Emilia Clarke on Secret Invasion and Solo: reception isn’t personal

Actor Emilia Clarke, best known for playing Daenerys Targaryen in the hit TV series Game of Thrones, has spoken about the mixed reception to her projects Secret Invasion and Solo: A Star Wars Story. In an interview with Variety, Clarke said the negative reactions from audiences and critics don’t feel personal to her.

The reactions to Clarke’s projects

Emilia Clarke, who played G'iah in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has experience with controversial projects. She acknowledged that the reception to both Secret Invasion and Solo was not positive. “I don’t think anyone liked that show, guys,” she said with a light tone. “Sorry!” She also said that the criticism of her role in the Star Wars franchise and her portrayal of Sarah Connor in Terminator Genisys doesn’t get in the way of her love for what she does.

Reflecting on Game of Thrones

Clarke also pointed to the reaction to the final season of Game of Thrones, which drew plenty of negative feedback as well. She stressed that when you join established franchises, there’s always a risk that not every project will land. “These were jobs I said yes to,” she noted. “So if they’re not well received, it’s not personal.”

Future projects and outlook

Looking ahead, Clarke said she is waiting for the right project before jumping in again. “I have to wait for the right thing,” she said. She also looked ahead to new projects, including a role in the film Next Life, after previously working with Haley Lu Richardson in the Peacock series Ponies.

Clarke’s comments highlight the reality of working in entertainment, where a project’s success often lies far beyond the actors’ control. Still, she remains optimistic about her future and the stories she wants to tell.