George R.R. Martin killed off Jason Momoa’s Game of Thrones character, paving the way for his casting as Aquaman in the DCEU.

Before finding fame as DCEU’s Aquaman, actor Jason Momoa was known for his role as Khal Drogo in the HBO series Game of Thrones, based on author George R.R. Martin’s book series. However, Momoa’s time on the show lasted only one season due to his character’s grim fate in the source material.

Jason Momoa appeared as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones season 1.

Despite killing off Momoa’s character, Martin regretted letting go of the actor after he was signed on for the Aquaman solo film and other DCEU projects under Zack Snyder. Moreover, Martin had kind words to say about Momoa’s casting as Aquaman. Here is why Martin regretted having to let off Jason Momoa after his time as Khal Drogo had run its course.

George R.R. Martin Regretted Letting Jason Momoa Leave Game of Thrones Role Behind

Jason Momoa first rose to prominence with his performance in the action-drama series Baywatch: Hawaii. While fans might now know him as Arthur Curry / Aquaman in Zack Snyder’s DCEU, the role that catapulted him to stardom was of Khal Drogo in HBO’s Game of Thrones.

George R.R. Martin wanted to make a prequel about Khal Drogo. (Image via CBS News)

In the series, Momoa appears as Khal Drogo, a fierce warlord of the Dothraki tribe who married Daenerys Targaryen. However, Drogo dies from sepsis during the first season finale. After departing the series, Momoa was cast as Aquaman in June 2014.

During an interview with MTV later that year, author George R.R. Martin, whose books serve as the source material for Game of Thrones, was asked about Momoa’s casting as Aquaman.

“It’s pretty extraordinary. Jason Momoa is fantastic. He was wonderful as Khal Drogo. I wish we could’ve kept him for another ten seasons.”

Martin made the above statement voicing his regret about Momoa’s short tenure on the hit fantasy-drama series. At the same time, Martin revealed that he had once discussed a prequel series focusing on Khal Drogo with the actor. Nonetheless, given Momoa’s commitments to the DCEU, Martin doubted that the idea would ever come to fruition.

Jason Momoa Praised George R.R. Martin Despite His Game of Thrones Character’s Death

Aquaman star Jason Momoa wanted his Game of Thrones to be revived.

During a separate interview conducted in July 2014, Momoa was asked about his thoughts on George R.R. Martin’s writing. Initially, Momoa joked that he was unhappy with Martin for killing his Game of Thrones character. However, Momoa quickly turned to praise the author, stating (via The Hollywood Reporter):

“After George killed me off, I was really upset because I went to go get the book at Barnes & Noble, and I was really bummed that I was dead. But it’s brilliant writing.”

Meanwhile, Momoa noted that Martin was still not completely done with the book series and pitched for his character to be revived. However, as the television series ran its course, Momoa did not get to reprise his role aside from a brief appearance in season 2.

After leaving Khal Drogo behind, Momoa found success with his role as Aquaman in the DCEU, with the character’s first solo film grossing over $ 1.152 billion. Momoa made a handful of appearances as Aquaman in other DCEU projects, including a sequel, which did not financially perform as well as the first installment.

Game of Thrones and Aquaman are both streaming on Max.