The Artist Emilia Clarke Is Dying to Work With — And It’s a Legendary Director You Know Well!

Emilia Clarke, the British actress best known for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones (2011–2019), has carved out an impressive career in Hollywood. With notable roles in major franchises like Terminator Genisys (2015), Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018), and more recently in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Secret Invasion (2023), Clarke’s versatility and broad range as an actress have become defining elements of her career. However, as her career continues to evolve, one aspect that stands out is her deep desire to collaborate with filmmakers who inspire her. Among these filmmakers, one name consistently rises to the top: Denis Villeneuve.

Career Context and Artistic Aspirations

Clarke’s career has been defined by her ability to balance blockbuster roles with projects that challenge her creatively. Trained at the Drama Centre London, her early stage work laid the foundation for her transition into film and television. Throughout her career, Clarke has repeatedly expressed that her choices are shaped by the directors she admires. In various interviews, she has been candid about her “director-driven” approach to acting. As she put it in an interview with The News on June 29, 2024, “I’m so director driven right now. So, it’s more the people that I want to work with, rather than the individual character or thought or idea first. If I can find a director that I creatively admire and someone I can learn from… That’s kind of the goal.” This approach speaks to her desire not only to perform but to grow and learn through collaboration.

Denis Villeneuve: The Dream Collaborator

Clarke’s admiration for Denis Villeneuve, the visionary director behind Arrival (2016) and Dune (2021), has been well-documented by fans and in various online discussions. In fact, during a fan forum discussion on September 26, 2024, Clarke revealed that working with Villeneuve is one of her greatest cinematic aspirations, stating, “Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival is my favorite film of all time.” This statement is a clear reflection of her deep admiration for Villeneuve’s unique style, which combines thought-provoking storytelling with breathtaking visuals. For Clarke, the opportunity to work with a director she respects so highly would be the realization of a long-held professional dream.

The consistency of her admiration for Villeneuve across multiple platforms, including her mentions in various fan forums and interviews, suggests that her desire to collaborate with him is genuine. While these fan discussions are not always direct sources like official interviews, they align with Clarke’s known sentiments about her career aspirations. The notion of collaborating with someone she can learn from, as expressed in The News article, further solidifies Villeneuve as a top figure in her list of desired collaborators.

A Visionary Filmmaker and A Dream Role

Denis Villeneuve’s work, particularly in Arrival and Dune, has earned widespread acclaim for its intellectual depth and cinematic artistry. Clarke’s admiration for Villeneuve is not only about his technical prowess but also his ability to create complex, emotionally resonant stories. Arrival, a film that blends science fiction with profound human emotion, is considered one of the most impactful films of the 21st century. Clarke’s acknowledgment of the film as her favorite highlights her affinity for thoughtful, character-driven narratives—something she seeks to be a part of in her own career.

Though Clarke’s relationship with Villeneuve has so far been one of admiration from afar, her aspirations to work with him are consistent with her broader artistic goals. Her desire to take on roles that challenge her and surprise audiences is echoed in the types of films that Villeneuve is known for—those that push the boundaries of genre and explore deeper philosophical and emotional themes.

A Future Collaboration?

Despite Clarke’s evident admiration for Villeneuve, there have been no official announcements of a collaboration between the two. However, the connection between Clarke and Villeneuve’s work is evident. For example, in Dune, Clarke’s Game of Thrones co-star, Jason Momoa, played a pivotal role, which naturally led to more indirect associations between Clarke and the director’s cinematic universe. Still, Clarke’s focus remains firmly on acting, for now, with occasional mentions of her own interest in directing in the future. Her current priorities, however, lie in acting alongside filmmakers who inspire her, with Villeneuve topping that list.

Conclusion

As Clarke continues to establish herself as a respected figure in Hollywood, her aspiration to work with Denis Villeneuve stands as a testament to her director-driven approach to acting. Her passion for collaborating with filmmakers she admires speaks volumes about her commitment to growth, artistry, and creating meaningful work. While a collaboration with Villeneuve has yet to come to fruition, it remains one of her ultimate professional goals—a dream that, given her career trajectory and the increasing opportunities that await her, could very well become a reality.