Emilia Clarke’s role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones is not just a milestone in her career but a defining moment in modern television. The evolution of Clarke’s portrayal from a timid, vulnerable young girl to the fierce and formidable “Mother of Dragons” became the heartbeat of the series, captivating a global audience and forever etching her name into pop culture history. In this article, we explore how Clarke landed this career-defining role, the challenges she faced, her impact on the portrayal of women in power, and the lasting legacy of Daenerys Targaryen in both the industry and Clarke’s life.
The Path to Westeros: How Emilia Clarke Landed the Role
Every great character has an equally great origin story, and Clarke’s journey to becoming Daenerys Targaryen is no exception. Born in London and raised in Berkshire, Clarke’s acting dreams were nurtured at Drama Centre London. Her early career was marked by minor roles, auditions, and the typical struggles of a young actor trying to make a mark in the competitive world of television and film. In 2010, the stars aligned when HBO was on the hunt for a new face to embody the pivotal role of Daenerys Targaryen in their ambitious adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.
The original pilot of Game of Thrones had been shot with another actress, Tamzin Merchant, in the role of Daenerys, but the creators decided to recast. Clarke, virtually unknown at the time, was one of hundreds who auditioned for the part. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss were reportedly blown away by her audition, particularly her ability to capture both the vulnerability and strength required for Daenerys. Clarke herself has reflected on the audition as a whirlwind experience, recalling how she performed a ‘robot dance’ to ease the tension during one of the most important auditions of her life. Despite her nerves, it was clear that Clarke embodied something special—a spark that would soon ignite into one of the most iconic characters in television history.
The Initial Struggles and Challenges of Playing Daenerys Targaryen
Clarke’s initial struggles with the role were well-documented. She was just 24 when she began filming, tasked with portraying a character whose journey would involve complex emotions, raw vulnerability, and overwhelming power. Daenerys begins her journey as a terrified, subjugated young woman sold into marriage to Khal Drogo, played by Jason Momoa. In the early seasons, Clarke had to navigate some of the most difficult scenes of the series, including moments of sexual violence and brutality, which were emotionally taxing for a young actress in her first major role.
In interviews, Clarke has candidly spoken about how daunting those early scenes were, noting how surreal it felt to be thrust into such a dark and unfamiliar world. Beyond the emotional challenges, she also had to acclimate to the physical demands of the role. From learning the fictional Dothraki language to filming in extreme conditions in Iceland and Morocco, Clarke’s resilience was tested from the start. However, with every hurdle she overcame, her connection to Daenerys grew stronger, and her portrayal more authentic.
The Complexity of Daenerys Targaryen’s Character
At the heart of Daenerys’ appeal is her remarkable character arc, and Clarke’s performance was the key to bringing that evolution to life. Daenerys begins as a timid and terrified girl, a pawn in her brother’s political ambitions. But as the seasons progress, she transforms into a powerful and unyielding ruler—a queen determined to reclaim the Iron Throne and end tyranny across Westeros. Clarke’s ability to portray both the gentleness and the ruthless ambition of Daenerys allowed the character to resonate deeply with audiences.
The internal conflict of Daenerys is perhaps what makes her journey so captivating. Clarke portrayed a woman who carried the weight of her family’s legacy, constantly torn between her compassionate desire to free the oppressed and her often brutal methods to achieve her goals. The contradictions of Daenerys’ character—a liberator who ultimately falls into tyranny—highlighted the shades of grey that make Game of Thrones so compelling. Clarke expertly navigated these complexities, delivering a performance that felt both human and larger-than-life.
As Daenerys rose to power, viewers saw her struggle with the intoxicating allure of absolute authority. Clarke’s portrayal of this transformation was particularly striking in the later seasons, as Daenerys transitioned from the “Breaker of Chains” to a figure who teetered on the edge of madness. The emotional depth Clarke brought to scenes, such as Daenerys’ final moments in King’s Landing, was nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving a lasting impact on the show’s legacy.
