different. Clarke spent hours sitting on mechanical rigs, often feeling ridiculous, as the crew simulated the movements of a dragon in flight. The contrast between the epic scenes and the mundane reality of filming them became a running joke among the cast and crew.
Another interesting tidbit Clarke shared was about the emotional intensity of filming Daenerys’ final scenes. As her character’s story came to a close, Clarke found herself deeply connected to the journey she had taken over the years. The final day of filming was a bittersweet moment, filled with tears and a sense of closure. Clarke’s emotional farewell to the role was shared by many of her co-stars, who similarly felt the weight of saying goodbye to such an important chapter in their lives.
Conclusion
Emilia Clarke’s journey as Daenerys Targaryen is one of the most compelling stories in modern television. From her early days as a relatively unknown actress to becoming the face of one of the most successful TV series of all time, Clarke’s dedication, talent, and resilience have been key to her success. Daenerys’ legacy, like the show itself, will be remembered for years to come, and Clarke’s portrayal will forever be a shining example of what it means to fully inhabit a character.
For Clarke, the role of Daenerys Targaryen was more than just a career-defining opportunity—it was a transformative experience that pushed her to her limits and allowed her to grow both as an actress and as a person. As the Mother of Dragons, Clarke left an indelible mark on the world of television, and her contribution to Game of Thrones will remain a cornerstone of its lasting legacy.
