In the vast tapestry of television history, a handful of characters have transcended the screen to become cultural icons, and Daenerys Targaryen is undoubtedly one of them. Emilia Clarke, the actress behind this iconic character, carved her name into pop culture lore with HBO’s Game of Thrones, portraying the Mother of Dragons with ferocity, tenderness, and a fiery spirit that won the hearts of millions. Clarke’s journey through Westeros may have ended, but the creative journey she began with it is far from over. Behind the scenes, away from the sprawling fantasy of Westeros, Emilia Clarke has been quietly building a new reputation—one not defined by dragons or Iron Thrones but by a desire to control the narrative. This journey is her shift from being just in front of the camera to calling the shots behind it, stepping into the world of production.

The Transition to Producing: A New Creative Calling

For most, the idea of Emilia Clarke begins and ends with her role as Daenerys—the emancipator of slaves, the rider of dragons, and the breaker of chains. However, beyond the Emmy nominations and countless interviews, Clarke has quietly made an intentional pivot toward a new creative role. Producing is not an obvious next step for many actors, but for Clarke, it was a path borne from a desire for creative control and agency over storytelling—a hunger to not only embody the story but to shape it.

“After spending nearly a decade playing one character,” Clarke noted in an interview, “I realized there was so much more to explore about stories and how they come to life.” For Clarke, producing meant stepping out of the confines of her script, swapping the perspective of a character for the broader, all-encompassing view of a storyteller.

Her interest in producing wasn’t solely driven by control; it was also about the bigger picture. As an actress, she saw firsthand how stories are developed, chosen, and brought to life—and she began to understand how the narratives she cherished could either thrive or falter depending on the dynamics at play behind the scenes. Producing presented her with an opportunity to foster stories that resonate with her—ones that empower women, ones that come from underrepresented voices, ones that could make a difference.

Notable Projects: Producing with Purpose

Emilia Clarke’s initial foray into producing is marked by projects that reflect her own experiences—as a woman in the industry, as someone who understands the emotional nuances of the characters she portrays, and as someone deeply passionate about meaningful representation. Clarke’s debut as a producer came with the 2019 film “Above Suspicion”, a crime thriller in which she also played the lead role. The film was an early taste of the kind of control that producing afforded her: having a say in everything from the creative direction to the casting decisions. It wasn’t just about starring in the movie—it was about ensuring the authenticity of the narrative.

Clarke has continued to expand her producer portfolio, getting involved in upcoming projects like “The Ideal Woman,” a film that delves into female identity, societal expectations, and empowerment—themes Clarke has expressed a deep personal connection to. The project sees her not only playing a role in front of the camera but using her platform to bring stories that might otherwise be left untold into the spotlight.

In recent years, Clarke has also co-founded “MAMTOR Productions,” a company dedicated to telling diverse and innovative stories. With Mamtor, Clarke has set out to empower underrepresented voices and support new talent, offering opportunities to those who’ve struggled to break into the industry. The ethos behind her production ventures is clear: to challenge the status quo and help create a more inclusive industry.

Challenges in the Producer’s Chair

Yet, the journey into producing has not been without its challenges. Hollywood is, by nature, a hierarchical industry—one built on entrenched norms where power has traditionally been held by a select few. Clarke’s decision to move from being an actress to a producer was not without resistance. She has openly talked about the skepticism she faced: “There’s always a sense that, as an actress, you’re just dabbling. People don’t always take you seriously when you decide to step behind the camera.”

The dual roles of producer and actor come with immense pressure. Wearing multiple hats means having to balance between the emotional depth required to perform a character and the strategic thinking necessary to navigate the production’s logistical aspects. Clarke admitted that shifting from shooting scenes to joining production meetings was a steep learning curve. Yet, it is one that she has embraced with characteristic tenacity. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. There are so many moving parts that I wasn’t even aware of when I was just acting. Now, I get to have a hand in shaping them,” she said.

Vision and Goals: Emilia Clarke as the Storyteller

The Emilia Clarke that we see today is a far cry from the young actress who first burst onto our screens over a decade ago. She has evolved into a storyteller with a distinct vision. As an actor, Clarke always sought to connect deeply with her characters, to find empathy and truth in every scene. But as a producer, her aspirations have shifted—to not only tell stories but to foster an environment where great storytelling can flourish.

Clarke’s vision as a producer is deeply rooted in female empowerment. She has often spoken about her frustration with the lack of well-developed female characters in scripts. “I want to tell stories where women are more than just the love interest, more than just the sidekick,” Clarke shared. “I want to create narratives that are rich, nuanced, and that reflect the full spectrum of the human experience.” To Clarke, producing is about breaking the boundaries she faced as an actress, and ensuring that the next generation of talent faces fewer obstacles.

Beyond empowerment, Clarke is passionate about diverse storytelling. She wants to see stories that reflect the world around us—stories from different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. In her role as a producer, Clarke is determined to be a catalyst for change. She’s conscious of the power that lies in the stories we tell and how they shape perceptions and culture at large.

Shaping the Future: Growth Behind and In Front of the Camera

Emilia Clarke’s career has always been about transformation—whether it was growing from a virtually unknown actress into a global superstar or shifting from playing characters to helping shape them behind the scenes. Her journey from actor to producer is a testament to her resilience, vision, and unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.

Clarke’s growth as a producer has not only allowed her to take control of her career but has also given her a new way to contribute to the industry she loves. She is no longer simply the face of a franchise; she’s a driving force behind the stories that are being told. Her work as a producer is helping to reshape the film and TV landscape, one project at a time—ensuring that the stories we see on screen are reflective of the diverse, complex, and vibrant world we live in.

Emilia Clarke’s transition from in front of the camera to behind it speaks volumes about her courage and creativity. It is a natural progression for someone whose passion for storytelling has always gone beyond the lines she was given to memorize. As she continues to expand her producing portfolio, Clarke is doing more than just contributing to the film and television industry—she’s creating a space where diverse voices are heard, where women’s stories are told authentically, and where the future of storytelling is a little brighter and more inclusive.

The Mother of Dragons may have left her throne, but Emilia Clarke is just beginning to build her own empire—an empire not of fire and blood, but of stories that matter.