In recent years, actor Jason Momoa has completely reinvented himself as a superhero movie star. This month, he’ll be starring in the new solo movieAquamanafter previously appearing as the character inBatman v Superman: Dawn of JusticeandJustice League. While Aquaman is now arguably the role Momoa is most well-known for, fans ofGame of Throneswill still never forget the actor’s roots. Starting with the very first season, Momoa played the character of Khal Drogo, who married the “Mother of Dragons,” Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). The character would be written out soon after, but viewers watchingSaturday Night Livelast night were able to see Momoa play the role one last time.
On the newestSNL,Jason Momoaserved as the host, marking the first time in his career to do so. Although the gig was primarily to promoteAquaman, the actor paid tribute to his breakout role by reprising it for a sketch called “Khal Drogo’s Ghost Dojo.” Presented as a TV show on theDothrakiPublic Access channel, the concept is for Khal and a colleague (Kenan Thompson) to interview other characters who’ve been killed off onGame of Thrones. Of course, comedy is the focus of the skit, but it’s undoubtedly awesome to see Momoa back in the Dothraki get-up once again.
The first guest on the faux show is Hodor (Beck Bennett). Obviously, that interview goes about as well as you would expect, with the character only being able to say his name. Pete Davidson then comes out as the High Sparrow, who jokes he’s “so glad [he] gave up sex for 50 years” since it got him into heaven. To that,Khal Drogoretorts he has sex whenever he wants, with “many, many partners.” Even though the character is still alive, Brienne of Tarth (Heidi Gardner) shows up as well, with Khal mistaking her as a man. When told he needs to learn more about identity politics, Khal jokes that he’ll never be able to “host Oscar,” a clear reference to Kevin Hart recently stepping down as the host of the Academy Awards.
The best guest is saved for last, with Kate McKinnon expertly playing a version ofKing Joffrey. Although the character has been long gone from the series, Joffrey remains perhaps the most reviled of every character onGame of Thrones. Although the late king is happy to absorb the boos from the crowd, the skit soon takes a turn which would make Jerry Springer proud. The woman who poisoned him, Olenna Tyrell (Aidy Bryant) is brought out for an awkward exchange. The two are quickly involved in a slapping match with each other, with Olenna shouting, “I’m going to kill you again, Justin Bieber!”
Newer episodes ofSaturday Night Liveare hit or miss with audiences, but most seemed to enjoy Momoa as the host. you may see him on the big screen whenAquamanhits theaters on Dec. 21. To see howGame of Thronesconcludes its story, you can watch its final season when it arrives on HBO in April 2019. Check out theSNLskit below direct from NBC.
