Emilia Clarke Finally Books a Lead Role, Breaking Her Sad Post-GoT Streak

Many Game of Thrones actors were unknown before the series and became global superstars overnight, but few of them benefitted from this show quite as much as Emilia Clarke. The actress famously portrayed Daenerys Targaryen aka the Mother of Dragons (and countless other titles), but after Game of Thrones, her acting luck has been a bit on the poor side, with new roles not quite working out for her.

Well, that might just be about to change as Clarke booked a new leading gig.

Emilia Clarke Lands a New Lead Role

Based on the recent report from Variety, the Game of Thrones star just landed another major role. This time, she’ll act in Prime Video ’s upcoming TV show Criminal alongside Charlie Hunnam and Richard Jenkins. Based on Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ graphic novel series, the new show will follow various crime stories.

With both the original authors directly involved in production — Brubaker is its showrunner alongside Jordan Harper, and Phillips is an executive producer — the hopes are pretty high on our side. The star-studded cast and Prime Video’s massive budgets help, too, and we believe Criminal has all the chances to bring the Mother of Dragons’ glory back.

Clarke Hasn’t Been Lucky After GoT

While launched into international stardom by Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke didn’t find much luck afterwards. Her three biggest roles since then included the notoriously middling appearances as Sarah Connor in the latest Terminator, G’iah in MCU ’s Secret Invasion, and Qi'ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story. All three are massive franchises, but Clarke didn’t have the best experience or performance in them.

Prime Video’s Criminal is a huge chance to prove herself again for the actress: for the first time since Game of Thrones, she’ll have a lead role in a big series. In Criminal, Emilia Clarke will portray Mallory, one of the main characters described as “a slick and daring armed robber” and “a woman on the edge.” This new character will allow Clarke to showcase her range and revive her post-GoT career.

Source: Variety