Emilia Clarke has lived through the dazzling highs of global superstardom — and the sobering realities that come with it. Now starring in her new series Ponies, currently streaming on JioHotstar, the Game of Thrones icon is embracing a refreshing new phase in her career. But even as she celebrates creative fulfillment, Clarke is candid about the uncomfortable truths that still linger in Hollywood, especially when it comes to gender equality and pay disparity.
Best known worldwide as Daenerys Targaryen, Clarke says working on Ponies alongside Haley Lu Richardson was a rare and deeply rewarding experience. Sharing screen space with another female lead — without romance or family ties defining their relationship — was something she had surprisingly never encountered before. “It’s a big thing,” she shared. “I’ve never had the good fortune of working with a co-star who wasn’t a boyfriend, husband, or someone related to my character. Here, it’s just two women in this world. There’s an emotional sisterhood. You don’t see enough of that on screen, and that’s a major reason I wanted to do this. I knew it would be joyful.”
Despite progress in the industry, Clarke believes true gender equality remains unfinished business. She points to the persistent pay gap and the often-unseen emotional labour women shoulder. “The gender disparity is not fixed by any means. There’s still a wild pay gap difference. Things are improving, but slowly,” she said. Clarke noted that society is finally beginning to acknowledge emotional labour, contributing to evolving family roles — such as more stay-at-home dads — but admitted many cultures still remain deeply rooted in traditional expectations. “We are lucky to be empowered women in a culture that lets us speak our truths. That’s not the case for everyone,” she added.
Reflecting on her Game of Thrones fame, Clarke described it as surreal but gradual. Early recognition felt almost playful since her real-life appearance differed drastically from Daenerys’s signature look. “It was almost gimmicky, like a Halloween costume,” she explained, noting that fan interactions were very different from those faced by actors in realistic roles.
However, as the series reached peak popularity, fame came with a heavy emotional cost. Clarke revealed she experienced panic attacks during the show’s final seasons. “I feel like I’m always in a backroom with fame. I love people and conversations, but sometimes fame just gets in the way,” she admitted. She also reflected on how recognition faded after the show ended, calling fame “fickle.” “It’ll be there and then it’ll go away. You just have to make sure it’s not the reason you wake up in the morning,” she said.
As Ponies marks a new chapter, Emilia Clarke continues to balance stardom with honesty — using her voice to push for change while staying grounded in what truly matters.
