The One Thing Emilia Clarke Hated About Acting—And Why It Nearly Broke Her Creativity

Emilia Clarke, celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has never been shy about sharing her experiences on set, including the challenges she faced while working on one of television’s most groundbreaking series. While Clarke’s performance earned her widespread acclaim, she recently revealed an aspect of the show that she found particularly frustrating — feeling like a “small cog” in a much larger machine.

In a candid reflection, Clarke discussed how the sheer scale of Game of Thrones often stifled her creative expression. “When you’re working on a production with so many people having opinions, it doesn’t serve your creativity on any level,” she admitted. For an actress known for her depth and nuance, the overwhelming number of voices involved in the project made it difficult to inject her own personal touch into the role.

This sentiment speaks to the challenges that often arise when working on large-scale productions where many people — from directors to producers to other actors — have their own ideas about the character and storyline. For Clarke, the lack of creative freedom in certain aspects of the show was a significant source of frustration. Despite Game of Thrones being a global success, the constant influence of external opinions on her portrayal of Daenerys took a toll on her ability to fully embrace the character in the way she envisioned.

Additionally, Clarke revealed that some scenes in Game of Thrones were particularly difficult for her to film, although she did not specify which scenes she disliked the most. These challenges were likely compounded by the intense physical and emotional demands of her role, where Daenerys evolves from a timid girl into a fierce and powerful ruler.

Clarke’s insights offer a glimpse into the complexities of working on a high-profile series like Game of Thrones, where personal creative fulfillment can sometimes clash with the pressures of meeting audience expectations and fulfilling the needs of a massive production. Despite these challenges, Clarke’s performance as Daenerys remains one of her most beloved roles, proving her ability to navigate such constraints while still delivering a memorable and powerful portrayal.

In the end, Emilia Clarke’s reflection on her time in Game of Thrones serves as a reminder that even in the world of highly successful TV shows, actors often face the delicate balance of personal creativity and the collective vision of the project.