Daenerys Targaryen and Her Cultural Impact
Daenerys Targaryen did more than just entertain; she redefined the portrayal of women in power on television. Clarke’s performance resonated with audiences, particularly women, who saw in Daenerys a symbol of empowerment. Daenerys was not just a queen or a ruler—she was a survivor, a leader, and, in many ways, a revolutionary figure. Her determination to claim her birthright while striving to end injustice struck a chord with viewers around the world.
The role of Daenerys became a cultural touchstone, sparking debates about female leadership, morality, and the cost of power. For many, Daenerys was a symbol of hope—a woman who broke free from the shackles of oppression and charted her own path. Yet, as her arc took a darker turn in the final seasons, the character also became a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power.
Beyond the narrative of Game of Thrones, Daenerys’ global influence extended to the broader entertainment industry. She became an iconic figure in pop culture, inspiring everything from cosplay and fan art to academic discussions on the representation of women in media. Clarke’s embodiment of the role challenged traditional gender roles, showcasing a woman who could be both compassionate and ruthless, both a hero and a villain. Daenerys’ influence can be seen in the rise of more complex and nuanced female characters in television and film, forever altering the landscape of how women in power are portrayed on screen.
The Role’s Impact on Emilia Clarke’s Career
The character of Daenerys did more than catapult Clarke into stardom—it cemented her as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses. Prior to Game of Thrones, Clarke was relatively unknown, but her performance as Daenerys transformed her into a household name. The series’ immense popularity opened doors to a myriad of opportunities, allowing Clarke to take on diverse roles in both film and television.
Post-Game of Thrones, Clarke starred in several high-profile projects, including Me Before You, Terminator Genisys, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. While none of these roles could quite match the cultural phenomenon of Daenerys, they showcased Clarke’s versatility as an actress. Clarke also returned to her theatrical roots, starring in productions such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s on Broadway, further demonstrating her range and dedication to her craft.
The fame and success that came with Game of Thrones also gave Clarke a platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. After experiencing life-threatening brain aneurysms during the early years of filming, Clarke founded the charity SameYou, which supports those recovering from brain injuries and strokes. The role of Daenerys not only shaped Clarke’s career but also gave her a sense of purpose beyond acting.
The Personal Impact of Daenerys Targaryen on Clarke’s Life
Fame, while a blessing in many ways, also brought significant challenges to Clarke’s personal life. Game of Thrones became a cultural juggernaut, and with that level of attention came intense scrutiny. Clarke has spoken openly about the pressures of the spotlight, including the constant media attention and the weight of fan expectations.
At times, Clarke found it difficult to reconcile her own identity with that of Daenerys. The character was so iconic, so larger-than-life, that Clarke often felt overshadowed by the persona she portrayed. In interviews, she has expressed how daunting it was to live up to the expectations that fans had for Daenerys. However, she also acknowledged the immense gratitude she feels for the role, noting that Daenerys will always be a part of her.
In many ways, the journey of Daenerys paralleled Clarke’s own journey of growth and self-discovery. Just as Daenerys evolved from a frightened girl into a powerful leader, Clarke grew from a relatively unknown actress into one of the most recognized faces in the world. The role of Daenerys was both a gift and a challenge, shaping Clarke’s career, personal life, and sense of self in profound ways.
The Legacy of Daenerys Targaryen
As Game of Thrones fades into television history, the legacy of Daenerys Targaryen endures. Clarke’s portrayal of the character will be remembered not only as one of the greatest performances in modern television but also as a watershed moment for the portrayal of women in power. Daenerys’ complex character arc—her rise, fall, and ultimate demise—captivated audiences and sparked conversations that will continue for years to come.
For Clarke, Daenerys will always be a defining role, but it is far from the end of her story. With each new project, Clarke continues to challenge herself and evolve as an actress. The lessons she learned from playing Daenerys—about power, resilience, and the human cost of ambition—will undoubtedly shape her future performances.
In the end, Daenerys Targaryen’s legacy is twofold: a symbol of female empowerment and a reminder of the perils of absolute power. Clarke’s portrayal ensured that Daenerys will remain a towering figure in the annals of television history, a character whose complexity and contradictions reflect the very best of what Game of Thrones had to offer. As for Emilia Clarke, the sky is the limit—her reign is far from over.
