What Happened to Emilia Clarke?
Emilia Clarke, widely recognized for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones,' has continued to build a diverse career in film, television, and theatre. Following her iconic HBO series, she has taken on roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, independent films, and West End productions, while also actively engaging in philanthropy through her charity, SameYou. As of 2026, Clarke remains highly active with several new projects released or slated for release, showcasing her versatility and resilience.
Quick Answer
Emilia Clarke has remained a prominent figure in entertainment since 'Game of Thrones,' expanding her filmography with projects like Marvel's 'Secret Invasion' (2023) and the sci-fi romantic comedy 'The Pod Generation' (2023). In 2026, she starred in the Cold War spy thriller series 'Ponies' and is set to premiere the romantic drama 'Next Life' at the Tribeca Film Festival in June. She also has several other films and series in various stages of production for 2026 and 2027, continuing her work with her brain injury charity, SameYou.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Game of Thrones Premieres
Emilia Clarke gains global recognition for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's 'Game of Thrones,' a role she would play for eight seasons.
Broadway Debut in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
Clarke makes her Broadway debut playing Holly Golightly in a stage adaptation of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.
Game of Thrones Concludes
The final season of 'Game of Thrones' airs, concluding Clarke's iconic run as Daenerys Targaryen.
Stars in 'Last Christmas'
Clarke stars in the romantic comedy film 'Last Christmas' alongside Henry Golding.
West End Debut in 'The Seagull'
Clarke makes her West End debut as Nina in a new adaptation of Anton Chekhov's 'The Seagull' at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
The Pod Generation Premieres at Sundance
Her sci-fi romantic comedy film 'The Pod Generation,' co-starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, premieres at the Sundance Film Festival.
Stars in Marvel's 'Secret Invasion'
Clarke joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starring as G'iah in the Disney+ miniseries 'Secret Invasion.'
Filming Begins for 'An Ideal Wife'
Production is anticipated to begin for 'An Ideal Wife,' where Clarke is cast as Constance Lloyd, Oscar Wilde's wife.
First Episode of 'Criminal' Drops
The first episode of the Amazon MGM Studios series 'Criminal,' in which Clarke plays Mallory, is expected to drop on Prime Video.
Ponies Premieres on Peacock
Clarke stars in and executive produces the Cold War spy thriller series 'Ponies,' which premieres on Peacock in the US.
Ponies UK Release on Sky and NOW
The espionage thriller series 'Ponies,' starring Emilia Clarke, becomes available on Sky and NOW in the UK and Ireland.
Next Life Premieres at Tribeca Festival
Her romantic drama film 'Next Life,' co-starring Édgar Ramírez, is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
When Darkness Loves Us Theatrical Release
The horror film 'When Darkness Loves Us,' starring Clarke, is slated for a theatrical release after production has wrapped.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Emilia Clarke rose to international stardom as Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's monumental fantasy series 'Game of Thrones,' a role she played from 2011 to 2019, earning her multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Her portrayal of the 'Mother of Dragons' cemented her status as a global icon and allowed her to command significant salaries, reportedly earning up to $1.1 million per episode in the show's final seasons.
Following the conclusion of 'Game of Thrones,' Clarke strategically diversified her portfolio, moving beyond the fantasy genre. In 2022, she made her West End debut in a critically acclaimed adaptation of Anton Chekhov's 'The Seagull' at the Harold Pinter Theatre, showcasing her theatrical prowess. Her foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe came with the Disney+ miniseries 'Secret Invasion,' where she played G'iah, a shapeshifting Skrull, which premiered in June 2023. The same year, she starred opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor in the science fiction romantic comedy 'The Pod Generation,' which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2023 and had a limited theatrical release in August 2023.
Clarke has also been open about her personal health struggles, having survived two life-threatening brain aneurysms in her twenties. This experience led her to establish the charity SameYou, which aims to revolutionize recovery from brain injury and stroke. Her philanthropic efforts are a significant part of her public persona and ongoing work.
As of 2026, Clarke's career continues to thrive with several high-profile projects. She starred in and executive produced the Cold War spy thriller series 'Ponies,' which premiered on Peacock in January 2026 and is set for a UK release on Sky and NOW in May 2026. The series, which sees her play a CIA operative, has received positive reviews, with a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. She is also slated to appear in the Amazon MGM Studios series 'Criminal,' an adaptation of the graphic novels, where she will play a daring robber named Mallory, with the first episode expected to drop in 2025. Furthermore, her romantic drama film 'Next Life,' co-starring Édgar Ramírez, is scheduled to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5, 2026. Looking ahead, Clarke has wrapped production on the horror film 'When Darkness Loves Us,' set for a 2027 release, and is cast in 'An Ideal Wife,' where she will portray Oscar Wilde's wife, Constance Lloyd, with filming anticipated to commence in 2025. Her estimated net worth in 2026 is $20 million, a testament to her successful and diversified career.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Emilia Clarke made different choices?