Jason Momoa had his big breakout role as Khal Drogo in HBO’s Game of Thrones, and his audition for the character is as intense and chilling as the Dothraki warlord he played.
Speaking to The New York Times, Momoa revealed his inspiration behind the audition:
On Game of Thrones, [Drogo] doesn’t say much. So how do you convey him? There’s nothing in the script. So I said: ‘I have this idea. Is it O.K to do [a dance] before the audition?’ And they were like, ‘Oh, sure.’ Then I did the Haka. It was challenging to do the audition afterward — I couldn’t stop my heart from beating. The first time I did it, they were very scared. But then they wanted me to come back in so they could put it on tape.
The role of Khal Drogo was one with minimal dialogue and more of body language, so it is interesting to see why Momoa chose the Maori Haka dance.
What Is the Haka Dance Performed by Jason Momoa?
The Maori Haka is a traditional performance that holds deep cultural significance for New Zealanders. It is known for its powerful energy, fierce facial expressions (pukana), and physical movements like stamping, hand gestures, and chanting. The haka varies by region, with many telling stories of significant events in a tribe’s history. (via NDTV)
Jason Momoa spoke to New Zealand’s Stuff regarding why he chose the specific dance and his connection to Maori culture:
It’s very, very powerful, and I wanted to capture that. I just thought it was apt for the role because it’s beautiful and scary. I’ve been fascinated with Maori culture since I was a kid. We come from the same [Polynesian] culture. When I found out more about the Maori culture I fell in love with it, and with the people too.
Momoa played the role of Khal Drogo to perfection, embodying the spirit of the leader of a tribe, and it looks like that role might have landed him another similar one.
Jason Momoa’s Role in Apple TV Series Chief of War Is Similar To Khal Drogo
Jason Momoa plays a tribal leader, Kaʻiana in Chief of War, with a powerful and imposing on-screen presence. Both characters, Drogo and Kaʻiana, lead their respective groups through warfare and are inspired by Momoa’s Hawaiian roots.
Jason Momoa co-created, executive-produced, and starred in the Apple TV+ historical drama series Chief of War, which premiered on August 1, 2025. The show follows the story of a Hawaiian warrior chief named Ka’iana, played by Momoa, in the late 18th century as he attempts to unite the islands before Western colonization.
The story is told from an Indigenous perspective with a focus on the political struggles and warfare among the four major kingdoms: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Here are key details of the show:
The Justice League star’s career has not ended after his stint as Aquaman, with many more roles on the way, like Lobo in James Gunn’s DCU.
What do you think of Jason Momoa’s audition for Khal Drogo? Let us know in the comments.
Game of Thrones is currently streaming on HBO Max in the U.S.
Chief of War is currently streaming on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
