Jason Momoa‘s role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones was brief but memorable, ending early in the series after a duel with Mago led to a fatal wound. Despite Daenerys Targaryen’s desperate attempts to save him through dark magic, Drogo’s condition worsened and she ultimately suffocated him to end his suffering. This tragic event was crucial to the story’s progression because it allowed Daenerys to emerge stronger and independent, transforming into the Mother of Dragons. While Drogo’s early death disappointed many fans eager to see more of Momoa’s fierce warrior, it was vital for the narrative that Daenerys stand alone.
Though Drogo only appeared for a short time, Jason Momoa’s commanding presence captured the audience’s attention and left a lasting impression. Fortunately, fans looking for more of Momoa’s intense warrior roles can turn to his portrayal of the title character in the 2011 film Conan the Barbarian, a fantasy action movie that shares many thematic ties with Game of Thrones.
Stepping into Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Role: Momoa’s Challenge in Conan the Barbarian
Taking on the legacy of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic Conan was a formidable challenge that Jason Momoa faced when Millennium Films and director Marcus Nispel rebooted the franchise. The 2011 film revisits Robert E. Howard’s legendary sword and sorcery hero in the mythical Hyborian Age, where ancient sorcerers once crafted the Mask of Acheron—an artifact designed to enslave the world through sinister magic.
The movie centers on Khalar Zym, a ruthless warlord bent on collecting the scattered pieces of the mask to resurrect his powerful sorceress wife and dominate the world. His campaign of destruction leads to the massacre of a Cimmerian village, sparing only the blacksmith’s son, Conan. Raised with memories of loss and revenge, Conan grows into a formidable warrior and pirate, determined to seek vengeance on Zym.
Along his journey, Conan encounters Tamara, the last key to the mask’s power and a descendant of the deadly Acheron line. Their meeting sparks a romantic bond as Conan rescues her from an assault on her monastery, setting the stage for an inevitable showdown with Khalar Zym.
Why Game of Thrones Fans Might Appreciate Momoa’s Conan More Than Schwarzenegger Fans
Although Schwarzenegger’s Conan films are considered classics and a highlight of his career, Momoa’s 2011 version did not garner the same acclaim and has largely faded from popular memory. Director John Millus’s decision to alter key elements—like replacing the iconic villain Thulsa Doom with the less dynamic Khalar Zym—was viewed as a critical misstep by many.
However, fans of Game of Thrones are more likely to connect with Momoa’s Conan due to shared themes, tone, and strong character-driven storytelling. Much like the HBO series, Conan the Barbarian immerses viewers in a gritty, mystical world where political scheming and magical forces clash, and complex characters are tested through trials of strength and loyalty.
The film’s fantasy setting, filled with swordplay and dark intrigue, echoes the qualities that captivated Game of Thrones fans. Cinematographer Thomas Kloss captured the rugged beauty of Bulgarian locations such as Bolata, Pobiti Kamani, Zlatnite Mostove, and Vitosha—places characterized by untamed landscapes of stone formations, mountains, and wilderness that evoke the heroic and romantic spirit of the story.
Both productions draw heavily on the rich legacies of their authors. Robert E. Howard’s foundational work as the father of sword and sorcery fiction inspired not only Conan but also set a precedent for immersive fantasy storytelling later developed by George R.R. Martin with his A Song of Ice and Fire saga.
Jason Momoa’s Reflections and Industry Challenges Surrounding Conan the Barbarian
Despite the potential and Momoa’s commitment, Conan the Barbarian underperformed at the box office, earning just $60 million worldwide against a $90 million budget and receiving a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In candid comments to GQ, Momoa expressed frustration over the project’s outcome:
“I’ve been a part of a lot of things that really sucked, and movies where it’s out of your hands,” —Jason Momoa, Actor
“Conan the Barbarian was one of them. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve had, and it was taken over and turned into a big pile of sh*t.” —Jason Momoa, Actor
The difficulties stemmed largely from studio interference, which director Marcus Nispel also lamented. In his view, trying to make Conan within the Hollywood system was an onerous experience:
“As a filmmaker in this system you are a dog on many leashes. Trying to get Conan done under those circumstances was the worst experience that I had and I was as unhappy with the result. I’m happy though that none of this got in the way of Jason’s career path…I always stood by the decision to make Conan with him.” —Marcus Nispel, Director
Nispel also took pride in launching Momoa’s lead acting career. He humorously noted that he personally paid for Momoa’s rigorous physical training needed for both Conan and Game of Thrones, highlighting the actor’s dedication to transforming into his warrior roles. Ironically, Game of Thrones did not immediately bring Momoa the financial stability expected. He later revealed to InStyle that after his exit from the series, he was deeply in debt and struggled to find steady work until he landed the role of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe.
Future of the Conan Franchise and Momoa’s Career Path
Following Conan the Barbarian’s disappointing performance, Universal Pictures attempted to revive the franchise in a more traditional fashion. In 2012, plans were announced for The Legend of Conan, a sequel intended to serve as a direct follow-up to Schwarzenegger’s original, ignoring previous sequels. However, producer Chris Morgan later confirmed that Universal dropped the project, leaving the future of Conan on screen uncertain.
Meanwhile, Jason Momoa’s profile has continued to rise, though it was recently revealed he would not return as Aquaman in future DC Universe films, signaling a potential shift in his career direction. For fans nostalgic for both Game of Thrones and classic sword and sorcery tales, Momoa’s underrated Conan the Barbarian remains an intriguing glimpse of his capability to bring powerful fantasy warriors to life.
