Emilia Clarke, the celebrated actor known for her iconic portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, is set to lead the upcoming espionage thriller series Ponies. This highly anticipated series, co-created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, promises a gripping tale set against the tense backdrop of the Cold War.
Ponies takes viewers back to Moscow in 1977, where two seemingly unremarkable women—referred to as “Ponies” in intelligence jargon, meaning “persons of no interest”—find themselves thrust into the dangerous world of espionage. These women work anonymously as secretaries in the American Embassy, living ordinary lives until tragedy strikes. Their husbands are mysteriously killed in the USSR, propelling the duo into the role of CIA operatives.
Clarke will portray Bea, an over-educated, Russian-speaking child of Soviet immigrants. Bea is intelligent and resourceful, qualities that make her a formidable presence in the espionage game. Her partner in crime, Twila, is a small-town girl with a tough exterior and a fearless approach to life. Together, they delve into the murky waters of a vast Cold War conspiracy, seeking to uncover the truth behind their husbands’ deaths and unravel the mystery that upended their lives.
Susanna Fogel, known for her work on projects like The Spy Who Dumped Me and The Wilds, will not only co-create the series but also direct it. David Iserson, a seasoned writer and producer with credits on shows like Mad Men and Mr. Robot, will serve as the showrunner, ensuring that the series captures the tension and intrigue of the Cold War era.
Clarke’s involvement in Ponies extends beyond her lead role, as she is also set to serve as an executive producer. This move showcases her growing influence and creative input in the projects she chooses. Jessica Rhoades, head of Pacesetter Productions, will also executive produce, with Pacesetter’s Alison Mo Massey and Katherine Bridle serving as co-executive producers.
This role marks Clarke’s return to television following her recent participation in the Marvel-Disney+ series Secret Invasion. In addition to Ponies, Clarke has also been cast in the upcoming Amazon series Criminal, further cementing her status as a versatile actor capable of tackling a wide range of genres.
Beyond television, Clarke has built an impressive filmography, starring in movies such as Me Before You, Last Christmas, The Pod Generation, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Terminator Genisys. In 2022, she made her West End debut in Anya Reiss’ adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, showcasing her talent on the stage as well.
With her involvement in Ponies, Clarke continues to expand her repertoire, stepping into a role that blends suspense, intelligence, and a deep exploration of personal and political conflict. Fans of Clarke and lovers of spy thrillers alike can look forward to a series that promises to deliver on intrigue, character depth, and a compelling narrative set in one of the most fraught periods of modern history.
