Kit Harington has revealed why he refused to shave off his beard for his ‘sexy’ new TV role.
From 2011 to 2019, the actor gained a global fan base thanks to his powerful portrayal of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.
For eight years, Kit became synonymous with a character known for his strong moral compass – but in his latest project, he’s unleashing his ruthless side.
In season 3 of HBO drama Industry, the 37-year-old joins the cast as Henry Muck, the CEO of a green tech energy company, who becomes intricately entangled with investment bank worker Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela).
In a new interview, Kit has shared what it was like for him preparing to join the ‘sexy show’, adding how he reacted when he knew that he was going to bare his backside on screen.
Speaking to GQ, he explained that while talking to Industry co-creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, he put his foot down when it came to the prospect of shaving off his facial hair.
‘One of the first things I said to Mickey and Kon was, “You guys are running a sexy show here. And I know you’re going to want me to shave, because it’s banking isn’t it? And I just do not look sexy without a beard. I look like a tired child. No one’s gonna believe that Marisa would go for me.” They agreed, thankfully,’ he said.
Aside from his facial hair, Kit also had to get ready for a nude scene – but fortunately, he had a head start from being physically active in his day-to-day life.
‘I go to the gym for my head anyway. But when I knew I was getting my bum out, I was like, “OK, you’re on the squats this week,”’ he stated.
A couple of weeks ago, a trailer was released for the third season of Industry, revealing a first look at Kit’s portrayal of Henry in the show, with the teaser’s launch coinciding with his performance in Slave Play on the West End.
Several fans expressed their excitement over the drama’s return following a two-year wait, with some celebrating that ‘real TV is back’.
In addition to there being chatter about his casting in Industry, in recent years there’s also been talk about Kit potentially reprising his Game of Thrones role in a new Jon Snow spin-off.
However, it was later confirmed that the proposed programme had been shelved, with the actor telling GQ that they ‘spent a couple of years back and forth developing it’… but ‘nothing got us excited enough’.
‘In the end, I kind of backed out and said, “I think if we push this any further and keep developing it we could end up with something that’s not good. And that’s the last thing we all want,”’ he shared.
The actor admitted that in his view, ‘there were mistakes made’ in the final episode of Game of Thrones, which was heavily criticised by fans and critics when it was released five years ago.
He also opened up to the publication about his sobriety, expressing how ‘proud’ he is to have become sober.
Read the full feature online at GQ Hype now.
Hot Property Picks from Metro
Bed in conservatory listed as 'studio flat' to rent for £1,200 per month
We bought an uninhabited island for £24,000 — it was a lot cheaper than a house deposit
London’s ‘secret’ village with ‘stunning views’ named one of UK’s best to live in
The former owners of my house asked to look inside 30 years on — my answer shocked them
Nuclear bunker with Renaissance-style interiors could be yours for £15,000
Industry season 3 is airing on HBO in the US and will air on the BBC later this year.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Drivers across UK handed Dartford Crossing fines despite never travelling there
MORE : Unlikely WWE champion hailed as ‘new Samoa Joe’ of TNA Wrestling’s X Division
MORE : 00s star makes rare TV appearance 20 years after ‘grotesque’ audition
Share this with