SGA’s Jason Momoa told fans today at the Austrialia convention Armageddon Expo that he’s won the role of Khal Drogo in the upcoming HBO production of the fantasy novel Game of Thrones. The news was first posted here, then confirmed by Chicago Times TV critic Mo Ryan, here.
Jason said this about the role, according to a fan who was there:
He’ll be filming in Morocco and doesn’t like horses, so isn’t looking forward to the horseback scenes. He also said that it’ll be his first nude scene and first sex scene.
Ryan also reported Jason said he has hired a trainer to see about bulking up for the role.
Game of Thrones is the first book in the popular “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of novels by George R. R. Martin. Four books have been published. HBO has committed to filming the first, but not yet the sequels, according to Ryan. Casting news for the movie has been a hot internet topic, with such noted actors as Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage chosen so far (IMDB entry).
Khal Drogo is an important character; according to this wikipedia article (!warning, major spoilers!), he is
a powerful khal, or warlord, of the Dothraki people, a tribal nation of expert riders and raiders in the steppes beyond the Free Cities. He is an accomplished warrior and has never been defeated in battle.
Filming is set to commence October 24, 2009, and will reportedly include locations in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Morocco. We wish Jason the very best with the challenges of filming the role. Perhaps Joe Flanigan can give him some horsemanship lessons before he leaves.
For more news on the HBO production, visit Winter is Coming. HBO doesn’t yet have a site for the show.