The audition tape of Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones is not only beautiful but also frightening. Momoa is strongly associated with the Maori people and their culture, even though he was born in Hawaii and had very good connections with the Polynesian culture of his parents.When Momoa learned that his role, Khal Drogo, had only a few lines in the script, he asked whether he could do something special, something that no other actor had done. In an interview with The New York Times in January 2017, the actor described his reason behind the audition and said:"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?’"He added:"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."Momoa believed that the haka was the best form of intensity and spirit of a warrior that Khal Drogo required in Game of Thrones. So the Maori exalted dance would have been ideal in showing off his character without the script lines.Read more about the audition below.What surprised casting directors during Jason Momoa's audition? View this post on Instagram Instagram PostJason Momoa reportedly said that he was terrified and anxious the time he auditioned to participate in Game of Thrones. He did haka (strong dance) and then gave his interview. At the end of the haka, his heart was racing so fast, and he just couldn't seem to cool down. In November 2018, Momoa told Men's Journal:“It’s probably the character I’ve played that’s most like me.”Such intensive performance in dancing surprised the casting department. They were shocked, yet on the other hand, they were looking into something authentic and passionate. At that really tough moment, Momoa kept going with it. His bravery and candor made everything stand out. The producers liked it enough to ask him to do the haka again for the audition tape.A cultural connection that sparked brillianceJason Momoa slays the audition to play Khal Drogo on Game of Thrones | Image via HBOThe reason why Jason did the Maori haka during his audition to be in Game of Thrones is that he has a deep respect for the Polynesian culture. Jason Momoa was a Hawaiian native, and he realizes how important the Maori tradition is. According to the actor, Hawaiians and the Maori people have the same origin. In an interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show at NBC, Momoa said:“People didn’t think I spoke English.”Jason Momoa developed a great affection for their culture as he learnt more about it during the audition for Game of Thrones. He felt the haka would be the best way to show the strength of Khal Drogo. It is both a beautiful and scary dance, which would fit the character well. His love for the culture made his performance real and strong. It turned a bold choice into success.Why did this audition moment become legendary?Khal Drogo | Image via HBOJason Momoa's haka made his Game of Thrones audition quite special. Many strong actors came in for the role of Khal Drogo, and yet no actor stood out. The moment Momoa walked in, his energy showed power right away. The moment he danced the haka, he looked every bit like a real warrior.Both the casting director and her assistant were shocked, and speechless, and knew at once that he was perfect for the role. Quickly, the director called the producers in London to share the news. The brave choice of Jason Momoa made his audition probably one of the most unforgettable moments in the show's casting history.Follow Soap Central for more updates!