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You know that one friend who makes you feel like no time has passed, even if you haven't seen them in years? For Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa, that’s basically their entire brand.
Just last week in New York City, it happened again. Fans lost it when Emilia posted a photo on Instagram from her dressing room at The Kelly Clarkson Show. There was Momoa—top hat, sunglasses, olive vest, and that massive grin—towering over her like no time had passed since 2011. She called him her "dragon daddy." He called her the "moon of my life."
Honestly, in a Hollywood landscape where "work friends" usually vanish the second the cameras stop rolling, the bond between these two feels... different. It’s not just a PR stunt to keep the Game of Thrones nostalgia alive. It’s deeper than that.
What Really Happened with Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa
People always ask: Did they ever date?
The short answer is no. But the real answer is way more interesting. They met in a hotel lobby in Belfast before they even started filming Season 1. Emilia was tired, nervous, and brand new to the industry. Suddenly, this giant Hawaiian man screams "WIFEY!" from across the room, sprints toward her, and rugby-tackles her to the floor.
That was her introduction to Jason Momoa.
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It sounds aggressive, but for Emilia, it was exactly what she needed. She’s gone on record many times, most notably on the Armchair Expert podcast, talking about how vulnerable she felt during those early, intense scenes. She was 23. She was often required to be naked on set.
Momoa, who had way more experience at the time, stepped up. He’d literally stop production to get her a robe when she was shivering. He’d advocate for her, telling directors, "No, sweetie, this isn't okay," if he felt she was being pushed too far. He protected her when she didn't even realize she needed protecting.
The scares that bonded them forever
While they were filming the show that made them world-famous, Emilia was secretly fighting for her life.
She suffered two brain aneurysms—the first in 2011 right after Season 1 finished, and the second in 2013. For a long time, the public had no idea. But Jason knew. He was there for the "scares," as he calls them.
In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Momoa got visibly emotional talking about it. "I’ve been a part of that whole situation for a very long time," he said. "We almost lost her numerous times."
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When you go through something that heavy with someone, the "co-worker" label drops off pretty fast. You're family at that point.
Why the 2026 New York Reunion is a Big Deal
The recent 2026 meetup wasn't just a random run-in. Both actors are at massive turning points in their careers right now.
Emilia is currently in New York promoting her new spy thriller series, Ponies, which has been picking up serious steam. Meanwhile, Jason is doing the press rounds for The Wrecking Crew, his new action-comedy with Dave Bautista.
- Location: Backstage at The Kelly Clarkson Show.
- The Vibe: Complete chaos. Emilia mentioned that Momoa just "walked into her dressing room" unannounced.
- The Reaction: Within hours, the post had millions of likes.
It’s rare to see A-list stars maintain this kind of "ride or die" energy for fifteen years. Most Game of Thrones cast members have moved on to other things, and while they’re friendly, you don't see Kit Harington or Sophie Turner rugby-tackling each other in hotel lobbies anymore.
The "New Zealand" Advice
There was a funny moment during Momoa's appearance on the Today show during this same NYC trip. Emilia actually popped in (virtually) to ask him for "tips" because she’s headed to New Zealand for a new project soon.
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If you know anything about Jason, you know he basically lives in the water and considers that part of the world his second home. Seeing them trade travel advice like old college buddies is why people still care. It’s relatable. Sorta.
Lessons in Modern Friendship
What can we actually take away from the Clarke-Momoa dynamic?
First, psychological safety matters. Emilia has been very vocal about how Jason's support allowed her to find her own voice on set. Because he had her back when she was "weak," she learned how to stand up for herself later—like when she famously started telling producers "the sheet stays up" in later seasons.
Second, loyalty is a choice. Both of these people are incredibly busy. Jason is filming blockbusters like Minecraft and Fast & Furious sequels. Emilia is doing high-brow theater and indie dramas. They don't need to post about each other to stay relevant. They do it because they actually like each other.
How to keep the "Sun and Stars" energy alive in your own life:
- Be the "Robe" Friend: If you see someone in a vulnerable position—at work or in life—be the one who steps in and says, "This isn't okay." Advocacy builds unbreakable bonds.
- Celebrate the Wins: When Emilia launched her charity, SameYou, for brain injury recovery, Jason was one of the first people shouting about it from the rooftops.
- Physical Presence: If you're in the same city, show up. Even if it's just for five minutes in a dressing room.
The story of Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa isn't a romance, and that’s why it’s better. It’s a masterclass in how to be a decent human being in a tough industry. It's about a "big brother" who looked out for a "new girl" and a friendship that survived the end of the world (or at least the end of Westeros).
If you're looking to support Emilia's ongoing work, check out her charity SameYou. It’s doing incredible things for neuro-rehabilitation, a cause that Jason continues to champion alongside her. As for Momoa, keep an eye out for The Wrecking Crew—if his recent energy is any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride.