Emilia Clarke on 'House of the Dragon': Like attending someone else's reunion

    Emilia Clarke, the iconic Daenerys Targaryen, reveals her reluctance to watch HBO's "House of the Dragon". It's too close to home, she tells Variety.

    <p>Emilia Clarke (Source: Variety)</p>

    Emilia Clarke (Source: Variety)

    "Emilia Clarke's Dragon Dilemma: Why HBO's Latest Fire-Breather Isn't on Her List!"

    January 2023, a month steeped in star-studded interviews and sizzling gossip, brought to us one of the most surprising revelations of the year. The dragon queen herself, Emilia Clarke, had flown the coop when it came to HBO’s “House of the Dragon”. As reported by Variety, Clarke described her avoidance of the series, comparing it to attending a stranger's school reunion!

    Source: Vanity Fair

    From Dragon Queen to Detached Observer

    When Clarke took the seat at Variety Studio during Sundance, she spilled the beans on why she had distanced herself from the prequel to "Game of Thrones". “It’s too weird. I’m so happy it’s happening. I’m over the moon about all the awards… I just can’t do it." she exclaimed. It's not every day that a major star distances herself from a universe that skyrocketed her to global stardom.

    Reunion Jitters? Emilia Breaks It Down

    The "Game of Thrones" phenomenon had spanned a monumental eight seasons, with Clarke's portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen becoming synonymous with power, drama, and—of course—dragons. However, the new series focusing on her character’s ancestors seemed to hit too close to home. Emilia made her feelings clear, stating, “It’s kind of like someone saying, ‘You want to go to this school reunion that’s not your year? Want to go to that school reunion?’ That’s how it feels. I’m avoiding it.”

    Source: JoBlo

    A New Direction: Clarke's Sundance Spotlight

    But Clarke wasn't at Sundance just to discuss dragons. She was there championing her new film, “The Pod Generation,” where she and Chiwetel Ejiofor grapple with future reproductive tech and the socio-political issues surrounding it. The film boldly takes on themes of abortion, prompting Clarke to passionately share her thoughts with Variety. “How dare people have the audacity to have that kind of an opinion on someone’s life?" she said, emphasizing the gravity of personal choice and judgment.

    Curtains Close But The Fire Remains

    Source: TV Insider

    While Clarke might be keeping a safe distance from the new dragons of HBO, her influence as the original dragon queen remains undeniable. And as she shifts her attention to fresh projects and powerful roles, one thing remains clear: Emilia Clarke continues to be a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

    (Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)