Emilia Clarke Shares Insights on ‘Ponies’ Series and Hopes for Season Two

Emilia Clarke has opened up about her career transitions, personal challenges, and her current involvement with the Peacock series ‘Ponies,’ expressing optimism for a second season. In a comprehensive interview, Clarke reflected on how her definition of success has evolved after her prominent roles in projects like ‘Game of Thrones’ and major Hollywood franchises.

Clarke mentioned that she now prioritizes enjoyment in her work over external validation. She explained that her previous notion of success was closely linked to awards and public acclaim, but that perspective has shifted over time. “Because clearly, I have a 13-year-old’s idea of success,” she remarked, contemplating how her mindset changed following a challenging moment at the Emmys.

The interview also delved into her health journey and the emotional toll of her brain hemorrhages during her ‘Game of Thrones’ years. Clarke shared her experiences with fear and survivor’s guilt, expressing that she often felt as though she had “cheated death” and grappled with the notion that something unfortunate could still occur. These experiences have significantly reshaped her views on life and work.

She also reflected on the aftermath of her involvement in major franchises that did not always receive favorable audience reactions. Instead of viewing it as a personal setback, she has learned to detach herself from the reception of her projects. According to Clarke, once filming concludes, the outcome is beyond her control, prompting her to release that pressure.

A central theme of the interview was her recent work on the Peacock series ‘Ponies.’ Clarke portrays Bea, the straight-laced wife of a CIA agent who investigates a mysterious death in Soviet-era Russia. She spoke highly of the project, noting that it immediately captured her interest when she read the script.

“It was such a joy to read,” Clarke stated about ‘Ponies,’ adding that while she often enjoys reading scripts, she doesn’t always want to act in them, which was not the case here. She emphasized her dual role as both the lead actor and a producer, which allowed her greater creative involvement than she had in previous major projects.

Clarke explained that her role as a producer on ‘Ponies’ significantly enriched her experience, enabling her to participate in discussions about the story and its direction. She noted that the first season concluded with a cliffhanger and confirmed that the team is actively exploring possibilities for a second season. According to Clarke, conversations are already underway regarding the potential direction of the story.

She contrasted this experience with her time on ‘Game of Thrones,’ where she had no creative control over the narrative. While she praised the creators of that series, she acknowledged that her role was strictly performance-based, without the opportunity to shape her character beyond her acting choices.

Overall, Clarke’s remarks about ‘Ponies’ indicate her deep investment in the series, both creatively and personally. She described it as one of the projects that reignited her passion for acting, particularly because it afforded her more control and collaboration than many of her previous roles.

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