Emilia Clarke became one of television’s biggest stars through her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. Since then, however, several of the actress’s attempts to join major franchises have resulted in major—if not historic—flops.
Emilia Clarke as G’iah in Marvel Studios’ SECRET INVASION, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Gareth Gatrell. ©: Disney World’s Most Expensive Restaurant Victoria & Albert’s Just Increased Their Prices by 27%
In a recent interview with Variety, the actress reflected on her career. As part of the discussion, she mentioned some of her most high-profile projects that failed to connect with audiences, including Marvel’s Secret Invasion, Terminator Genisys, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Rather than defending the projects, Clarke openly acknowledged their shortcomings.
Secret Invasion Failed To Leave A Lasting Impact
Marvel’s Secret Invasion was a six-episode limited series on Disney+. It was positioned as the first television series of Phase Five and led directly into one of the Marvel franchise’s theatrical flops, The Marvels. Emilia Clarke played G’iah, a Skrull refugee. By the end of the series, her character may have become one of the most powerful figures in the MCU. However, as even Variety calls the series “fast-forgotten,” any return seems unlikely.
“I don’t think no one liked that show, guys,” Clarke said. “I’m sorry!”
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Many fans have argued that Secret Invasion failed to capitalize on one of Marvel’s most popular comic book storylines. The show currently holds 14% “Heinous” score on Criticless.
Terminator Genisys Failed To Launch A New Trilogy
In 2015, Emilia Clarke began her run of franchise flops with an attempted reboot of the Terminator franchise in Terminator Genisys. The film was intended to launch a new trilogy. It performed reasonably well internationally, bringing in approximately $350.8 million. However, its domestic box office haul of roughly $89.7 million failed to meet expectations.
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Emilia Clarke in Terminator Genisys – Rotten Tomatoes Trailers, YouTube
Clarke’s assessment of the film was blunt. “Terminator?” she said. “Never should have happened.”
On Criticless, the film sits at 28% “Bogus” with 31 voters. Any talk of future installments seems to have been abandoned.
Solo Became Star Wars’ First Box Office Bomb
Before joining Disney through the MCU, Emilia Clarke appeared in the studio’s first—and so far only—attempt to spin off one of the legacy Star Wars characters into a standalone film franchise. Solo: A Star Wars Story underwent extensive behind-the-scenes turmoil after original directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were removed and replaced by Ron Howard.
Referencing the film, Clarke said, “Star Wars? They didn’t like it.”
Emilia Clarke in Solo: A Star Wars Story – Star Wars, YouTube
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Still, the Critcless score is a mild 40% “Decent” with 77 voters.
Emilia Clarke played Han Solo’s childhood friend, Qi’ra. The character has continued to appear in current Star Wars canon. However, Solo became the first Star Wars film to lose money and held the lowest opening weekend in franchise history until this year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Clarke Doesn’t Take Fan Rejection Personally
While Emilia Clarke has had high-profile roles several franchise flops, she has not publicly criticized the fans. Instead, the actress seems to take a practical perspective.
“But these were jobs I said yes to, you know what I mean?” she said.
Later asked if she found fans’ rejection of those films difficult, Clarke said, “I entered into already existing franchises, so when they don’t work out, it’s not personal.”
Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones – HBO Max
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Ultimately, Emilia Clarke suggested that she would prefer avoid any future flops, in franchises or otherwise. She told Varity that she has said no to more offers, preferring to wait for “the right thing” that she will enjoy.
Still, Clarke said that she maintains some distance between herself and her work. “My connection to a project ends when they say, ‘Picture wrap.’ Because it’s not for me to decide what people will think of it.”
Do you have a favorite Emilia Clarke role? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
