Emilia Clarke, renowned for her portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Khaleesi, in Game of Thrones, has revealed her initial discomfort and subsequent battles with the show's makers over nude scenes. The actress, celebrated as a pop culture icon for her iconic role, faced challenges in navigating the graphic nudity that the HBO series was known for. In an interview, she shared insights into her early reservations and how she asserted herself on set.
While making her MCU debut in Secret Invasion this year, playing a Skrull character, Clarke's popularity soared due to her role in Game of Thrones. The immense success led to the creation of a separate show dedicated to the Targaryen House.
Recalling her early days on Game of Thrones, Clarke acknowledged the significant evolution in her perspective. She expressed, "I mean, this way back in the day. So, now things are very, very different, and I’m a lot more savvy about what I’m comfortable with and what I am OK with doing." Clarke recounted instances of on-set disputes, firmly stating, "'No! Sheet stays up,'" when faced with pressure to disrobe. Despite initial discomfort, she staunchly defended her stance, asserting her autonomy against the backdrop of fan expectations.
Clarke explained the necessity of nudity for her character, Khaleesi, in Game of Thrones, emphasizing that viewers wouldn't care about her character's struggles if they hadn't witnessed her being abused. While admitting to emotional tolls, such as crying in the bathroom after scenes, Clarke's perspective shifted by the sixth season. She embraced a sense of ownership and empowerment, stating, "When I did the last nudity that I did for the show, which was walking through the fire — second time ’round — I was like, ‘I am owning this. This is mine.’ They’ve asked me to do it, and, do you know what? I’m f**king game."
In summary, Emilia Clarke navigated the challenges of nudity on Game of Thrones, initially grappling with discomfort but ultimately asserting herself and finding empowerment in her role as Khaleesi.
