Emilia Clarke
"Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke. Reuters

Fans of HBOs “Game of Thrones” were thrilled for the fantasy series' return, and in anticipation of the Season 4 premiere, “GoT” star Emilia Clarke talked to the Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex about landing the role of a lifetime fresh out of drama school.

The 26-year-old English actress explained that indeed it was her first “proper job” and that she never expected to land the gig. She has since been nominated for a supporting actress Emmy.

When HC asked if she ever thought she would play two strong female characters, Daenerys Targaryen in "GoT" and Sarah Connor in the film "Terminator: Genesis," Clarke said she never thought she would land both roles. “I was over the moon to be in front of HBO, and when I got the role … [I was just] very happy to be employed by HBO. I had no idea it was going to be what it’s turned out to be.”

The brunette, who dons a blonde wig for "GoT," said of playing Daenerys: “Getting to be with her throughout this growth process is so exciting as an actor. While she’s pushing herself, I get to push myself and my acting every season.”

Not only has Clarke apparently grown with her character, but over time she feels she’s also been able to relate to her more. "I find more depth to her as a character and, within that, finding more depth in myself.” She said like her character, she’s growing from girl to woman.

Clarke has another female warrior in her sights. She landed the role of Sarah Connor in the “Terminator: Genesis” film, which is due in theaters next year. Though both characters are strong, Clarke said audiences can expect to see something different.

“They can expect a bad-ass,” she said about viewers who see the new “Terminator” film. “There are differences that I believe will surprise and hopefully excite fans and people who aren’t so familiar.”

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