Why Emilia Clarke Wasn’t the First Choice for the Mother of Dragons!

Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones has become one of the most iconic performances in recent television history. As the ambitious, fierce Mother of Dragons, Clarke captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her nuanced portrayal of Daenerys, a character whose rise and fall was a key element of the show’s gripping narrative. However, it might come as a surprise to many that Clarke was not originally cast in the role. In fact, before she became the face of Game of Thrones, Daenerys was played by another actress—Tamzin Merchant.

The Original Pilot and Tamzin Merchant’s Daenerys

Before the Game of Thrones we know today, there was an original, unaired pilot that featured some notable casting differences, including a very different Daenerys. The first version of the show, shot in 2009, did not quite meet the expectations of the showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. From awkward wigs to overly excited horses during intimate scenes, the pilot was riddled with issues. But perhaps the most significant difference was the casting of Daenerys, which initially went to British actress Tamzin Merchant.

Merchant, known for her roles in The Tudors as Catherine Howard and Carnival Row as Imogen Spurnrose, played Daenerys in the original pilot. She even filmed major scenes such as Daenerys’ marriage to Khal Drogo (played by Jason Momoa) and the controversial first sex scene, which was toned down in the final series compared to the one originally filmed. According to those who were part of the original production, including Momoa and Benioff’s assistant Bryan Cogman, Merchant did a solid job bringing the character to life.

However, despite her talent, something about her portrayal of Daenerys did not resonate with the show’s producers, leading to a recasting of the role. Although casting director Nina Gold remarked that it was a tough decision to let Merchant go, she admitted that the role had to be filled by someone who was “right” for the part, even if that meant disappointing an actress who had already been involved.

Why the Recast?

While the exact reasons for the recasting remain somewhat vague, it seems that one of the primary factors was the lack of chemistry between Merchant and Jason Momoa, who played Khal Drogo. In Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Untold Story of the Epic Series, it’s mentioned that the scenes between Merchant and Momoa simply didn’t click. This mismatch was a critical issue, as the relationship between Daenerys and Drogo was supposed to be a central part of the plot, setting the stage for Daenerys’ growth and the unfolding of her power.

Jason Momoa himself has said that the chemistry between him and Emilia Clarke was what truly made the scenes come to life. He recalled that when Clarke joined the cast, “everything clicked.” This remark points to the idea that the connection between the two actors was integral to their dynamic, making Clarke the perfect choice to take over the role.

Tamzin Merchant’s Departure and Reflections

Despite the fact that she wasn’t the one to ultimately lead the show, Tamzin Merchant’s departure was not a bitter one. In fact, she has expressed that she wasn’t entirely keen on staying in the role either. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Merchant explained that she actually tried to back out of the show on her own accord, feeling uncomfortable in the role. She recalled an experience in Morocco, where she found herself “naked and afraid” and riding a horse that seemed far more excited to be there than she was. This, coupled with the challenges of the grueling production, led her to reconsider her commitment to the show, though she was ultimately convinced to stay on. Eventually, however, the recasting took place.

Interestingly, Merchant is not the only actress to be recast in the show’s early days. Jennifer Ehle, originally cast as Catelyn Stark, also left the series due to personal reasons, choosing not to relocate to Northern Ireland for the shoots. However, Merchant’s exit stands out, as it was more about her own discomfort with the role, rather than a professional decision made by the showrunners.

Emilia Clarke Takes Over as Daenerys Targaryen

When Emilia Clarke was brought in to replace Merchant, the dynamic on set shifted dramatically. Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys would go on to define the character and become synonymous with the Game of Thrones phenomenon. From her humble beginnings as a frightened and naïve girl to her transformation into the powerful and, ultimately, tragic Mother of Dragons, Clarke’s performance was pivotal to the series’ success.

Her portrayal of Daenerys is often credited with bringing depth to the character, balancing her strength and vulnerability in a way that made her one of the most compelling figures on the show. Clarke’s undeniable chemistry with Momoa also played a crucial role in the evolution of the Daenerys-Drogo relationship, making it one of the more memorable arcs in Game of Thrones.

Conclusion: A Changed Fate for Daenerys Targaryen

It’s fascinating to think how Game of Thrones might have unfolded had Tamzin Merchant remained in the role of Daenerys. While her interpretation of the character was certainly valid, it was ultimately Emilia Clarke who brought the fiery queen to life in a way that resonated with audiences. Clarke’s portrayal became one of the defining elements of the series, solidifying her place in pop culture history. And while Merchant’s version of Daenerys never made it to the public eye, her brief tenure in the role reminds us that sometimes, a recast can lead to the creation of something truly iconic.