Hollywood’s wedding of the century: Emilia Clarke finds happiness with her famous co-star md20

Although Game of Thrones season 9 might sound exciting, the odds of the iconic HBO series returning are lower than ever now that Daenerys Targaryen’s actor has dismissed the thought of coming back to the fantasy genre. Game of Thrones ran from 2011 until 2019 and, during that time, the HBO fantasy series was one of the biggest shows on TV.

The sheer number of Game of Thrones spinoffs, prequels, and related shows proves that author George R. R Martin’s fictional universe still maintains a massive fan base who are just as invested as ever in seeing the show return to the screen. However, it seems increasingly unlikely that another Game of Thrones season will happen, despite what fans might demand.

There were calls for a season 8 of Game of Thrones ever since the divisive series finale, and the entire preceding season of the original series, earned criticism from reviewers and fans alike. However, numerous major cast members have clarified that they would not be open to reprising their roles, including arguably the most important star in the series.

Emilia Clarke Is Not Interested In Doing Fantasy Again

In December 2025, Jon Snow actor Kit Harington told Variety that he had no interest in playing the character again, with an emphatic “God no” when asked about a sequel series. Similarly, Daenerys Targaryen’s actor, Emilia Clarke, told The New York Times that she had no interest in any fantasy projects in January 2026 while promoting her Peacock series, Ponies.

Clarke cast doubt on the idea of viewers ever seeing her astride a dragon again, referencing her role as the prophesied leader of Westeros. Throughout much of the show’s run, Clarke’s character was seen as a heroic, if uncompromising, antiheroine, and a promising influence on the deceitful world of Westeros politics.

Part of what made the Game of Thrones finale so divisive was the revelation that Daenerys Targaryen was not necessarily any better than the more openly corrupt leaders who resisted her revolution. Her unhinged manner eventually led to her death at the hands of a former ally, something that many viewers claimed was a betrayal of her character arc.

Kit Harrington Previously Said He Won’t Play Jon Snow Again

Regardless of whether viewers loved or hated the subversive ending to her story, there is no getting around the fact that Clarke’s character would almost certainly play a role in any direct sequel series. Whether Daenerys was resurrected or appeared via flashbacks in this potential sequel, she was a pivotal part of the original show’s story.

However, Clarke’s response makes it clear that this will not happen, much as Harington unequivocally shut down the idea of him playing Jon Snow again. This was an even harsher blow for the fandom’s hopes, since Jon Snow survived Game of Thrones, meaning Harington’s character could return even more easily than Clarke’s Daenerys.

However, both actors were clear about their active disinterest in the potential project. Judging by their reactions, it would appear that the mixed reception of the finale put the lead actors off the series as much as some fans, and the odds of a sequel that reunites them are vanishingly low.

Will HBO Ever Make A Game Of Thrones Sequel?

Of course, the odds of a direct sequel series were never all that good to begin with. Game of Thrones was one of the most expensive TV shows of all time at the time of its release, and HBO has since invested heavily in continuing the franchise with shows like House of the Dragon and A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms.

There is no impetus for the cable network to bring back the original show after such a divisive finale, when this prequel and spinoff have both been so well received. Not only that, but the original cast is booked and busy as of 2026. Carke has Ponies, Harington has Industry, and Peter Dinklage has Dexter: Resurrection.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Proves HBO Can Do Just Fine With Prequels

Sophie Turner recently hit the top of the streaming charts with her home invasion thriller Trust, while the rest of the cast have appeared in a slew of blockbuster theatrical releases and other major shows. Furthermore, House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms both actively expand the world of the franchise.

These new shows bring with them new characters, new settings, and new perspectives on the saga’s fictional world, whereas a direct sequel would simply reignite old fan wars and return to overly familiar ground. The critical success of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms alone is an effective riposte to calls for a direct sequel.

Bringing back Game of Thrones for a do-over sequel series would smack of desperation and a lack of imagination, and Martin’s fictional universe is not short on this quality. There are plenty of other stories for the world of Game of Thrones to tell without the show bringing back a profoundly disinterested Clarke.