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Emilia Clarke has never been more candid — or more disarming — about her post-Game of Thrones career. In a new interview with Variety, the actress surveyed the wreckage of three consecutive franchise entries and offered a frank, self-deprecating reckoning that has drawn wide attention.
On Secret Invasion, the 2023 Marvel miniseries in which she played Skrull shapeshifter G’iah, Clarke said in a mock-embarrassed voice: “I don’t think no one liked that show, guys. I’m sorry!” She then extended that verdict across her full genre résumé: “Star Wars? They didn’t like it. Terminator? That should never have happened. But these were jobs I said yes to, you know what I mean?”
The three projects she referenced span a decade of franchise disappointments. Secret Invasion scored as low as 10% per episode on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the lowest-rated entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Solo: A Star Wars Story, in which she played Han Solo’s enigmatic ex Qi’ra, underperformed significantly at the box office. Terminator Genisys, released in 2015, earned $440.6 million worldwide but pulled just $89.7 million domestically and landed at 26% on Rotten Tomatoes — effectively killing plans for a new trilogy.
Clarke’s explanation for why she doesn’t take the failures personally is rooted in the nature of franchise work itself. “I entered into already existing franchises,” she told Variety, “so when they don’t work out, it’s not personal.” She added that her relationship to any project ends the moment cameras stop rolling. “My connection to a project ends when they say, ‘Picture wrap.’ Because it’s not for me to decide what people will think of it.”
The experience has, however, made her more selective. “I said no to a lot,” she said. “I need to wait for the right thing.” Though she acknowledged that the perfect job — like the perfect house or partner — may not exist, making enjoyment reason enough to take something on.
The timing of the interview coincides with the launch of Ponies, her Peacock spy thriller, which is currently sitting at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes — a rather pointed contrast to the projects she was laughing off.
