Why Emilia Clarke Hated Filming Terminator Genisys—And the Director’s Struggles

Emilia Clarke, best known for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen, the “Mother of Dragons” in Game of Thrones, recently opened up about one of her high-profile film projects, Terminator Genisys (2015), admitting that it wasn’t exactly a pleasant experience for her or the film’s director, Alan Taylor.

Clarke, who skyrocketed to fame with her role in Game of Thrones, had reunited with Taylor, the director behind several episodes of the hit show, including the memorable Season 1 finale “Fire and Blood.” However, the collaboration on Terminator Genisys didn’t replicate the magic of their past work together. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Clarke revealed that her time on set was far from enjoyable. “He was not the director I remembered. He didn’t have a good time. No one had a good time,” she shared, acknowledging the challenges both she and Taylor faced during the production. Clarke’s candid reflection offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles that can often affect a film’s final product.

The troubled production mirrored the film’s reception. Terminator Genisys received generally negative reviews, earning just a 26% approval rating from 263 critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its ambitious premise and star-studded cast—including Clarke as Sarah Connor—critics felt the film failed to meet the high expectations set by the Terminator franchise. “A ‘Terminator’ film brings with it certain high expectations, and Genisys doesn’t meet them,” wrote Keith Garlington of Keith & the Movies. While the movie had moderate box office success, grossing $440 million worldwide against a production budget of $155 million, its performance fell short of the critical acclaim needed to justify sequels. As a result, the planned follow-ups were ultimately canceled.

Clarke’s role as Sarah Connor was highly anticipated, and she was in close competition with Brie Larson and Tatiana Maslany for the iconic part. Paramount initially favored Larson, but Clarke, whose career was rapidly rising, ultimately secured the role. Despite the film’s commercial success, it did not provide the career boost many expected for Clarke. However, in hindsight, she admitted that she was “relieved” not to have to continue with the sequels, which reflects the overall dissatisfaction surrounding the project.

Despite the disappointment surrounding Terminator Genisys, Clarke’s career continued to thrive. She went on to star in a number of other successful projects, including her role as G’iah in Marvel’s Secret Invasion (2023), which garnered praise for her performance. Critics and audiences alike applauded her portrayal, noting how she “terrific” as Taco’s daughter, further solidifying her versatility as an actress.

While Terminator Genisys may not have defined Clarke’s career, her portrayal of Daenerys in Game of Thrones will undoubtedly remain her most beloved and iconic role. In a world where one flop doesn’t determine an actor’s legacy, Clarke has proven time and again that her talent far surpasses any one project. Fans are eager to see what she does next, knowing that her best work is yet to come.