The moment was one of pure, unexpected comedy: Emilia Clarke, known to millions as Daenerys Targaryen, Mother of Dragons and rightful Queen of the Andals, trading her fiery pronouncements for a bizarre, throaty cover of a 90s bubblegum pop classic. Clarke’s cover of “MMMBop” by the band Hanson, sung entirely in the fictional language of Dothraki, instantly became a viral sensation, showcasing a rarely seen comedic talent and linguistic dedication that shocked viewers. Emilia Clarke’s cover of Hanson’s “MMMBop” sung entirely in the fictional Dothraki language on a late-night show shocked viewers who couldn’t believe that the actress was such a talented linguist/comedian too.
From Khaleesi to Comedian: Emilia Clarke’s Unforgettable Dothraki Rendition of “MMMBop”
The memorable performance occurred during her appearance on the late-night show Late Night with Seth Meyers on May 24, 2016. The actress, who played the lead role of Daenerys Targaryen in the monumental HBO series Game of Thrones, was discussing the complexity and detail of the show’s constructed languages. The Dothraki language, created by linguist David J. Peterson for the series, is a fully realized, complex tongue. Clarke revealed that to memorize her demanding lines, which were sometimes provided only as MP3 audio files, she would practice incessantly. She admitted that, having spent six seasons mastering the language, she felt comfortable enough to improvise—especially since the directors did not speak Dothraki and wouldn’t catch her mistakes. It was during one such off-camera moment on set that she unleashed her secret weapon: a Dothraki translation of Hanson’s 1997 chart-topper, “MMMBop.” The song, famous for its catchy, upbeat, and slightly nonsensical chorus, sounded completely transformed when rendered in the harsh, guttural sounds of the nomadic warrior tongue.
Data and Reactions: A Cultural Phenomenon
The segment instantly became a cultural moment. Host Reaction: After Clarke gave a sample of her MMMBop-in-Dothraki, host Seth Meyers famously quipped, “I can’t stress enough how less catchy that is,” highlighting the stark contrast between the pop song’s original melody and its warrior-language rendition. Talent Revealed: The display underscored Clarke’s exceptional discipline as an actress. The ability to memorize and fluently manipulate a constructed language for years, and then use it for an elaborate comedic bit, demonstrated her command over the role of Daenerys. Linguistic Depth: The moment also drew attention to the depth of the Dothraki language itself, which, according to Clarke, had even “won awards” (referring to the work of its creator, David J. Peterson). For fans, the segment was tangible proof that Dothraki was a complete, usable language.
Broader Context: Clarke’s Comedic Turn
This viral moment cemented Emilia Clarke’s reputation for having a playful, witty personality that contrasts sharply with the stoic, serious nature of her breakout role on Game of Thrones. The Dothraki cover, much like her appearance in a 2015 Game of Thrones: The Musical sketch for Red Nose Day, showcased a talent for singing, comedy, and theatricality that surprised many who only knew her as the “Mother of Dragons.” This versatility has since allowed her to take on diverse projects across film, television, and theater, moving beyond the shadow of Westeros.