Emilia Clarke Reflects on Her Post-'Game of Thrones' Journey: Hits and Misses
Emilia Clarke's Career After 'Game of Thrones'
Emilia Clarke, famous for her legendary portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones', has had a career filled with both triumphs and setbacks since leaving the series. Despite her fame, her roles in major franchises like 'Star Wars' and Marvel have not always met expectations. In a recent conversation with Variety, Clarke shared her thoughts on the mixed reviews of her projects, including her latest film, the spy thriller 'Ponies', which has received favorable feedback.
Clarke openly discussed the audience and critical reactions to several of her notable films and series, such as 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', 'Terminator Genisys', and Marvel's 'Secret Invasion'. Each of these projects was highly anticipated but ultimately did not resonate as hoped. "I don’t think anyone liked that show, guys. I’m sorry!" she said, addressing the criticism surrounding 'Secret Invasion'. She also reflected on her experiences with 'Star Wars' and 'Terminator', admitting, "They didn’t like it. That should never have happened."
In 2015, Clarke portrayed Sarah Connor in 'Terminator Genisys', a film intended to revitalize the iconic sci-fi series, but it received a lukewarm reception from critics. She also played G'iah in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a character known for her impressive powers derived from various Marvel heroes. However, there has been no recent information about her future in the MCU, leaving fans curious for updates.
Clarke's venture into the 'Star Wars' franchise as Qi'ra in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' also faced hurdles, as the film did not perform well at the box office. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful about her character's potential return, saying, "That Millennium Falcon has sailed. But, there are many fans who have told me personally [laughs] that they would like to see her again. So we shall see."
Reflecting on the varied receptions of her projects, Clarke maintained a realistic outlook, stating, "I entered into already existing franchises, so when they don’t work out, it’s not personal." Her ability to navigate the challenges of franchise filmmaking while staying optimistic about future prospects highlights her resilience in an unpredictable industry.