Emilia Clarke, last seen flexing alien muscles in Secret Invasion, is set to return to the small screen in the upcoming Peacock series Ponies. While Clarke became a household name as Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones, her career hasn’t slowed down since the epic series concluded in 2019. After wrapping up her reign as the Mother of Dragons, Clarke jumped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a starring role in Secret Invasion and is now lined up for the crime thriller Criminal. But Clarke isn’t stopping there—she’s now confirmed to star in Ponies, an espionage thriller that promises to bring a fresh take on the genre.
An Intriguing Cold War Mystery
Set against the tense backdrop of 1977 Moscow, Ponies follows the story of two women working as secretaries at the American Embassy. Their seemingly mundane lives take a sharp turn when their husbands are mysteriously killed in the USSR. Suddenly, these women—who were once considered “persons of no interest” or “PONIES” in intelligence parlance—are thrust into the dangerous world of espionage. Recruited by the CIA, they must navigate the treacherous waters of Cold War-era espionage to solve the mystery of their husbands’ deaths.
Clarke will portray Bea, a Russian-speaking daughter of Soviet immigrants with an over-educated background that makes her a valuable asset in the intelligence game. Her partner in this perilous mission is Twila, a small-town girl whose brash and fearless demeanor contrasts with Bea’s more calculated approach. Together, they uncover a vast Cold War conspiracy that goes far beyond their personal tragedies.
A Team Behind the Thrills
Ponies comes from the creative minds of Susanna Fogel and David Iserson. Fogel, known for her work on The Flight Attendant and The Spy Who Dumped Me, is set to direct the series and co-write the script. Iserson, who has been involved in critically acclaimed shows like Mr. Robot and New Girl, will co-write and serve as the showrunner. The collaboration between Fogel and Iserson promises to deliver a series that combines the tension of a spy thriller with sharp, character-driven storytelling.
The blend of Fogel’s knack for balancing drama and comedy with Iserson’s experience in crafting intricate narratives makes Ponies a highly anticipated addition to Peacock’s slate of original content. The show is expected to appeal not only to fans of Cold War thrillers but also to those who appreciate complex female leads navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Clarke’s Continuous Evolution
Since her breakout role on Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke has demonstrated her versatility across various genres. From romantic comedies like Last Christmas to dystopian sci-fi in The Pod Generation, Clarke has continuously evolved as an actress, taking on roles that challenge and redefine her public persona. With Ponies, Clarke dives into yet another genre, showcasing her ability to lead a series that promises both emotional depth and high-stakes action.
Ponies is set to expand Clarke’s already impressive TV resume, placing her in the heart of a Cold War narrative that is as much about personal loss and resilience as it is about global politics and espionage. Her character, Bea, offers Clarke a complex role that blends her intellectual background with the gritty realities of spy work, a combination that is sure to captivate audiences.
What’s Next for Ponies?
While a release date for Ponies has yet to be announced, anticipation is already building. The series is poised to become one of Peacock’s standout offerings, with its mix of historical intrigue, espionage, and strong female leads. As more details emerge, fans of both Emilia Clarke and Cold War thrillers will be keeping a close eye on this project.
For now, the premise alone suggests that Ponies will be a series worth watching, offering a unique perspective on a well-trodden genre. With its rich historical setting, complex characters, and the undeniable star power of Emilia Clarke, Ponies is set to be a must-see series when it eventually hits screens.
Where to Watch
Keep an eye on Peacock for the release of Ponies. In the meantime, fans of Clarke can catch her in Secret Invasion and look forward to her role in Criminal, which promises another gripping performance from the versatile actress. As always, Peacock is quickly becoming the go-to platform for fresh, engaging original content.
