Emilia Clarke, the actress who brought Daenerys Targaryen to life for eight seasons, has definitively stated she will not return to the fantasy genre. In a recent interview, she made it clear that fans should not expect to see her in any future Game of Thrones projects or similar roles.
Emilia Clarke Says Goodbye to Dragons and Fantasy
When asked about the possibility of taking on another fantasy role, Emilia Clarke was direct in her response. She told The New York Times, โYouโre highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever againโ.
This statement serves as her final word on returning to the genre that made her a global star. Her time as Daenerys Targaryen, also known as the Mother of Dragons, on HBO‘s Game of Thrones lasted from 2011 to 2019. The role earned her four Emmy nominations but concluded with a character arc that proved divisive for many viewers.
โYouโre highly unlikely to see me get on a dragon, or even in the same frame as a dragon, ever again,โ Emilia Clarke told The New York Times.
The Emotional Impact of Game of Thrones and a Personal Breakdown
Clarke connected her decision to step away from fantasy to the intense period following the show’s end. She described experiencing a โfull mental breakdownโ after the series finale and her promotional duties concluded. This period coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a sudden stop to her non-stop career since age 22.
โIt was the first time in my professional life that I stopped,โ Clarke explained. โI had a full mental breakdown. It was almost as if the timing of the pandemic was bang onโ.
This break allowed her to reflect on her career path. She felt that much of her work did not align with her personal interests, stating, โSo much of my career didnโt reflect my taste, I just sort of shot out of a cannonโ. She now seeks more autonomy and choice in the roles she selects.
Clarke’s Reaction to Daenerys Targaryen’s Controversial Ending
The actress has been open about her initial shock regarding her character’s fate in Game of Thrones. Upon first reading the scripts for the final season, she was stunned by Daenerys’s transformation into the โMad Queenโ and her ultimate death.
โWhat, what, what, WHAT!? Because it comes out of f**king nowhere. Iโm flabbergasted,โ Clarke recalled telling Entertainment Weekly. The news was so upsetting that she went for a five-hour walk, returning home with blisters on her feet.
Despite her personal feelings, Clarke has stated she understands the audience’s strong reaction. In a 2021 interview, she said, โI get why people were pissedโ. She emphasized her professional commitment to fulfilling the character’s arc as written, explaining that an actor must โget on the same pageโ to do justice to a role they have dedicated years to.
Moving Beyond Westeros to New Roles and Projects
Since Game of Thrones, Clarke has deliberately chosen projects outside the fantasy genre. Her credits now include the romantic drama Me Before You, the Star Wars story Solo, the Marvel series Secret Invasion, and the sci-fi film The Pod Generation.
Her latest project marks a significant return to television as a lead. Clarke stars in Ponies, a Cold War-era spy thriller streaming on Peacock. In the series, which released all episodes on January 15, 2026, she plays Bea, a woman who becomes a CIA operative after her husband is killed.
Clarke admitted she was hesitant about committing to another leading TV role, noting, โI know what that commitment feels likeโ. However, the approach of the show’s creators, who offered her a choice of which character to play, made her feel heard and comfortable with the decision.
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The Future of Game of Thrones Without Its Mother of Dragons
Clarke’s definitive statement closes the door on any potential return to the Game of Thrones franchise, even as HBO continues to expand that universe. New series like House of the Dragon and the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are moving forward without her.
Franchise creator George R.R. Martin has mentioned ideas for potential sequels, which led to fan speculation about storylines that could involve Daenerys. Clarke’s recent comments make it clear she would not participate in such projects.
The actress also spoke about the lasting impact of the show’s fame on her daily life. She noted that global recognition from Game of Thrones has changed how she interacts with people, saying, โI never get to meet someone for the first time because theyโre not being themselves. Thereโs just always this other thing in the way of interactionsโ.
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