Game of Thrones Convinced Original Daenerys Actress to Get Naked On-Screen Only to Replace Her With Emilia Clarke
In the intricate tapestry of Game of Thrones, the unseen threads often hold the most compelling tales. While the series garnered global acclaim, its inception began with an enigmatic pilot never unveiled to the public. Within this uncharted realm existed a different rendition—a version where Daenerys Targaryen, the iconic Mother of Dragons, was set to be portrayed by the talented Tamzin Merchant.
However, fate took a decisive turn as Merchant made a pivotal choice, attempting to withdraw from the show. This unforeseen twist paved the way for Emilia Clarke to step into the role, etching her portrayal as Daenerys into the annals of television history. The journey from the unseen pilot to the worldwide phenomenon was forever altered by the casting decisions that shaped the destiny of characters and captivated audiences across the globe.
Tamzin Merchant’s Unforeseen Journey in Game of Thrones
In the intricate tapestry of Game Of Thrones lore, Tamzin Merchant’s brief but pivotal portrayal as Daenerys Targaryen in the original 2009 pilot illuminates a lesser-known chapter in the series’ history. While Daenerys ascended to unparalleled fame as a fantasy icon, Merchant’s journey intertwined with the character’s genesis holds its own complexities.
For Merchant, filming the initial pilot was a transformative lesson in navigating the unpredictable entertainment industry landscape. However, her journey swiftly deviated from its original course. A crucial turning point emerged during the portrayal of Daenerys’ wedding night—a scene laden with vulnerability and mature content as the exiled Targaryen princess wed Khal Drogo, played by Jason Momoa. In this unreleased version, Merchant found herself in a raw and exposed state, both physically and emotionally, for the scene. Merchant told Entertainment Weekly,
“It was an affirmation about listening to my instincts and following them, because I tried to back out of that situation and, during the contract process, I did back out. I was talked back into it by some persuasive people. Then I found myself naked and afraid in Morocco and riding a horse that was clearly much more excited to be there than I was.”
It was filmed as a nuanced seduction, a portrayal of the complex power dynamics between the characters, a divergence from the eventual version portrayed by Emilia Clarke. This depiction became a turning point in Merchant’s journey within the series. Despite the intricacies and depth of the role, she encountered an internal discord during the contract negotiation process. This discord led her to take a decisive step, attempting to extricate herself from the situation.
Also Read: Pedro Pascal Had No Regrets in Taking Away His Breakout Game of Thrones Role from Student
Tamzin Merchant’s Departure Sparks Emilia Clarke’s Rise as Daenerys Targaryen
The idea of imagining an alternative portrayal of the Mother of Dragons, different from Emilia Clarke’s iconic performance, is intriguing. Emilia Clarke undeniably made an indelible mark on the role, elevating it to legendary status. However, initially, the character of Daenerys Targaryen in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones was assigned to Tamzin Merchant, setting a different course for the character.
Merchant’s journey into the role was a plunge into unfamiliar territory. She lacked formal acting training at the time of her casting, relying solely on her instincts and being drawn by the allure of a captivating character within an enthralling story. Yet, fate swiftly shifted gears, prompting an overhaul of the pilot episode and, subsequently, a crucial decision to recast the role of Daenerys. Merchant told EW,
“I think it’s a testament to Emilia Clarke for making that role iconic – she was obviously excited to tell that story, and she was epic and excellent. But for me, it wasn’t in my heart to tell it.”
For Merchant, this unique experience unfolded as an anomaly in her career—a brief but impactful involvement in a project as colossal as Game of Thrones that simply didn’t align. However, Tamzin Merchant’s departure from the role of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones amidst the show’s meteoric rise to global acclaim wasn’t shadowed by regret.
