However, while Momoa was brilliant in the Game of Thrones cast, the show almost ended his career. Speaking with Jimmy Fallon, Momoa revealed that he seriously struggled to find new roles after his time on the HBO show, because, “not a lot of people thought I spoke English.”
No, he wasn’t joking. Because Khal Drogo spoke the fictional language Dothraki in Game of Thrones, people assumed he couldn’t speak English and it hurt his chances when it came to audition. Momoa specifically recalled how he met Fred Armisen, the creator of the sketch comedy series Portlandia, and even Armisen said, “I didn’t even know you spoke English.” Momoa said it was, “heart-breaking! That’s why I wasn’t getting any jobs!”
Momoa continued, explained it wasn’t just the perceived language barrier that was holding him back, but also type casting. “It’s like, what do you do with [the actor who plays] Drogo? You’re not going to put him in a comedy, you’re not going to put him in a romance: pigeon-holed.”
But, everything changed when Momoa auditioned for the DCU, and met Zack Snyder. “That whole audition process was pretty crazy. Zack was a huge fan of Game of Thrones… he called me and wanted me to take Aquaman.” He continued, “So, thank you Game of Thrones. Now I’m Aquaman.”
