During the intense and often brutal production of the early seasons of Game of Thrones, many actors were pushed into physically and emotionally demanding situations. For Emilia Clarke, who was only 23 years old when she began filming the show’s first season, the experience was particularly overwhelming. In later interviews, Clarke has spoken candidly about how vulnerable she felt during those early days on set, especially while performing scenes that required her to appear exposed in front of large production crews.
Season 1 introduced Clarke’s character, Daenerys Targaryen, through several scenes that were both emotionally heavy and physically demanding. As a newcomer to the industry, she suddenly found herself surrounded by experienced actors, a massive production team, and a filming environment that sometimes involved fifty or more crew members watching every moment unfold. The pressure to perform convincingly while feeling exposed and uncertain left Clarke deeply anxious at times.
One person who recognized her discomfort almost immediately was her co-star Jason Momoa, who played the powerful warlord Khal Drogo. On screen, Drogo was portrayed as intimidating and ruthless. Off screen, however, Momoa became one of Clarke’s strongest allies during filming.
Clarke later recalled a moment that has since become widely shared among fans of the series. During one particularly difficult scene, she was exhausted, cold, and emotionally drained while filming under intense lights with dozens of crew members present. According to Clarke, the atmosphere became so overwhelming that Momoa suddenly stopped the production.
The actor reportedly demanded that someone bring Clarke a robe immediately, refusing to continue filming while she stood shivering and vulnerable. In Clarke’s memory of the moment, Momoa’s reaction was both protective and deeply emotional. She later said that he was often more upset about the situation than she was, at times even tearing up when he felt she was being pushed too far during filming.
What stood out most to Clarke was the contrast between Momoa’s imposing physical presence and his gentle behavior behind the scenes. Towering over most of the cast, he still made sure to check on her constantly between takes, offering reassurance and support during some of the most uncomfortable days of production.
That kindness had a lasting impact on Clarke’s experience during the show’s early seasons. At a time when she was still finding her confidence as a performer, Momoa’s actions helped her feel less alone on a set that could otherwise feel intimidating.
Over the years, Clarke has repeatedly spoken about how grateful she was for that support. While the series became a global phenomenon and launched her into international fame, those early days were filled with uncertainty and emotional strain. Knowing that someone on set was willing to step in and defend her dignity made an enormous difference.
The story has since become one of the most memorable behind-the-scenes moments associated with Game of Thrones. It reveals a different side of the massive fantasy production—one where empathy and solidarity mattered just as much as spectacle. For Clarke, the memory remains a reminder that even in the harshest moments of her early career, someone was willing to pause everything simply to make sure she was treated with care and respect.