Emilia Clarke’s Biggest Career Regret Is NOT What You Think — The Role She Actually Wishes She Took

Emilia Clarke may be forever known as the Mother of Dragons, but her post-Game of Thrones career is full of pivotal choices—some she’s proud of, and others she might reconsider. In the swirling world of Hollywood “what ifs,” one question pops up again and again: does Clarke regret saying no to Fifty Shades of Grey? The answer is a resounding no. But there’s more to her story of career decisions and genuine regret.

The Role She Didn’t Take—And Why

When Clarke was offered the lead role of Anastasia Steele in the 2015 film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey, it was the kind of offer that could have launched a blockbuster movie franchise and put her at the center of another global phenomenon. But after two meetings with director Sam Taylor-Johnson, Clarke turned it down. The reason? She didn’t want to be typecast or forever associated with on-screen nudity, having already faced that challenge with her breakout role in Game of Thrones and her stint in a nude Broadway production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Clarke has spoken candidly about this decision, telling multiple outlets, including the Los Angeles Times and E! Online, that she has “no regrets” about walking away from the project. For Clarke, it was about protecting her creative boundaries and ensuring she wasn’t boxed in by Hollywood’s expectations.

Her True Regrets: The Roles She Accepted

While Fifty Shades is the headline, Clarke’s real career regrets lie elsewhere. In a revealing 2019 interview with Variety, she and fellow Game of Thrones star Kit Harington shared a laugh about “stupid action movies we regret”—specifically naming Terminator: Genisys (2015). Both stars admitted that, in the rush of post-Thrones fame, they took on projects that didn’t always align with their artistic ambitions.

What She Wishes She’d Done

Clarke’s regrets aren’t just about movie roles. She’s also admitted she wishes she’d taken a few souvenirs from the Game of Thrones set—a far more relatable misstep than any casting decision. And like many actors, she’s cringed watching certain scenes with family present, especially some of the more risqué moments that came with being Daenerys Targaryen.

No Looking Back—Just Forward

Emilia Clarke stands by her choice to turn down Fifty Shades of Grey and has navigated her career with an eye toward long-term fulfillment rather than short-term headlines. While she might look back and laugh about a few blockbuster misfires, her willingness to say “no” is as much a part of her success as her on-screen fire. For Clarke, regret is less about the roles she didn’t take—and more about making the most of the path she’s chosen.