Emilia Clarke rose to fame through her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in the beloved series Game of Thrones, but her path to success was not without its challenges.
At the tender age of 23, Clarke embarked on filming the fantasy epic, where she grappled with the daunting task of baring it all in numerous n^de scenes, a prospect she described as ‘terrifying.’
During an insightful conversation on the Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard podcast back in 2019, Clarke revealed that the explicit content was not something she had anticipated when she accepted the role.
Recalling her initial reaction upon receiving the scripts, she humorously admitted, “I took the job and then they sent me the scripts and I was reading them, and I was like, ‘Oh, there’s the catch!’”
Approaching the challenging scenes with a professional mindset, Clarke, fresh from drama school, rationalized that if it was scripted, it was essential to the story, and she resolved to tackle it head-on, determined to make sense of the situation.
Navigating the unfamiliar territory of extensive n^dty on set was a daunting experience for Clarke, who confessed to feeling lost and uncertain about what was expected of her, highlighting her vulnerability during those early days of filming.
Expressing her sense of inadequacy and self-doubt, she shared, “Regardless of there being n^dty or not, I would have spent that first season thinking I’m not worthy of requiring anything.
I’m not worthy of needing anything at all.”
Despite grappling with intense feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’ throughout her time on set, Clarke found solace in the support and guidance of her co-star and on-screen partner, Jason Momoa, who portrayed Khal Drogo.
Reflecting on a particularly challenging scene involving a wedding night encounter, Clarke, now 36, revealed that Momoa’s professionalism and empathy were instrumental in easing her discomfort.
Contrary to expectations, it was Momoa who displayed vulnerability during the emotionally charged scene, prompting Clarke to acknowledge his compassionate demeanor and mentorship on set.
Grateful for Momoa’s experienced guidance, Clarke recounted how he ensured her comfort and well-being, demonstrating a deep level of care and respect that transcended their on-screen roles.
In retrospect, Clarke recognized the invaluable support she received from Momoa, underscoring the profound impact of his mentorship and camaraderie during the demanding filming process, which ultimately shaped her journey on Game of Thrones.
Read more
