When Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke joined Jude Law in the 2013 black comedy Dom Hemingway, few on set expected the actress best known for commanding dragons and armies to reveal a completely different kind of power — her singing voice. What began as a simple musical scene turned into a moment of disbelief, as Jude Law reportedly refused to believe it was Clarke herself performing until she sang live before him.
A Tale of Two Roles
In Dom Hemingway, directed by Richard Shepard, Jude Law plays the title character — a brash, recently released safecracker trying to rebuild his life and reconnect with his estranged daughter, Evelyn, portrayed by Clarke.
The film, known for its dark humor and sharp dialogue, hinges on this father-daughter relationship. But in one emotional scene, the movie’s tone softens as Evelyn performs a song for her father — a poignant, melodic cover that captured the heart of both the character and the audience.
That song? “Fisherman’s Blues” by The Waterboys, a 1988 folk-rock classic.
The Moment of Surprise
During production, Clarke recorded her version of “Fisherman’s Blues” for the film’s soundtrack. Her rendition was stripped down — gentle, vulnerable, and utterly distinct from the regal authority fans associated with her Game of Thrones persona.
When Jude Law first heard the playback of Clarke’s vocals, he was convinced it must have been dubbed by a professional singer. Her soft, folk-inspired tone was worlds apart from the fiery voice of Daenerys Targaryen.
According to crew accounts, Law was so certain it wasn’t her that Clarke decided to settle the matter directly.
She performed the song live, right on set.
Only then did Law realize that the hauntingly beautiful voice he’d heard was entirely hers.
The Power of Authenticity
The surprise reinforced Clarke’s versatility as a performer. Though celebrated for her commanding screen presence, she brought an unexpected musical sensitivity to the role of Evelyn Hemingway — a character grounded not in power, but in empathy and restraint.
Her rendition of “Fisherman’s Blues” became one of the film’s most memorable moments, providing emotional depth amid the chaos of Dom’s larger-than-life personality.
A promotional clip of Clarke’s live performance was later released ahead of the film’s debut, confirming that she recorded the track herself for the official soundtrack. Fans were quick to praise her natural, unaffected delivery — proof that her talents extended far beyond acting.
A Softer Side of a Screen Icon
For audiences who knew Emilia Clarke primarily as the fierce and fearless “Mother of Dragons,” Dom Hemingway offered a rare glimpse of her gentler artistic range.
And for Jude Law, that day on set became a humbling reminder of how even the most seasoned actors can be caught off guard by the quiet brilliance of a co-star.
As Clarke’s delicate voice filled the set, Law reportedly smiled and shook his head, finally conceding what everyone else had already realized — that the same woman who once commanded dragons could also stop a room cold with nothing more than a song.