Emilia Clarke has shared her aspirations for a dream role that she hopes will materialise within the vibrant world of musical theatre. During the recent Tribeca Film Festival, where she showcased her new film *Next Life*, the actress and producer expressed a particular fondness for the musical *Sweet Charity*. This much-anticipated project comes just as she reveals a budding interest in returning to Broadway.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Emilia-Clarke-Next-Life-Premiere-2026-Tribeca-060926-tout-d8b9fb6f96ba4e0fa43c7c5906d00c3e.jpg)
At the premiere on 5 June, Clarke chimed in on her desire to embrace the stage once more, stating, “I would love to, I would absolutely love to,” when asked about potential roles in musicals. Clarke, known for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in *Game of Thrones,* has a background in theatre; she made her Broadway debut in 2013 with *Breakfast at Tiffany’s*. However, her heart seems set on the classic aspects of musical theatre that could allow her to explore her vocal talent live on stage.
In a light-hearted moment during the interview, Clarke excitedly divulged her longing to take on the role of Charity Hope Valentine in *Sweet Charity*. “I have this dream about doing *Sweet Charity*,” she told PEOPLE, emphasising her enthusiasm. The musical, which has an illustrious history, was originally directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, with its Broadway premiere dating back to 1966. The character of Charity Hope Valentine, a love-struck optimist, has been immortalised on screen by the renowned Shirley MacLaine in the 1969 film adaptation.
Reflecting upon her theatrical journey, Clarke has previously described her debut as Holly Golightly in *Breakfast at Tiffany’s* as a “catastrophic failure.” In a candid conversation with the BBC, she admitted, “Was I ready? No, I was definitely not ready. I was a baby. I was so young and so inexperienced.” Nevertheless, she took the plunge into the theatre earlier this year with a production of Anton Chekhov’s *The Seagull* in London’s West End, signifying her commitment to refining her craft.
In *Next Life*, Clarke showcases her musical abilities in a role that allows her to venture into the realms of science fiction and romance. Directed by Drake Doremus, the film revolves around Clarke’s character, Ivy, who juggles her love interests across two parallel universes. The film also stars Édgar Ramírez and Jack Farthing, adding depth to the story through their performances.
Clarke shared her enthusiasm for the making of *Next Life*, noting the serendipitous way in which the film came together, describing it as a “perfect last-minute sort of rush.” She expressed surprise at the overall experience, adding, “I never expected it to be as amazing as it was, but it’s a movie I’ll remember forever.” The camaraderie among the cast contributed to the positive experience, with Clarke fondly recalling how it felt akin to “being at sleepaway camp.”
Although *Next Life* was well received during its premiere, it does not yet have a confirmed release date. The anticipation surrounding the film hints at Clarke’s growing reputation within the industry, following her recent turn in the Peacock series *Ponies*. Upcoming projects also include a horror film titled *When Darkness Loves Us* and a crime drama series named *Criminal,* ensuring Clarke remains a prominent figure in diverse genres.
As she continues to navigate her evolving career, Emilia Clarke’s aspirations for a role in *Sweet Charity* indicate her dedication to merging her theatrical roots with her film ambitions. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see if Clarke’s dream to bring Charity Hope Valentine to life becomes a reality, ushering her back onto the Broadway stage.