Emilia Clarke Reflects on ‘Game of Thrones’: What the Iconic Role Really Meant to Her and Fans Worldwide

In a candid and insightful interview with PEOPLE magazine published on June 15, 2024, Emilia Clarke offered a heartfelt reflection on her groundbreaking journey as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Spanning eight years from 2011 to 2019, Clarke’s portrayal of the “Mother of Dragons” became one of the most defining roles of her career and a cultural phenomenon with a global fanbase. Now, with the benefit of hindsight and growing distance from the series, Clarke reveals how her perspective on the show—and its profound impact—has evolved.

Growing Appreciation Over Time

“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,” Clarke admitted. This initial uncertainty is familiar to many actors embarking on major projects early in their careers, especially one as massive and unpredictable as Game of Thrones. But as she explained, “the more distance I have from Game of Thrones, the more I can quantify it.” With time, Clarke now regards the experience as “incredibly special and rare,” recognizing the unique convergence of talent, timing, and audience connection that propelled the show to international acclaim.

Describing the production as “lightning in a bottle,” Clarke captured the essence of what made Game of Thrones such a singular phenomenon—an unpredictable magic that few projects ever achieve. Her reflections resonate widely in the entertainment industry, where the intense demands of filming often overshadow the larger cultural significance until years later.

Gratitude and Connection with Fans

Central to Clarke’s reflections is a deep sense of gratitude. She called herself “incredibly lucky” to have been part of a show that continues to resonate so strongly with fans worldwide. “It means the world to me that people are still so connected to the series,” she said, highlighting the powerful and enduring bond between actor and audience that long-running series can foster.

This emotional reciprocity underscores not only the personal significance of her role but also the ongoing cultural dialogue that Game of Thrones inspires among its millions of viewers.

Career Impact and Recognition

Game of Thrones catapulted Emilia Clarke to international stardom and critical acclaim. Over the course of the show’s run, she earned four Emmy nominations—three for Outstanding Supporting Actress (2013, 2015, 2016) and one for Outstanding Lead Actress (2019). Her work also garnered nods from the Screen Actors Guild, Saturn Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards, reflecting her versatility and popularity.

In 2019, TIME magazine named Clarke one of its 100 Most Influential People in the World, cementing her status as a global icon and underscoring the immense cultural footprint of Game of Thrones.

Beyond the Throne: A New Chapter

Since concluding her time on Game of Thrones, Clarke has expanded her creative horizons by stepping into production with her company, Magical Thinking Pictures. Her evolving career reflects a commitment to storytelling both in front of and behind the camera, shaped in part by the transformative experience of the series.

Emilia Clarke’s reflections offer a rare and nuanced look at what it means to be part of a cultural landmark. Her journey from unsure newcomer to celebrated icon—and the gratitude she expresses for the experience and her fans—reminds us why Game of Thrones remains a powerful force in television history and in the hearts of viewers worldwide.