Emilia Clarke on Why She Still Won’t Watch House of the Dragon

Emilia Clarke may be forever linked to the silver-haired rulers of Westeros, but the woman who brought Daenerys Targaryen to life in Game of Thrones says she’s keeping her distance from HBO’s hit prequel, House of the Dragon.

Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of the prequel’s second-season premiere on June 16, 2024, Clarke explained her ongoing reluctance to tune in — a choice she’s held to since the show debuted.

“I Still Can’t” Watch

Asked if she had watched any of the Targaryen family drama, Clarke was unequivocal:

“I still can’t,” she said. “I feel so content and happy with what my experience was, that I think watching the new one would just feel so odd.”

While she’s chosen not to engage as a viewer, Clarke stressed that her decision isn’t about disapproval. “I really do fully support the entire thing and everyone who’s made it, and it’s beautiful how successful it’s been,” she added. “It’s absolutely amazing.”

A Stance She’s Maintained

Clarke’s feelings about House of the Dragon haven’t changed since early 2023. While promoting The Pod Generation at the Sundance Film Festival, she likened watching the prequel to “someone saying, ‘You want to go to this school reunion that’s not your year?’” — connected, but not quite belonging.

She’s even joked online about seeing her old Daenerys wig reappear on other actors, but she’s remained firm in her choice to sit this one out.

Why She Keeps Her Distance

For Clarke, the decision is rooted in the deep emotional closure she feels toward her Game of Thrones era.

“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,” she told PEOPLE. “Now, as more and more time goes between it and me doing it, the more I’m like, that was incredibly special and that was incredibly rare.”

House of the Dragon may explore her character’s ancestors, but Clarke sees it as a separate chapter — one that doesn’t require her participation as a viewer.

Fans and Fellow Cast Members

Her candor has resonated with fans, many of whom understand the complicated emotions actors can feel toward franchise spinoffs. While some former Game of Thrones cast members have embraced House of the Dragon through interviews or cameos, Clarke’s approach stands apart, reflecting her focus on new creative ventures.

Most recently, she’s been making moves outside of Westeros entirely — including her role as global brand ambassador for Pegasus Distillerie.

Honoring Her Own Chapter

Clarke’s refusal to watch isn’t about rejecting the Game of Thrones universe, but about respecting her own boundaries and the singular experience she had playing Daenerys. In doing so, she’s offering fans a rare look at the personal side of navigating legacy roles in an ever-expanding franchise.

And while she may not be watching House of the Dragon, her place in Targaryen lore remains unshakable — a queen in the hearts of viewers, no matter how many centuries the story travels back.