Khal Drogo is no doubt a beast of a man, so it would only make sense that Jason Momoa’s “Game of Thrones” audition tape would take that to the max.
In the audition tape, which was originally uploaded to YouTube in 2012, but has since gained more traction, the actor doesn’t brood or speak Drogo’s native tongue, Dothraki. Instead, Momoa breaks out into a Haka, or an ancestral war cry or dance of the Māori people of New Zealand that was typically performed before battle. The dance is incredibly intense and a bit terrifying — this guy would definitely give you a golden crown if you messed with him.
Back in August when Momoa stopped by AOL, the actor said he was originally given a Drogo scene to read for his audition that consisted of the character menacingly saying “no” over and over (not very exciting). After a suggestion from an actor friend, Momoa decided to try out the Haka for this audition. The aggressive dance, which Momoa described as “not a scene you do before a love scene,” impressed D. B. Weiss and David Benioff so much that they had him come back and perform it for a second time, which is what the above video shows.
Momoa is such a pro at the Haka (he even did it on a beach in 2013) that we wonder if he’ll incorporate it into his Aquaman.
H/T Time