Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in HBO’s Game of Thrones made her a household name and left an indelible mark on television history. Since the show’s finale in 2019, Clarke has reflected on her decade-long journey with the character, offering insights that go beyond fan debates about the controversial ending. Now, as of June 2025, Clarke reveals a surprisingly personal regret—one that has nothing to do with the storyline or her role, but something far more tangible.
The Dragon Eggs That Got Away
Clarke’s biggest regret after Game of Thrones wrapped up isn’t about Daenerys’s fate or the show’s polarizing conclusion—it’s about not taking home souvenirs from the set. Most notably, she laments not securing the iconic dragon eggs, which famously hatched at the end of Season 1 and symbolized the birth of her character’s fiery destiny.
Across interviews with Variety’s Actors on Actors, USA Today, and FandomWire, Clarke has consistently expressed how much she wished she had taken one of those dragon eggs as a memento. She even tried asking for one as a parting gift but was politely declined. The eggs, like many other set pieces, remain out of reach—but for Clarke, they represent a deeply personal connection to the role that helped her through some of her darkest moments.
More Than Just a Role
Clarke’s tenure as Daenerys was transformative not only professionally but emotionally. During filming, she faced severe health challenges, including two brain aneurysms—the most recent in 2013. Playing Daenerys, a character defined by strength and resilience, helped Clarke confront her own fears and mortality. This added weight to her desire for tangible reminders like the dragon eggs, which embodied her character’s power and her own journey through adversity.
No Regrets About the Character Arc
Interestingly, Clarke has made it clear that she harbors no regrets about how her character’s story concluded—even the contentious “Mad Queen” transformation. Recent statements, including a 2025 FandomWire article, confirm she respects the showrunners’ creative decisions and focuses her reflections on the personal rather than the narrative.
This stance contrasts with some earlier fan theories and speculations about her feelings on the finale, revealing a mature acceptance and a focus on what truly matters to her.
Emotional Farewell
Leaving Game of Thrones was deeply emotional for Clarke. She described taking nearly a year to come to terms with saying goodbye to the role that defined much of her young adult life. The bittersweet farewell underscores why those small keepsakes, like the dragon eggs or even quirky items like “smelly socks” from the set, hold such sentimental value for her.
