You Won't Believe Who Played Daenerys Before Emilia Clarke

It’s been quite some time since “Game of Thrones” ended its run, and I’m still finding it hard to accept that any actress other than Emilia Clarke portrayed Daenerys Targaryen before she did. Daenerys stands out as a crucial figure in the series, sparking intense feelings among viewers – whether they adore her or criticize her actions from season 1. Clarke’s portrayal of the Mother of Dragons significantly contributes to this emotional response, as her performance has left an indelible mark on the role. Whether you’re a fan or detractor of Dany, it’s undeniable that Clarke is one of the standout aspects of the show.

Initially, a different actress named Tamzin Merchant portrayed Daenerys Targaryen instead of Emilia Clarke in an unbroadcast pilot episode for “Game of Thrones”. This was one of the many differences between the original pilot and the final version of the first episode, as well as the series as a whole. Numerous creative choices were altered, such as costume designs and the behavior of the White Walkers (as reported by SlashFilm). Additionally, Catelyn Stark was recast after Jennifer Ehle left the project. However, it’s challenging to envision the show without Michelle Fairley as Catelyn, but it’s almost impossible to imagine it without Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys.

Why Game Of Thrones Recast The Original Daenerys Actress

Tamzin Merchant Lacked Enthusiasm Over The Role

Initially cast as Daenerys in the initial pilot of Game of Thrones, Tamzin Merchant was later replaced before re-filming the first episode. The show’s creators didn’t disclose specific reasons for the recast, but it appeared to center around whether or not Merchant suited the role. HBO executive Michael Lombardo acknowledged that the chemistry between Merchant’s Daenerys and Jason Momoa’s Khal Drogo was lacking. Bryan Cogman, a writer on the show, commented, “I thought Tamzin did a commendable job. It’s difficult to pinpoint why things didn’t pan out” (via SlashFilm)).

In the world of cinema, I’ve always been candid about my experiences, but regarding the Game of Thrones recast, I kept quiet for quite some time. However, during an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2021, I finally shared my thoughts on why my portrayal of Daenerys might have felt a tad off. To put it frankly, I had reservations about the role, and it took a good deal of persuasion for me to accept it. Interestingly, as detailed in “Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Official Untold Story of the Epic Series,” there was an awkward incident involving a horse that got a bit frisky during filming, which my co-star Jason Momoa and I had to navigate.

Experiencing that incident with the pilot served as a powerful learning experience for me. It underscored the importance of trusting my intuition, an instinct I initially heeded when I tried to withdraw from that situation during contract negotiations. However, I was convinced to reconsider by some convincing individuals. As a result, I found myself in Morocco, out of my depth and terrified, riding a horse that seemed far more eager than me.

It’s not surprising that the actress portraying Daenerys in Game of Thrones didn’t flourish in the role due to her lack of enthusiasm and initial discomfort, given the circumstances. In the end, it appeared to be best for all parties involved that she didn’t continue playing the character throughout the show’s eight seasons. Despite this, Emilia Clarke was an excellent choice for the part and successfully brought Daenerys from George R.R. Martin’s books to life.

Emilia Clarke Is Perfect As Daenerys & Defined The Character

The Game Of Thrones Star Is Automatically Associated With Daenerys

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can reflect on the initial casting for Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones that didn’t quite hit the mark. Emilia Clarke eventually stepped into the role, and looking back, it’s clear that she was the perfect actress to bring the Mother of Dragons to life. While many characters from Game of Thrones have become one with their on-screen personas, this is particularly true for Emilia Clarke as Daenerys. She poured her heart and soul into the character, such that both show-only fans and book readers now inextricably link her with the Mother of Dragons.

Although Daenerys is a unique character in George R.R. Martin’s “Song of Ice and Fire” novels, Emilia Clarke brought an additional vitality to her portrayal. Her interpretation of the character not only stood out but also filled in details that weren’t explicitly present in the original storyline. Clarke’s captivating performance was even more striking given the health challenges she faced during “Game of Thrones” season 3. Despite battling severe personal struggles, Clarke delivered some of her finest performances, solidifying Daenerys as one of the most iconic characters in “Game of Thrones” and the fantasy genre at large.

Emilia Clarke Even Nailed Daenerys’ Mad Queen Turn

Season 8 Saw Her Doing Some Of Her Best Work

It could be argued that Emilia Clarke’s performance as Daenerys in Game of Thrones’ eighth season was a strong indication of her suitability for the role, given her convincing portrayal of Dany’s Mad Queen transformation. The final season of Game of Thrones elicited much controversy, and the evolution of Daenerys’ character was one of the contentious points. Some viewers found it troubling that a character they had cheered for throughout the series became the very villain she had previously fought against. Others were left unsatisfied by the rapid pace at which her turn to villainy unfolded. The writing and abridged season length didn’t make it easier to accept the conclusion of Game of Thrones’ penultimate episode.

Despite having limited resources for a compelling character arc, Emilia Clarke delivered one of her finest performances in the final season of the show. If some found Daenerys’ transformation into the Mad Queen unconvincing, it was not due to Clarke’s acting prowess. Instead, she effectively portrayed every emotion Daenerys exhibited leading up to “The Bells” climax. Additionally, Clarke masterfully depicted all the complex feelings that came with Daenerys’ losses throughout the season – from her sorrow over losing loved ones to her anger towards Jon Snow and the North.

What Tamzin Merchant Has Done Since Her Game Of Thrones Recasting

Salem & Carnival Row Are Among Her Biggest TV Roles Since

Despite not playing Daenerys Targaryen beyond the unaired pilot episode of Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke went on to secure significant roles following her time as the Mother of Dragons. Notably, she played Anne Hale in Salem and Imogen Spurnrose in Carnival Row. Additionally, she appeared as Lyra Strayd in several episodes of Supergirl on The CW. These are some instances where viewers may have encountered her since her exit from Game of Thrones, though she has also starred in numerous films.

In 2015, the actress starred as Sarah in “The Messenger”, followed by Kate in “The Dancer” in 2016 and Sara in “Running Naked” in 2020. She also portrayed Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2022, and most recently played Aunt Harriet in the miniseries “Tom Jones”. Fortunately for her, she had more opportunities to take on other projects because she wasn’t tied up with “Game of Thrones”. It’s a silver lining that Daenerys being recast in the show allowed her to pursue these roles. Hopefully, she was just as thrilled about her recent performances, as enthusiasm is key to succeeding in them.

2025-05-05 06:20

You Won’t Believe Who Played Daenerys Before Emilia Clarke