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Updated May 31, 2026 · 18:15
Hollywood News Updated May 31, 2026

Emilia Clarke Felt 'Trapped' by Game of Thrones Success, Now Grateful

Emilia Clarke has revealed she felt "trapped" by the success of 'Game of Thrones'. The 39-year-old actress played Daenerys Targaryen for eight years. She now says she is grateful for the experience and no longer feels trapped. Clarke also finds watching the spin-off 'House of the Dragon' too "weird" and "strange".

Emilia Clarke says he felt 'trapped' by her 'GoT' success

Los Angeles, May 31

Actress Emilia Clarke, who is known for her work in the superhit show 'Game of Thrones', has shared that she used to feel "trapped" by her success owing to the show.

The 39-year-old actress played Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones', the fantasy series, between 2011 and 2019, but Emilia wasn't able to enjoy her success at the time, reports 'Female First UK'.

The actress, who starred alongside the likes of Sean Bean, Richard Madden, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Kit Harington and Rose Leslie on the TV show, told 'Variety', "I have gone through every circuitous route to get to the place that I am now, which is finally being able to be very grateful for everything that 'Game of Thrones' did and has given me. I no longer feel trapped in it, or trapped in the result of being in it".

She further mentioned, "I feel just really lucky that it happened to me, even luckier that I've had time to understand what that was, and now I feel firmly on the other side".

As per 'Female First UK', the actress explained that at the height of the show's success, she felt quite disconnected from her on-screen character. The actress also "didn't have any creative input" into her character, either.

She said, "Aside from what I brought as an actor, I didn't have any creative input, nor did I want any".

In 2023, Emilia admitted that she couldn't bring herself to watch House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones spin-off show that stars the likes of Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, Rhys Ifans and Milly Alcock. The actress voiced her support for the spin-off show. but confessed that watching the programme would be "weird" and "strange".

Emilia, whose other acting credits include 'Solo: A Star Wars Story', 'Terminator: Genisys' and 'Me Before You', said, "It's too weird. I'm so happy it's happening. I'm over the moon about all the awards ... I just can't do it. It's so weird. It's so strange".

Emilia even likened watching the spin-off show to attending a school reunion.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Sarah B

I think it's quite common for actors to feel trapped by a defining role. But Emilia's honesty about not wanting creative input is refreshing. In India, many actors get very possessive about their characters. She seems grounded despite the fame.

Priya S

Uff, the pressure of being part of such a massive show must have been insane. I remember how the entire world was obsessed with GoT. But I'm glad she's grateful now. Also, not watching House of the Dragon is such a mood 😂 Too close to home, I guess.

Michael C

Respect for her honesty. Many actors would never admit they felt trapped by success. It shows she's introspective. But also, it's a bit ironic because most of us would kill for that kind of success. Grass is always greener, I suppose.

Vikram M

I appreciate her perspective. But let's be real — she got paid millions and became a household name. While I understand the pressure, many Indian actors would love to be in her shoes. Still, it's good that she's being vulnerable about the downside of fame.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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