Emilia Clarke Reflects on Game of Thrones: ‘The More Distance I Have, The More I Can Quantify It’ (Exclusive)

Emilia Clarke, the actress who brought Daenerys Targaryen to life in HBO’s Game of Thrones, shared insightful reflections on her groundbreaking role in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine published June 15, 2024. Her evolving perspective reveals how actors process career-defining milestones over time, highlighting the unique blend of uncertainty, gratitude, and appreciation that comes with participating in a global phenomenon.

Growing Clarity with Time

Clarke opened up about how her understanding of Game of Thrones has deepened as time has passed. “The more distance I have from Game of Thrones, the more I can quantify it,” she explained, acknowledging that at the show’s onset, she was navigating uncharted waters. “When I started, you don’t know what you’re doing, you don’t know what you’re surrounded by and you don’t know what you’re taking part in.”

This initial uncertainty is common in actors’ early experiences, especially within a project of such magnitude. But looking back, Clarke now sees the experience as “incredibly special and rare,” describing the series as “lightning in a bottle”—a perfect storm of talent, timing, and audience connection that propelled the show into cultural legend.

Gratitude and Fan Connection

Clarke’s reflections are imbued with gratitude. She said she feels “incredibly lucky” to have been part of the series and expressed how deeply it means to her that fans still feel connected to the show. “That attachment from viewers means the world,” she said, emphasizing the emotional reciprocity between performer and audience that sustains long-running series.

Career Impact and Recognition

Game of Thrones significantly shaped Clarke’s career, earning her four Emmy nominations spanning from 2013 to 2019, including both supporting and lead actress categories. Her work also garnered nods from the SAG Awards, Saturn Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards. In 2019, TIME magazine named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, underscoring her global impact and the far-reaching cultural footprint of the show.

Moving Forward

Since Game of Thrones, Clarke has expanded her creative footprint, founding Magical Thinking Pictures and stepping into production. Her reflections on the show capture not just nostalgia but a mature understanding of how a landmark series can define and shape a career—and how time allows artists to fully grasp its significance.

For fans and industry observers alike, Clarke’s words offer a compelling look at the journey from breakthrough role to lasting legacy, reminding us that sometimes, only with distance can we truly appreciate what lightning in a bottle really means.