How Vodka Helped Emilia Clarke Conquer One of ‘Game of Thrones’ Most Daring Moments

Emilia Clarke, famed for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, is no stranger to discussing the challenges of filming the show’s most explicit scenes. Known for its raw portrayal of violence, sex, and power dynamics, the HBO series often pushed its actors into vulnerable and uncomfortable situations. Clarke, in particular, was thrust into the limelight with several nude scenes that became key moments in her character’s journey. Among them, a particular scene from Season 6 stands out—one that Clarke herself has described as both empowering and daunting.

The Scene: Daenerys Emerges from the Fire

In the fourth episode of Game of Thrones Season 6, titled “Book of the Stranger,” Daenerys Targaryen experiences a moment of triumph when she burns down the temple of the Dothraki khals and emerges unscathed from the fire—completely naked. This moment mirrored a similar one from Season 1, where Daenerys hatched her dragons, symbolizing her rise to power. The scene was monumental, visually striking, and emblematic of Daenerys’ transformation into a formidable leader. Clarke herself later described the moment as a “wonderful, strong” and “empowering” one, a “girl-power wow scene” that reflected her character’s growing strength.

Yet, despite the character’s empowerment in the scene, Clarke has spoken openly about the challenges of filming this particular moment. To navigate the vulnerability of filming a scene that involved nudity and fire, Clarke admitted to needing a little extra courage: “All I needed was vodka and some flattering lighting, and I was ready,” she stated in interviews following the episode’s airing.

The Role of Vodka: Liquid Courage in a Vulnerable Moment

The comment about vodka was made in the context of her filming experience, where Clarke admitted that alcohol helped her face the anxiety of the scene. In various interviews, she emphasized that this was a personal coping mechanism—”vodka and flattering lighting” became her way of dealing with the overwhelming nature of the exposure. Her comments were met with understanding, as many fans and colleagues recognized how physically and emotionally taxing such scenes could be for actors, particularly in the public eye.

Clarke went on to share in an Entertainment Weekly interview that she was proud of the scene, saying, “This is all me, all proud, all strong. That ain’t no body double!” This statement reinforced her empowerment in the moment, suggesting that while alcohol helped her manage the physical discomfort, her pride in the scene was rooted in the strength and ownership she took over her character’s journey.

The Confusion Between the Game of Thrones Scene and a Photoshoot

However, Clarke’s admission about needing alcohol wasn’t limited to just the Game of Thrones set. In April 2016, she spoke about a similar need for courage during a photoshoot for Esquire magazine, where she was named “Sexiest Woman Alive.” The nervousness she felt in front of the camera was another instance where she mentioned alcohol as a way to calm her nerves. As Clarke explained during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she needed alcohol to pose naked for the photoshoot, revealing that doing so as herself, rather than in a character role, was far more intimidating.

This overlap in timing—Clarke’s vodka use for both the Game of Thrones scene and the Esquire shoot—has led to some confusion in media reports, with several outlets initially conflating the two events. For example, the Daily Mail, The Hindu, and Firstpost all cited Clarke’s comments about vodka in the context of the Season 6 Game of Thrones scene, despite her making similar remarks about the Esquire shoot earlier in 2016. The mix-up is understandable, given the high profile of both the scene and the photoshoot, but it’s crucial to distinguish between the two contexts.

Reflections on Vulnerability and Empowerment

In later interviews, Clarke continued to reflect on the pressures and discomfort she initially felt during her time on Game of Thrones. In a 2019 interview on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, she discussed her earlier fear and vulnerability surrounding nude scenes, admitting that she felt “terrified” in the beginning. She recalled feeling uneasy with the demands of the show but noted that she learned to cope and find empowerment in her own skin as time went on.

Clarke’s reflections on the challenges of filming such scenes align with her earlier statements about the vodka. While the use of alcohol helped her manage the anxiety during the filming process, her ultimate pride in the scene was tied to her growth and the empowerment she derived from embracing her body in the context of her character’s journey.

Empowerment vs. Exploitation: A Complex Balance

The complexities of filming nude scenes in a show like Game of Thrones are not lost on Emilia Clarke, who has long been open about the balance between empowerment and exploitation. While she has spoken positively about certain moments that made her feel strong and confident, she has also acknowledged the difficulties and the compromises required. Her journey through these challenges speaks to the broader discussion about female representation and body autonomy in the entertainment industry.

Through her candidness, Clarke has not only shed light on the practical challenges of filming such scenes but has also used her platform to discuss broader issues of vulnerability, control, and self-empowerment. Whether through vodka, flattering lighting, or her own inner strength, Clarke ultimately emerged from her Game of Thrones scenes with a renewed sense of self—proving that even the most vulnerable moments can be turned into symbols of empowerment.

Conclusion

Emilia Clarke’s experience filming her iconic nude scene in Game of Thrones Season 6 is a testament to the complexities of vulnerability in the entertainment industry. With the help of alcohol and a touch of courage, she faced the vulnerability of the moment, later embracing it as an empowering milestone in her career. However, the mix-up between her Game of Thrones scene and her Esquire photoshoot highlights the importance of distinguishing between different contexts. Ultimately, Clarke’s journey speaks to her resilience, growth, and the power of owning one’s body and image in a world that often demands more than its share of vulnerability from its stars.