“The reason why I wanted to direct is because there are personal stories that I want to tell, but also because I love every part of movie making – from the wardrobe to the set decoration to cinematography.”

I go train, and like with Conan, I’m in leather, and with Drogo, I’m in leather or armor or something else. I’m not in my adidas sweat suit or my matching tracksuit pants to go work out. I got too busy of a day. I’ve got my boots.

I’m raised to actually think, to use my brain.

In my man cave, I have tomahawks, throwing knives, and old black-bear furs. There’s skulls, weapons everywhere.

Me and my son got pictures on the Batmobile. I’m a big kid.

I love carbs, but denial is good training for the mind.

Zack Snyder is a huge fan of ‘Game of Thrones,’ and I met him in the training stunt facility that I train at, and I guess he really liked me because he later called me into his office, and we talked about playing Aquaman.

I love working with Oscar winners.

I don’t want to be like Spider-man or Batman, the do-gooder kind of thing.

I’m a big kid, you know?

I’m one of those freaky people that actually reads books.

After ‘Game of Thrones,’ having a character like that, that’s like the pinnacle of your career.

I grew up with a single mother, and I wasn’t out shooting too many guns.

As far as getting work, no one thought I spoke English. It was absolutely ridiculous. I’d show up at a meeting and they’d be like, ‘Oh my God, you speak English! That’s so cool.’ They didn’t really know what to do with me.

There is a lot of pretty horrific stuff that happens, and I don’t usually get those kinds of characters who get to go to those places.

When I got ‘Stargate: Atlantis,’ I said, ‘Man, I’d love to be on HBO.’

Morning is when I do all my best work.