Emilia Clarke And Jason Momoa Reunite In New York

Seven years after the epic conclusion of HBO’s Game of Thrones, two of its most beloved stars, Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa, have set the internet abuzz with a heartwarming reunion in New York City. On January 16, 2026, the pair, whose on-screen chemistry as Daenerys Targaryen and Khal Drogo captivated millions, found themselves together once more—this time, not in the windswept deserts of Essos, but backstage at The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Clarke, now 39, was in New York to promote her latest project, the spy thriller series Ponies. As she prepared for her television appearance, she received an unexpected visit from Momoa, 46, who was also in town to promote his new film, The Wrecking Crew, with a stop at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for fans of the fantasy saga, who have long yearned for any sign of their favorite duo reuniting.

The moment was immortalized on Clarke’s Instagram, where she posted a candid photo of the two backstage. In the picture, Clarke sported a long-sleeved black top and matching skirt, exuding her signature elegance, while Momoa brought his trademark flair with brown pants, an olive vest, a top hat, and sunglasses. The photo radiated joy and nostalgia, but it was Clarke’s caption that truly set social media alight: “New York has given me so many things to be grateful for on this trip and just when I thought it couldn’t be better… look who walked into my dressing room.” She signed off with the hashtags #mydragondaddy and #westillgotit, a playful nod to their unforgettable roles.

Momoa was quick to respond, leaving a comment that sent Game of Thrones superfans into a frenzy: “Love u Khalessi ❤️❤️❤️❤️ miss u.” The affectionate exchange instantly conjured memories of their iconic characters’ pet names—Khal Drogo’s “Moon of my life” and Daenerys’s “Sun and Stars”—sparking waves of nostalgia across fan communities. According to InStyle, the reunion was everything devotees had hoped for, coming years after the series finale and their previous public get-together in 2021.

Their 2021 reunion, also documented on Instagram, saw Clarke referencing Momoa’s strength and their famous nicknames: “When your sun and stars rolls into town you check that he can still bench press a Khaleesi.” That post, like the latest one, was met with adoration from fans longing for any sign that the real-life friendship between the actors had endured beyond the show’s dramatic end.

Clarke’s visit to The Kelly Clarkson Show wasn’t just about reliving the past, however. She was there to discuss Ponies, her new venture into the world of espionage drama. The series, which co-stars Haley Lu Richardson of The White Lotus fame, marks a fresh chapter for Clarke. As she explained to the hosts of Today, “The main reason I was so excited about shooting [Ponies] is because I got to be a co-female lead with, Haley, but before it was cast it was just the opportunity to be two women on screen together. It just seemed like so much fun.”

Richardson, for her part, has been vocal about her admiration for Clarke. At the New York premiere of Ponies, she joked, “If Clarke would marry me, I would marry her,” underscoring the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two leads. The show’s buzz is only amplified by Clarke’s enduring popularity and her willingness to embrace both her past and present roles with equal enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Momoa continues to ride a wave of success in Hollywood. His appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon was part of a press tour for The Wrecking Crew, adding yet another blockbuster to his impressive résumé. But for many, his enduring bond with Clarke remains a highlight of his public persona. Their playful online banter and willingness to indulge fans’ nostalgia have cemented their status as one of television’s most beloved on-screen couples—even if their time together on Game of Thrones was all too brief.

Clarke and Momoa’s friendship has always been a source of joy for fans. Their characters’ tragic love story in the first two seasons of Game of Thrones left a lasting impression, and the actors’ real-life rapport has only deepened that connection. According to Extra, fans flooded the comments of Clarke’s Instagram post with references to “Moon of my life” and “Sun and Stars,” proving that the magic of their on-screen romance still lingers.

It’s not just nostalgia at play, though. Clarke’s career has flourished since her days as the Mother of Dragons. In addition to Ponies, she’s taken on roles in high-profile projects like Secret Invasion and continues to be a prominent advocate for women in film. Her excitement about sharing the screen with another female lead in Ponies speaks to her commitment to representation and storytelling that breaks the mold. As she told Today, “It just seemed like so much fun” to work alongside Richardson, highlighting the joy she finds in her craft.

Momoa, too, has carved out a unique space in the entertainment industry. From his breakout role as Khal Drogo to leading roles in Aquaman and beyond, he’s become known for his charismatic presence and larger-than-life personality. Yet, it’s his genuine affection for former co-stars like Clarke that endears him to fans. His Instagram reply—“Love u Khalessi ❤️❤️❤️❤️ miss u”—was more than just a comment; it was a reminder of the bonds that can form in the high-pressure world of television and film.

For Game of Thrones fans, the reunion offered a welcome respite from the long wait for new spin-offs and prequels. While rumors continue to swirl about potential future projects set in Westeros, it’s clear that the original cast still holds a special place in viewers’ hearts. The outpouring of excitement following Clarke and Momoa’s backstage photo is proof positive that, even years after the show’s finale, the legacy of Daenerys and Khal Drogo endures.

As the actors continue to blaze new trails in their respective careers, their friendship remains a touchstone for fans and a testament to the enduring power of shared stories. Whether on the red carpet, backstage at a talk show, or simply in the comments section of an Instagram post, Clarke and Momoa remind us that some bonds—both fictional and real—are truly timeless.

The latest reunion may have taken place in a dressing room rather than a Dothraki tent, but for those who followed their journey from the very beginning, it was every bit as magical.