Emilia Clarke Reveals Simple Goal for Next Decade in Marie Claire UK Feature

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Emilia Clarke has graced magazine covers for years, but her latest feature in Marie Claire UK feels distinct. As the cover star of the publication’s autumn and winter issue, she is not promoting a single blockbuster; instead, the accompanying conversation is more introspective. This piece portrays an actress who is recalibrating her aspirations for both her career and personal life.

This moment is particularly timely for Clarke, who has a significant stage debut approaching, a new film already released, and a recent television series behind her. Together, these projects illustrate her intentional shift in direction.

The photoshoot, captured by photographer Juan KR for the magazine’s “Anti-Maxxing” issue, emphasizes slow living, effortless styling, and infusing more joy into daily life. The images feature Clarke with a chic, short blonde bob, showcasing a range of polished outfits, including a black Prada top, a pink gown, and a white embroidered dress adorned with a chunky chain collar. One portrait highlights a dazzling statement necklace, contributing to an overall aesthetic that is soft, bright, and uncomplicated.

Stylist Maria Barsoum, make-up artist Brooke Turnbull, and hair stylist Shon Hyungsun Ju contributed to the shoot. The interview, penned by Anna Smith, was published on October 9. The issue’s theme lends a relaxed tone that complements Clarke’s narrative.

The headline of the interview reflects her goal for the next decade, which she articulates as wanting “to take it lightly. But it requires strength,” according to Marie Claire UK. She emphasizes the importance of not measuring her self-worth against others’ opinions and expectations, stating that comparison can be particularly harmful. In her words, “The key to complete misery is comparison.”

Clarke also shares her journey of resilience, recalling the two brain hemorrhages she endured in 2011 and 2013, as well as the loss of her father in 2013. She describes feeling frozen for nearly a decade afterward, viewing those experiences now as sources of empathy. Humor has become a vital coping mechanism, one she wishes to embrace more in the future.

The actress is open about her relationship with social media, revealing that she avoids Instagram due to its negative impact on her happiness. Instead, she values genuine, in-person connections, stating, “I post and I ghost.”

She critiques the unrealistic beauty standards imposed on both genders, and despite identifying as conflict-averse, she is willing to address difficult topics when necessary. This grounded perspective is particularly notable for an actress who rose to fame through one of television’s most iconic series.

Clarke now approaches her work with greater intention, recognizing that she cannot control the final cut of her projects. This acceptance is reflected in the roles she is choosing. One of her most significant upcoming projects is ‘Plenty’, a revival of David Hare’s play at the National Theatre in London, directed by Richard Eyre, marking her debut at the National Theatre.

‘Plenty’ originally premiered at the National Theatre in 1978, following a former Special Operations Executive agent in post-Second World War Britain as she navigates the gap between her wartime experiences and the realities of postwar society. This production is being staged in honor of the play’s anniversary, and Clarke is part of the initial cast. Details regarding performance dates and her character’s name have yet to be announced.

On screen, Clarke recently starred in the spy series ‘Ponies’, set in Moscow in 1977, which follows two embassy secretaries who become CIA operatives after their husbands die under mysterious circumstances. The eight-episode first season premiered on Peacock in January and received generally positive reviews, although Variety reported that the series was canceled after one season without an official explanation.

Additionally, she appears in ‘Next Life’, a romantic drama directed and written by Drake Doremus, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival this year. In this film, Clarke plays Ivy, who explores two parallel paths after boarding a train to her goddaughter’s christening. One path leads to a romance with a jazz musician portrayed by Édgar Ramírez, while the other sees her reconnecting with her ex-fiancé, played by Jack Farthing.

Collectively, the interview and her stage and screen projects indicate an actress more focused on meaningful work than merely maintaining momentum. The “Anti-Maxxing” theme aligns perfectly with a star who is openly rejecting the pressure to do more, post more, and compare more. Her message is straightforward yet profoundly earned.

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