On the set of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” not many days are typical, but actor Kristian Nairn, who played the towering Hodor, found himself in an unexpectedly revealing situation. Known for his height (6’10”) and the character’s limited vocabulary (“Hodor”), Kristian recalls a particularly memorable scene where a giant prosthetic penis was required, revealing more about Hodor than audiences were perhaps prepared for.
Gathering crucial context, it’s important to recognize that Hodor’s physical presence and his simple yet impactful dialogue became iconic aspects of the show. Yet, in the book “Beyond the Throne,” Nairn delves deeper into this unexpected behind-the-scenes moment. Vanity Fair published an excerpt where Kristian described his initial reaction to seeing the prosthetic in the makeup trailer—an experience that involved a mix of humor and bewilderment. The prop’s considerable size led Nairn to joke about its practical uses while sharing a laugh with the makeup designer, Paul Engelen.
The Prosthetic Reaction
Kristian was not alone in this unique encounter. Richard Madden, who portrayed Robb Stark, also had his moments of astonishment. Madden’s reaction, which involved a mix of shock and mockery, provided comic relief on set, illustrating the camaraderie among cast members. Laughter abounded as Madden showcased the prosthetic to the crew, emphasizing its startling dimensions.
The Painful Attachment Process
Shooting in diverse, often extreme climates across Malta and rural Ireland posed its own challenges, but few compared to the ordeal of utilizing this particular prop. Kristian shared that attaching the prosthetic wasn’t as simple as using glue. The procedure required a detailed and painful regimen of gluing and braiding, making it far more uncomfortable than typical prosthetics used in TV production. Nairn vividly detailed the pain endured during the attachment process, which involved his pubic hair being plaited and glued to the surrounding area, followed by an extensive period of painting the prosthesis.
They brought out two prosthetic penises—one with black, curly pubes and one with normal pubes. I don’t know why they made the Afro one—I have gray hair; that was weird. It was made out of, like, latex, and it was very realistic-feeling. But Hodor looks part giant, so it was definitely beyond human—about sixteen inches. When Natalia Tena—she plays Osha—first saw me, she was like, “Oh, is that real?!” Luckily no, Natalia. To attach it, they made a thong, which they CGI’d out or something. It was a little awkward, I’m not going to lie. We were filming in Belfast, it was raining and freezing, and there were about 200 people around. Awkward.
I actually thought it was an important thing to do, because I’m a bigger guy. It’s good to get the idea out there that not everyone is a beach-body type.
The show gets a lot of flak for its [lack of] male nudity, but I have an answer for that: Shut up. I think there’s plenty of male nudity. There are two breasts for every penis, so that’s maybe why it’s outnumbered. And it takes sacrifice! The pubes had to be planted into my own hair with glue, so the removal hurt. I felt sorry for the makeup girl, too.
Kristian Nairn for GQ Magazine
Kristian Nairn Reflects on Hodor’s Legacy
Kristian Nairn’s portrayal of Hodor spanned from the very first episode up to the character’s emotional death in Season 6, famously linked to the phrase “Hold the door.” This climactic moment remains one of the series’ most memorable scenes, overshadowing any earlier lighthearted or awkward moments involving prosthetics. Nairn’s reflections highlight the unique blend of humor and gravitas that accompanied his role on the show.
Closing Credits
Recalling these anecdotes offers a renewed appreciation for the lengths actors go to bring fantasy to life, even when it involves cumbersome and awkward prosthetics. Thankfully for Nairn, Hodor’s poignant final scene and enduring impact on fans’ hearts stand as a testament to his performance, far outweighing the temporary discomforts faced during production.
