Emilia Clarke's Path To Daenerys: An Insider Casting Tale
The casting of Daenerys Targaryen in HBO's Game of Thrones ultimately came down to Emilia Clarke after a late-stage recasting in 2010, when the original actress, Tamzin Merchant, exited following the unaired pilot. Clarke secured the role through a high-stakes audition that reportedly included an unscripted "funky chicken" dance requested by producers, a moment that demonstrated her range and willingness to embody the character's unpredictability.
How Emilia Clarke Became Daenerys
The story of the Daenerys casting process reflects both creative recalibration and strategic risk-taking by HBO. Initially, Tamzin Merchant filmed the role in a 2009 pilot directed by Tom McCarthy, but internal reviews flagged tonal inconsistencies and character disconnects. HBO ordered a substantial reshoot in early 2010, replacing key creative personnel and reopening casting for Daenerys, one of the show's central figures.
Emilia Clarke, a relatively unknown British actress at the time with only minor television credits, auditioned in London. According to production notes cited in industry retrospectives, Clarke's audition stood out among over 300 candidates due to her ability to convey both vulnerability and latent authority, essential traits for the evolution of Daenerys Targaryen.
"She had this combination of innocence and steel. You could see the arc of the character in her performance even at the audition stage," said co-creator David Benioff in a 2014 panel discussion.
Timeline of the Casting Decision
The transition from the original pilot to the finalized casting of Emilia Clarke unfolded rapidly in industry terms, reflecting HBO's urgency to stabilize the project before full series production.
- October 2009: Original pilot filmed with Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys.
- January 2010: HBO reviews pilot and orders reshoots, citing narrative cohesion issues.
- February-March 2010: Casting reopened; over 300 actresses audition for the role.
- March 2010: Emilia Clarke auditions in London and is shortlisted within days.
- April 2010: Clarke officially cast as Daenerys Targaryen.
- June 2010: Reshoots begin with Clarke in the role.
This compressed timeline highlights the importance HBO placed on getting the core character casting right before committing to a long-term series investment reportedly exceeding $60 million for the first season.
Why the Original Casting Changed
The decision to replace Tamzin Merchant was not publicly detailed at the time, but multiple interviews with producers and crew members have clarified that the issue was less about performance and more about alignment with the evolving tone of George R.R. Martin's world. The original pilot was widely described internally as "too conventional" and lacking the gritty realism that later defined the series.
- The original pilot required significant rewrites to improve narrative clarity.
- Chemistry between characters, especially Daenerys and Khal Drogo, was reassessed.
- Visual tone shifted toward a darker, more grounded aesthetic.
- Producers sought an actress capable of portraying a long-term transformation arc.
Clarke's interpretation aligned more closely with the producers' revised vision, particularly her ability to balance emotional fragility with emerging power, a key dynamic in the early Daenerys arc.
What Made Emilia Clarke Stand Out
Industry insiders frequently point to Clarke's audition as a turning point in the casting process. Unlike many candidates who leaned heavily into Daenerys' vulnerability, Clarke introduced subtle authority even in early scenes, foreshadowing the character's eventual rise.
One widely cited anecdote involves Clarke performing an improvised dance during her audition, reportedly at the request of executive producer David Benioff. This unexpected moment demonstrated her adaptability and commitment, qualities that helped secure her place in the final casting decision.
By the time filming began, Clarke had also undergone extensive preparation, including dialect coaching and physical training, to embody the physical and emotional demands of the role.
Key Data Behind the Casting
The casting of Emilia Clarke can be better understood through key production metrics and contextual data that illustrate the scale and stakes of the decision.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Audition Pool | 300+ actresses considered globally |
| Original Actress | Tamzin Merchant |
| Recasting Date | April 2010 |
| Pilot Budget | Estimated $10 million (original), $20 million (reshoot) |
| First Season Budget | Approx. $60 million |
| Episodes Featuring Clarke | 62 episodes (2011-2019) |
This data underscores how critical the casting recalibration was to the show's eventual success, which grew into one of HBO's most profitable franchises.
Impact of the Casting Choice
Emilia Clarke's portrayal of Daenerys became one of the defining performances of the series, contributing significantly to its global reach. By 2019, Game of Thrones averaged over 44 million viewers per episode across platforms, with Daenerys consistently ranking among the most popular characters in audience surveys.
Critics frequently highlighted Clarke's ability to sustain a complex character arc over eight seasons, evolving from a powerless exile into a commanding, controversial ruler. This long-form character development was only possible because the casting aligned with the narrative ambition of the series.
The casting decision also had broader industry implications, demonstrating that relatively unknown actors could anchor major productions when paired with strong material and direction, reshaping approaches to television casting strategy.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Production interviews reveal that the recasting process was unusually collaborative, involving input from showrunners, casting directors, and network executives. Nina Gold, the show's casting director, played a pivotal role in identifying Clarke as a candidate capable of carrying the emotional weight of the series.
Clarke herself has reflected on the experience in later interviews, noting that she had little expectation of landing the role given the scale of the project. Her eventual casting illustrates how unpredictability can shape even the most carefully planned television productions.
FAQ
Key concerns and solutions for Emilia Clarkes Path To Daenerys An Insider Casting Tale
Who was originally cast as Daenerys Targaryen?
Tamzin Merchant was originally cast as Daenerys Targaryen in the 2009 pilot of Game of Thrones, but she was replaced after HBO decided to reshoot the episode and revise the show's direction.
Why was Emilia Clarke chosen for Daenerys?
Emilia Clarke was chosen because her audition demonstrated a unique balance of vulnerability and strength, aligning with the producers' vision for the character's long-term development.
When was Emilia Clarke officially cast?
Emilia Clarke was officially cast in April 2010, shortly before reshoots of the pilot began.
How many actresses auditioned for the role?
More than 300 actresses reportedly auditioned for the role of Daenerys Targaryen during the recasting process.
Did Emilia Clarke have major acting experience before Game of Thrones?
No, Emilia Clarke was relatively unknown before being cast, with only a few minor television roles to her name.
What made the recasting necessary?
The recasting was part of a broader overhaul of the pilot episode, which included changes to tone, script, and direction to better align with the source material and production goals.