Emilia Clarke’s audition for the role of Daenerys Targaryen in *Game of Thrones*

Emilia Clarke’s audition for the role of Daenerys Targaryen in *Game of Thrones* has become legendary in the world of casting stories. In 2009, after originally casting actress Tamzin Merchant for the role, the producers felt they needed to recast, which led Clarke to audition. Fresh out of drama school, Clarke was still an unknown name in the industry at the time, making her audition crucial for both her and the show’s future. According to Clarke, her initial audition went smoothly, but her final audition with showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss was the one that sealed the deal. During her second audition, which took place at HBO headquarters, Clarke was asked to perform in front of the network’s top executives. Feeling the pressure, she decided to lighten the mood by breaking into a spontaneous "robot dance" and a "chicken dance" after her intense acting scenes. Her unexpected burst of humor not only charmed the producers but also demonstrated her ability to handle the intensity and emotional depth required for Daenerys’ character. Clarke’s audition was so impressive that it earned her the role that would transform her career, leading to her iconic portrayal of the "Mother of Dragons" in the fantasy epic. *Game of Thrones* debuted in 2011, and Clarke's performance as Daenerys became one of the most memorable aspects of the series, cementing her as a fan favorite and a globally recognized star. #EmiliaClarke #GameofThrones #DaenerysTargaryen #MotherOfDragons #IconicAudition #TVHistory #MoofLife #MomentsofLife