Watch and see how a little-known actor was able to score a prized role on the hit HBO series Game of Thrones . Jason Momoa was able to earn his role as Khal Drogo, a Dothraki lord, by performing a traditional dance that comes from New Zealand’s Maori people.
Time Magazine notes that the dance performed is called haka. Haka is a traditional ancestral war cry, dance, or challenge from the M?ori people of New Zealand. The haka was originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Therefore, it is no wonder Momoa chose the intense dance to display his abilities to play a strong Dothraki character.
Back in August when Momoa interviewed with AOL , the actor said he was originally given a Drogo scene to read for his audition. Fortunately, after a suggestion from an actor friend, Momoa decided to try out the Haka for his audition. The aggressive and manly dance 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 you see in the video posted.
Though the role of Drogo was short-lived on the series, it was exactly the role Momoa needed to make a career for himself in the acting world. The role launched the 35-year-old actor to greater stardom, and he has since been cast as Aquaman and is slated to appear in a number of DC Comics’ upcoming films.
What do you think of Jason Momoa’s haka?
