Emilia Clarke has shared her thoughts on the most uncomfortable sex scene she had to film for Game of Thrones.
The series is famously filled with explicit scenes, earning it a reputation for its liberal use of nudity and intimate moments.
One scene even gave rise to the term ‘sexposition,’ where characters discuss crucial plot points while engaging in sexual activities to maintain viewer interest.
Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen often required her to perform nude and participate in sex scenes, particularly in the show’s early seasons.
She has previously spoken about how daunting it was to film these scenes, especially since she had just graduated from drama school when she got the role.
Clarke also mentioned how her co-star Jason Momoa, who played Khal Drogo, was very protective of her on set, making sure she felt safe during those intense scenes.
However, when asked about the most ‘awkward’ scene for her, Clarke’s answer was unexpected.
She revealed to Digital Spy, “Funnily enough the most awkward scene for me to film was the mildly lesbian scene with Roxanne [McKee].”
“That was the most tricky I found. I don’t know why particularly, I think it because Dany found it tricky.”
For those who may have forgotten, the scene involves Daenerys receiving intimate advice from her handmaiden Doreah, played by McKee, on how to satisfy her husband, Khal Drogo.
During the instruction, the interaction between Daenerys and Doreah is charged with palpable tension.
Clarke elaborated, “Obviously with the much stronger scenes Dany had to go into a different mindset to try and escape, so I did as well whereas with the handmaiden scene it was more kind of, tricky.”
Daenerys’ interactions with other female characters were not limited to this scene alone.
In later seasons, Daenerys also shares a flirtatious moment with Yara Greyjoy, portrayed by Gemma Whelan, who is an openly LGBTQ+ character.
Clarke has also discussed filming the notorious scene where Khal Drogo rapes Daenerys on their wedding night.
Reflecting on that experience with Jason Momoa, she said, “He was crying more than I was,” and added, “He was always like, ‘Can we get her a f**king robe? She’s shivering!’”
“He was so kind and considerate and cared about me as a human being.”
Since those early days, Clarke has become more assertive about her boundaries regarding nude scenes.
She stated, “I’ve had fights on set before where I’m like, ‘No, the sheet stays up,’ and they’re like, ‘You don’t wanna disappoint your Game of Thrones fans.’ And I’m like, ‘F*ck you.’”