Emilia Clarke’s Biggest Career Regret: The Performance She Wishes She Could Erase!

Emilia Clarke, best known for her groundbreaking role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has built a career filled with accolades, memorable performances, and global recognition. From blockbuster films like Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) to her stage work in Broadway’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s (2013), Clarke’s career has spanned various genres and platforms. However, not all roles have been smooth sailing, and the actress has been open about certain career choices she regrets. Of all the performances she’s discussed, one stands out as the most significant regret: Terminator: Genisys (2015).

Clarke’s Regret Over Terminator: Genisys

In a 2019 interview with Variety, Clarke revealed a candid moment of vulnerability about her career choices, saying, “We’ve both done stupid action movies we regret and fabulous things we’re proud of, and we’ve always come back to Thrones.” This comment, made in reference to her co-star Kit Harington, pointed to her experience with Terminator: Genisys, a major action film that had high expectations but ultimately underperformed both critically and at the box office.

Clarke’s involvement in the Terminator franchise was a significant career moment, as she stepped into the iconic role of Sarah Connor, originally played by Linda Hamilton. Despite the film’s high-profile status, Clarke later admitted that Terminator: Genisys was not a positive experience for her. In an interview with Far Out Magazine, she shared, “No one had a good time making the film,” adding that she was “relieved” the film failed and that she was especially grateful there would not be a sequel. The failure of the film, especially after stepping into such a well-known role, amplified her regret, making Terminator: Genisys one of the most notable missteps in her career.

Clarke’s Broadway Debut in Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Another significant regret for Clarke came from her 2013 Broadway debut in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, where she played the iconic role of Holly Golightly, a character made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film. In a 2022 Variety article, the production was described as a “catastrophic failure,” with critics pointing to Clarke’s inexperience and miscasting in the role. Clarke herself acknowledged the performance was not up to par, saying in interviews that she wasn’t ready for such a demanding stage role so early in her career.

Despite the negative reviews, Clarke has framed her time in Breakfast at Tiffany’s as a learning experience. She admitted to being “very, very hard” on herself, recognizing that the misstep was largely due to her lack of preparation and the weight of following in such a legendary character’s footsteps. While this remains a regrettable chapter, the broader impact on her career was less profound than Terminator: Genisys, especially considering Breakfast at Tiffany’s was a smaller, more intimate theatrical production compared to the global scale of the Terminator franchise.

Comparing the Regrets: Terminator vs. Tiffany’s

When comparing the two, Terminator: Genisys clearly stands as the more significant regret for Clarke. Here’s why:

• Scope and Impact: Terminator: Genisys was a high-budget action movie with a massive international audience. The film’s failure impacted not only Clarke’s career but also the Terminator franchise, which had built a strong fanbase over the years. In contrast, Breakfast at Tiffany’s was a smaller-scale Broadway show, and while it was a personal disappointment, it didn’t carry the same high expectations or wide-reaching consequences.

• Public Statements: Clarke’s own words about Terminator: Genisys highlight a much deeper regret. She referred to the film as a “stupid action movie,” which indicates she feels it was a poor career choice in hindsight. She also expressed a sense of relief when the film didn’t perform as well as expected, suggesting a significant disappointment. Meanwhile, her comments about Breakfast at Tiffany’s were more about personal growth and the lessons she learned, with far less regret about the role itself.

• Industry Perspective: Far Out Magazine labeled Terminator: Genisys as her “biggest failure with big-budget action titles,” reinforcing the idea that this role stands out in her career as a misstep. Fan discussions and Reddit threads also highlight Terminator: Genisys as one of her most talked-about career mistakes, emphasizing its lasting impact.

Conclusion: Terminator: Genisys as the Most Regretted Performance

Based on the analysis of interviews, public statements, and Clarke’s own reflections, it’s clear that Terminator: Genisys (2015) is the performance that Emilia Clarke regrets the most. Despite its potential for success, the film’s disappointing reception and Clarke’s own experience on set make it a major career regret for the actress. While her Broadway debut in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was also challenging, it didn’t carry the same level of consequence or disappointment as the Terminator project.

As Emilia Clarke continues to evolve as an actress, she has certainly learned from these early missteps, embracing roles that have allowed her to shine in different genres. From her stellar performance in Game of Thrones to her more recent works, Clarke’s career continues to be one of growth and resilience—learning from past regrets and moving forward into even more promising projects.