When Emilia Clarke landed the role of Daenerys Targaryen on the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones” at the young age of 23, she had no idea what she was getting herself into.
Fresh out of drama school and with limited acting experience, Clarke found herself thrown into a world of explicit scenes and on-screen nudity.
In a recent podcast interview, Clarke opened up about the challenges she faced during the early seasons of “Game of Thrones.”
She admitted that she would often become emotional and cry before filming intimate scenes with her co-star Jason Momoa, who portrayed her character’s husband, Khal Drogo.
“I took the job, and then they sent me the scripts, and I was reading them, and I was like, ‘Oh, there’s the catch!’” Clarke revealed.
Despite her initial concerns, she approached her role with professionalism and dedication.
Fortunately, Clarke had a supportive co-star in Momoa, who went above and beyond to ensure her comfort on set.
Momoa, who had more experience in the entertainment industry, showed great consideration and kindness towards his younger colleague.
“He was crying more than I was,” Clarke fondly recalled. “He took care of me in an environment where I didn’t know I needed to be taken care of.”
Momoa’s thoughtfulness extended to small gestures.
Clarke recalled instances where Momoa advocated for her comfort when she could not find her voice.
In between takes or after filming concluded, he proactively ensured that Clarke was provided with a robe to shield her from the cold, repeatedly urging the crew to attend to her needs.
The safe environment Momoa fostered during their shared scenes offered Clarke a sense of security and reassurance, with him firmly establishing boundaries by affirming, “No, sweetie, this isn’t okay,” when necessary.
A decade later, Clarke has acquired the confidence to assert herself against requests for unnecessary n^de scenes in her career.
She recounted instances where filmmakers attempted to manipulate her into compromising situations by insinuating that she would disappoint her loyal “Game of Thrones” fanbase.
Clarke boldly rejected such coercion, asserting her agency and refusing to yield to unwarranted demands.
The actress expressed her gratitude for Momoa’s support, saying, “He was so kind and considerate and cared about me as a human being.”
His actions demonstrated a level of professionalism and compassion that helped create a safe and comfortable environment for Clarke during challenging scenes.
As Clarke gained more experience and confidence throughout her time on “Game of Thrones,” she began to assert herself more on set.
She made the decision to decline scenes that made her uncomfortable, despite facing pressure from others who tried to convince her otherwise.
Clarke’s experience is not unique in the acting world.
Many actors, including veteran performer Liam Neeson, have spoken out about their discomfort with filming intimate scenes.
Neeson, known for his intense and dramatic roles, has been vocal about his reluctance to shoot such scenes throughout his career.
While the challenges Clarke faced early on in “Game of Thrones” were undoubtedly difficult, she acknowledges the significant impact the series had on her career.
The show propelled her to global stardom and provided her with opportunities she might not have had otherwise.
Looking back, Clarke recognizes the importance of having supportive colleagues like Momoa, who prioritized her well-being and helped create a positive working environment.
Their friendship and mutual respect have endured beyond the show, with the two actors often expressing their admiration for each other.
