How Jason Momoa’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Audition Almost Destroyed His Career

Jason Momoa’s rise to stardom has been marked by iconic roles such as Aquaman and Khal Drogo, but there was a pivotal moment in his career that nearly derailed his trajectory. This moment centers on his audition for the role of Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, a casting that initially catapulted him to fame but also brought about significant career challenges that almost prevented him from breaking out further in Hollywood.

Early Career and Breakthrough Moment

Born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jason Momoa’s path to acting was not immediate. He first gained recognition as a model, earning the title of Hawaii’s Model of the Year in 1999. However, it was his foray into acting that set the stage for his eventual success. Momoa’s early roles included appearances in Baywatch Hawaii (1999–2001), North Shore (2004–2005), and Stargate: Atlantis (2005–2009), which helped establish his acting credentials. But it was his 2010 audition for Game of Thrones that marked the turning point in his career.

The Audition That Changed Everything

The audition for Khal Drogo was unconventional from the start. Momoa, known for his physicality, took an innovative approach by performing a Haka, a traditional Māori war dance, to convey the raw intensity and presence required for the character. With little dialogue in the role, Momoa’s decision to showcase his character’s strength through physical performance not only captivated the casting directors but also made his audition tape go viral. His powerful Haka performance, which demonstrated his commitment to the role, earned him the iconic role of the Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo.

While Momoa’s audition success was a triumph, the subsequent success of his portrayal led to a set of challenges that would unexpectedly hinder his career.

Typecasting and Misconceptions: The Dark Side of Success

After his unforgettable turn as Khal Drogo, which ended in the character’s death in season 2 of Game of Thrones (2012), Momoa faced significant struggles. As reported by the NZ Herald, the role nearly led to a career derailing typecast. The fierce and intimidating character he portrayed, along with the Dothraki language, led many casting directors to erroneously believe that Momoa himself didn’t speak English well.

This misconception was not just frustrating; it was heartbreaking for Momoa. He shared his experience on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, recalling how comedian Fred Armisen expressed surprise at his fluency in English. The assumption that he couldn’t speak English well because of his Game of Thrones character’s language was disheartening, especially as it directly impacted his ability to land diverse roles. For a time, Momoa found himself unemployed and struggling to break out of the physical roles that he had come to be known for, with few opportunities for dramatic or comedic work.

The Turning Point: A Career Revitalized

Despite the challenges, Momoa’s fortunes would soon change. The turning point came when director Zack Snyder, a fan of Momoa’s work in Game of Thrones, reached out to him in 2016. Initially considering him for the role of Batman, Snyder eventually cast Momoa as Aquaman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This decision, detailed in a Jake’s Takes YouTube video, not only revived Momoa’s career but also set the stage for him to portray one of DC’s most beloved superheroes. His performance in Justice League and the standalone Aquaman movie solidified his place as a Hollywood leading man and helped shift the perception of him in the industry.

According to Looper, while Game of Thrones provided the breakthrough that elevated Momoa into the public consciousness, it was his subsequent casting as Aquaman that truly revived his career. The role of the charming, action-packed superhero allowed him to showcase a broader range of talents, earning him a place as one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.

A Resilient Legacy

Today, Jason Momoa is celebrated not only for his roles in Aquaman and Game of Thrones but also for his resilience in overcoming early career setbacks. His journey from typecasting and misconceptions to becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars serves as a testament to his dedication and versatility as an actor. With roles across various genres and a successful career spanning more than two decades, Momoa’s story is a reminder that the road to success is often paved with challenges, but with perseverance, it’s possible to turn those obstacles into stepping stones.

In conclusion, the audition that nearly derailed Jason Momoa’s career also became the catalyst for his ultimate breakthrough. The actor’s perseverance through industry challenges, typecasting, and misconceptions laid the foundation for his rise as a major Hollywood star, proving that sometimes, the greatest comebacks come from the most unexpected places.