Why Jason Momoa Has a Fake Throat on His Desk — And It’s Not What You Think

Jason Momoa, known for his roles as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and Aquaman in the DC Universe, has always been the epitome of cool — but his choice of desk décor is nothing short of bizarre. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to see his workspace, you might have noticed something unexpected sitting proudly on his desk: a fake throat and tongue. And no, it’s not some random Halloween decoration — it’s a Game of Thrones prop, and the story behind it is even stranger than you might imagine.

A True Game of Thrones Souvenir

If you’re familiar with the first season of Game of Thrones, you’ll remember the bloody and brutal world of the Dothraki, and one particularly gruesome scene that had viewers on the edge of their seats. In Episode 8, titled The Pointy End, Jason Momoa’s character, Khal Drogo, takes matters into his own hands when a fellow Dothraki soldier disrespects his wife, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). Drogo, unwilling to let the transgression slide, does what any fearsome warlord would do: he slits the man’s throat and removes his tongue.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. According to Momoa himself, he was quite proud of the fake throat and tongue that were used in the scene — so much so, that he took the prop home as a souvenir. In a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Momoa revealed that he made a call to Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss to confirm whether he could keep the gruesome memento. “I’m a big fan of taking the things that I worked with,” Momoa admitted, adding that the fake throat now sits proudly on his desk.

While most people might settle for a basic souvenir from the set, like a T-shirt or a signed script, Momoa went above and beyond. His desk proudly displays the grotesque item, which he described as “just on my desk” — a rather unconventional decoration, to say the least.

Why Does Khal Drogo Need a Fake Throat and Tongue?

If you’re scratching your head wondering why a fake tongue and throat would be necessary in the first place, let’s take a moment to revisit the iconic scene. Drogo, in a fit of rage, punishes the insubordinate Dothraki soldier who dared to defy him by slitting his throat and removing his tongue through the gaping wound. It’s a visceral moment, cementing Drogo’s brutal nature and establishing him as a leader feared by his followers.

The prop department worked overtime to create a realistic fake throat and tongue, which was likely far more intricate than your average special effects creation. Momoa recalled that the throat and tongue were so well done that he didn’t even need to memorize complex choreography for the scene. Instead, they simply used a chicken breast covered in blood to simulate the gruesome act. As he recalled, “Within days they had this f***ing throat and tongue attachment, and it looked amazing.”

Khal Drogo’s Gory Fate: A Merciful End

While Drogo’s victory over the soldier marked one of his most gruesome moments in the series, it wasn’t long before the character met a tragic end. After being wounded in battle, Drogo’s chest wound became infected, and despite Daenerys’ efforts to save him, the infection grew worse, leading to his catatonic state. Ultimately, Daenerys was forced to mercy-kill her beloved husband, ending his reign in Season 1.

Despite the tragedy, Momoa’s time on set was filled with lighter moments, such as when his young daughter accompanied him to the set. Momoa recalled that his daughter, then around four years old, was unphased by his bloodied and battered appearance. In fact, she would sit with the wardrobe department, knitting, while her father filmed some of the show’s most disturbing scenes. “Papa’s just playing,” Momoa said she told him as he would dramatically yell and act out his brutal scenes.

A Memento of the Show’s Gritty Legacy

For Momoa, the fake throat and tongue are more than just a bizarre keepsake. They symbolize his time on one of the most iconic shows of the 21st century. Game of Thrones became a global phenomenon, known for its shocking moments, unforgettable characters, and — of course — its bloody, over-the-top violence. For Momoa, keeping such a grisly prop on his desk is a reminder of his contribution to the show and the unforgettable character he brought to life.

So, the next time you think about Jason Momoa and his desk, remember: not all souvenirs are created equal. Some, like his fake tongue and throat, are a little more… memorable. And while it might not be the kind of thing you’d keep on your own desk, it certainly adds to the mystique of one of Hollywood’s most unique stars.