What’s Next for Emilia Clarke? Inside Her Busy 2025 Film and TV Schedule
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Emilia Clarke, the erstwhile Mother of Dragons from Game of Thrones, isn’t resting on her laurels in 2025. As of March 18, the 38-year-old actress is juggling an ambitious lineup of projects that span espionage thrillers, historical dramas, and even a dash of animated mischief. From Budapest film sets to Prime Video screens, Clarke’s year is shaping up as a whirlwind of work, showcasing her range and keeping her firmly in the game—albeit in roles that trade dragon fire for subtler sparks.
First up is Ponies, a Peacock espionage series that’s got Clarke deep in Cold War intrigue. She plays Bea, a whip-smart, Russian-speaking CIA operative thrust into the spy game after her husband’s mysterious death in 1977 Moscow. Filming kicked off in Budapest in February 2025, and as of now, Clarke’s still on set, trading the Iron Throne for a trench coat. Co-created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, this straight-to-series order promises a slow-burn thriller—perfect for a star who’s proven she can carry complex characters. Expect her to be in Hungary for a while yet, honing Bea’s steely edge.
Meanwhile, Clarke’s stepping into the corsets of history with An Ideal Wife. She’s Constance Lloyd, the oft-overlooked wife of Oscar Wilde, in Sophie Hyde’s biographical drama. Announced in 2022, the film spotlights Lloyd’s own legacy as an author and feminist, notably her push for dress reform. Director Hyde confirmed in January that cameras would roll this year, and as of March 18, production is underway. Clarke’s likely splitting time between this and Ponies, embodying a woman who defied Victorian norms—a far cry from Daenerys but a fitting nod to her knack for portraying strength.
On the small screen, Clarke’s already making waves with Criminal, a Prime Video series that dropped its first episode on March 1. As Mallory, a bold robber in Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ gritty graphic-novel adaptation, she’s back in comic-book territory post-Secret Invasion. With all eight episodes now in post-production, Clarke’s focus has likely shifted to promotion—think press junkets, red carpets, or Zoom interviews. It’s her second stab at a comics-inspired role, and early buzz suggests she’s nailing the heist-driven chaos.
Then there’s The Twits, a Roald Dahl animated flick where Clarke lends her voice to the mischievous mix. In post-production with a 2025 release on the horizon, her recording work is probably done, but she might pop up later for promo—maybe a cheeky teaser or a kid-friendly event. It’s a lighter pivot from her live-action grit, proving she’s not afraid to play in different sandboxes.
Rounding out the year is Next Life, a romantic comedy from Drake Doremus that wrapped filming in December 2024. Co-starring Edgar Ramirez, it’s now in post-production, with a 2025 release looming. Clarke’s on-screen work here is likely finished, though she could be called back for ADR or a premiere later on. After years of high-stakes drama, this rom-com offers a softer landing—perhaps a chance to charm audiences in a new light.
For Clarke, 2025 is less about blockbuster domination and more about versatility. She’s not commanding dragons or headlining a Star Wars sequel, but she’s everywhere—shooting in Budapest, promoting on Prime, voicing Dahl’s whimsy. It’s a full plate for an actress who’s weathered brain aneurysms and Thrones finale backlash to keep building her craft. Fans might not hear her name screamed from the rooftops, but Clarke’s plans for 2025 prove she’s still a force—quietly conquering one role at a time.