Emilia Clarke Opens Up About the Game of Thrones Scene She Wishes She Could Forget!

Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones, has captivated audiences with her nuanced portrayal of a young, displaced queen rising to power. Yet, amid her decade-long journey through the Seven Kingdoms, one scene in particular stands out as her least favorite—an experience she described as emotionally harrowing and physically uncomfortable: Daenerys’ wedding night with Khal Drogo in the series’ pilot episode.

A Controversial Beginning

The scene in question takes place early in the show’s first season. Daenerys is wed to the powerful Dothraki leader, Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), in a marriage arranged by her brother, Viserys, as part of his ruthless bid for power. The wedding night, as portrayed on-screen, features a non-consensual sexual encounter, a stark deviation from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. In the source material, the scene is framed as a moment of consent and connection between Daenerys and Drogo. The show’s decision to alter this moment drew immediate criticism from fans, critics, and even Martin himself, who lamented the shift, calling it a “radical change” that transformed a complex relationship into a “horrific plot device.”

For Clarke, this scene was more than just controversial; it was deeply unsettling. In interviews, she has referred to the filming process as “horrifying” and “petrifying,” describing it as a “baptism by fire” that marked one of her earliest and most difficult experiences on set. Despite her youth and relative inexperience at the time, she managed to deliver a performance that conveyed Daenerys’ vulnerability and trauma—emotions Clarke later revealed were deeply personal, as she drew on her own feelings to portray the character’s pain and helplessness.

A Singularly Challenging Moment

While Game of Thrones featured numerous intense and emotionally charged scenes, Clarke’s remarks repeatedly return to that initial wedding night as the most difficult. In contrast, she has expressed gratitude for other moments that allowed her more control over the narrative. For instance, she noted in interviews that some later intimate scenes, such as one involving Michiel Huisman’s Daario Naharis in season four, were handled with greater sensitivity and left her feeling more comfortable. This stark difference underscores how uniquely grueling the pilot episode’s wedding night was for her.

Impact on Daenerys’ Journey

Over time, Clarke’s character evolved from a frightened young bride into a confident, commanding leader, earning her both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. The contrast between Daenerys’ beginning and her eventual rise to power is one of the series’ defining arcs. However, Clarke has made it clear that the memory of that first season—particularly the wedding night scene—remains a painful reminder of the challenges she faced in stepping into such a demanding role.

A Broader Conversation

Clarke’s reflections on this moment have contributed to ongoing discussions about the portrayal of sexual violence in television and film. While she herself has never shied away from difficult material, her candid comments have highlighted the need for thoughtful storytelling and a supportive set environment, especially when dealing with such sensitive subjects. Today, as more actors speak out about their on-set experiences, Clarke’s honesty serves as a reminder of how early career challenges can shape an artist’s perspective—and how those challenges, though painful, can fuel a powerful performance.