Emilia Clarke has revealed a painful yet darkly funny behind-the-scenes story from her new Cold War–era spy series, Ponies, leaving fans both amused and conflicted.
Speaking with The Wrap on December 15, the Game of Thrones star shared that she injured herself while filming an intimate scene involving multiple male co-stars. Joined by fellow cast member Haley Lu Richardson, Clarke candidly discussed the physical realities of shooting the Peacock production.
Known for being open about the emotional and physical demands of her career, Clarke surprised audiences with the bluntness of her latest revelation.
During the interview, she explained that the injury happened after hours of filming repeated takes of a choreographed NSFW scene. “Three men, over many hours,” Clarke said, describing the long shoot day. “Just keep it coming. I’m going to sit here, you’re going to come in, we’re going to pretend to have sex. I broke a rib that day.”
Richardson quickly confirmed the story, noting that Clarke’s small frame made the injury all too real. “She really did,” she said. “She’s tiny and sensitive, and she broke a rib.”
Richardson added some levity, recalling how she asked the male co-stars how the shoot went as they passed by after hair and makeup. Their breathless reactions told the story.
Clarke also admitted it was awkward explaining the injury to her doctor. When asked how it happened, her answer was simple: “Sex. Times three.” She later clarified that the rib didn’t fully fracture but shifted slightly and has since healed.
Online reactions were swift and divided. Some fans joked about the irony, referencing her iconic Game of Thrones titles. “From breaker of chains to breaker of ribs,” one commenter quipped, while another joked about the absence of dragons to protect her.
Others were more critical, questioning her participation in such scenes. “She knew what she signed up for,” one user wrote, while another suggested she didn’t need to put herself through it.
Still, many praised Clarke’s honesty and commitment, pointing out the physical toll actors often endure behind the scenes.
The interview followed a series of candid conversations Clarke has had about her health and career. She previously told The New York Times that she experienced a severe mental breakdown after Game of Thrones ended in 2019, marking the first time she truly stopped working.
She has also said she is finished with fantasy roles, joking that she is unlikely to ever appear alongside dragons again. In addition, Clarke has spoken openly about surviving two brain hemorrhages during the early years of GOT, experiences that left her fearing she might lose her job.
Despite those challenges, she completed the series and went on to found the charity SameYou, which supports recovery from brain injuries and strokes.
In Ponies, Clarke stars as Bea, a CIA widow-turned-operative who teams up with Twila, played by Richardson, to investigate the mysterious deaths of their husbands. The first two episodes are now streaming on Peacock.
“That must have taken some serious gymnastics,” one netizen joked.
