‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Emilia Clarke Turned Down Role In ‘Fifty Shades’; Why Actress Has ‘No Regrets’ About Passing Up Sexy Gig

"Game of Thrones" star Emilia Clarke is willing to do almost anything for the sake of her art -- including putting on a blond wig, eating a fake horse heart, even walking through fire (as she did in Season 2 of the hit HBO series). But according to a recent report by the Hollywood Reporter, there’s one thing the 28-year-old actress put her foot down about.

Clarke revealed that she was one of the top contenders to portray the submissive Anastasia "Ana" Steele in the erotic film “Fifty Shades of Grey,” which premiered in February starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan. However, after Clarke learned she would have to strip down in front of the character Christian Grey, she quickly said “Laters, baby” to the coveted role after just two meetings with “Fifty Shades” director Sam Taylor-Johnson.

If you think Clarke has second-guessed her decision to turn down the wildly successful film -- think again! “No regrets,” she said. “I’d done nudity before and was concerned with being labeled for doing it again,” she revealed as the real reason she opted out of bringing author E.L. James’ passive character to life.

In addition to dropping trou in 2013 for her Broadway stint in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which Clarke described as “bonkers,” the actress has slipped out of her costume multiple times in the critically acclaimed “Thrones,” in which she plays the royal leader Daenerys Targaryen. "There are other women who remove items of clothing on our show, so they've kind of got my nipple count down now," she joked of her disrobing.

Clarke has a new acting endeavor, starring as “Sarah f---ing Connor” in “Terminator Genisys,” which will hit theaters July 1. The actress dished that she feels very lucky to have a résumé that doesn’t limit her career. “I get to play other roles without the comparison of being Daenerys, which I think is so lucky,” she stated.

Are you surprised Clarke turned down “Fifty Shades of Grey”? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts.