Emilia Clarke Opens Up About Her Deepest Regret – And It Involves A Major Movie Role

Emilia Clarke, the internationally recognized star of Game of Thrones, has reflected on various moments in her career and personal life, sharing insights into her successes and challenges. But when asked about “the one thing” she truly disliked, Clarke’s answer often circles back to a single project: Terminator: Genisys.

A Challenging Professional Experience

Clarke’s role in the 2015 sci-fi blockbuster, which paired her with Arnold Schwarzenegger, was far from the empowering experience fans might have imagined. The production was fraught with difficulties, and Clarke has been remarkably candid about her dissatisfaction. In a 2016 interview, she flatly said “No” when asked if she’d ever consider returning for a sequel, signaling her reluctance to revisit that chapter of her career. By 2018, she elaborated in a Vanity Fair cover story, describing the atmosphere on set as tense and unfulfilling. “No one had a good time,” she admitted, pointing to a production environment that fell far short of expectations.

The film’s underwhelming performance at the box office was almost a relief for Clarke, as noted in a Collider article from 2025. The movie’s failure meant she didn’t have to continue in a role that had become a source of frustration. Adding to the narrative, an anecdote from the Fantastic Four crew—who reportedly sported jackets reading “AT LEAST WE’RE NOT ON TERMINATOR”—underscored the troubled reputation of the Genisys set.

Health Challenges and Personal Struggles

Beyond her professional life, Clarke also faced daunting personal challenges, including two brain aneurysms that required surgery. She’s spoken about the difficulty of looking at her reflection during recovery, describing it as “deeply unattractive” due to the effects of medication and swelling. This period left a lasting emotional impact, and although it reflects a deeply personal struggle, it’s not typically framed as a singular hatred in her public remarks.

Nude Scenes and On-Set Discomfort

Clarke has also been open about the discomfort she felt during certain Game of Thrones scenes, particularly those requiring nudity. In a 2019 podcast interview, she called some of these experiences “terrifying.” However, while these moments were clearly challenging, they don’t seem to elicit the same strong negative sentiment that she associates with Terminator: Genisys.

Final Thoughts

While Clarke’s career has had its share of highs and lows, her comments on Terminator: Genisys stand out as her most direct acknowledgment of a professional experience she genuinely disliked. From the on-set atmosphere to the critical reception, it was a project that left a sour impression, making it the clear answer to “the one thing Emilia Clarke hated.”