Emilia Clarke, the talented British actress known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in "Game of Thrones," has revealed that she faced pressure from the show's bosses to perform scenes that she was not comfortable with.
In a candid interview with Dax Shepard, Clarke shared that although N- was not part of her contract, she felt compelled to comply due to her newness to the industry.
Looking back, Clarke now realizes that she should have asserted her boundaries and comfort level more firmly. However, when the series first began filming in 2010, she was only 22 years old, inexperienced, and grappling with the challenges of starting her career. Despite having disagreements on set and voicing her reservations, she was told that refusing to disrobe might disappoint the fans.
As the series progressed, Clarke became more outspoken against unnecessary N- and eventually refused to participate in such scenes. She expressed her desire to be recognized for her talent rather than her physical appearance, declaring in 2015, "I want to be known for my talent, not my breasts."
Reflecting on her initial willingness to agree to N-, Clarke attributed it to her inexperience as a first-time actress. The magnitude of the production and the pressure of being exposed on-screen left her feeling vulnerable and uncertain about her actions.
During her time on the show, Jason Momoa, who played her on-screen husband Khal Drogo, supported Clarke's choices, encouraging her to prioritize her comfort. Clarke fondly remembers the scenes she shared with Momoa as some of the most enjoyable, owing to his understanding and support.
The revelations about the pressure she faced come on the heels of Clarke's admission that she suffered two aneurysms after the first season's filming. In an article she penned for The New Yorker, she revealed feeling overwhelmed by the show's immense success and struggling to comprehend the demands of the industry.
Currently, Emilia Clarke is busy promoting "Last Christmas," a heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy in which she stars alongside Henry Golding and Emma Thompson. Set in London during Christmas 2017, the film features the music of George Michael and Wham!, including the classic Christmas theme that inspired its title.
