Kit Harington has been busy turning heads lately, but not just for his dashing looks. The ‘Game of Thrones‘ star made a much-anticipated return to the small screen this year with the hit HBO drama ‘Industry‘. Launched mid-pandemic in 2020, it’s part ‘Wolf of Wall Street‘, part ‘Euphoria‘.
In this make-or-break 3rd season, Harington steps into the shoes of Sir Henry Muck, a character who’s as complex as he is wealthy. With ‘Industry‘ offering plenty of sex, drugs, and corporate drama, it’s a far cry from the icy walls of Winterfell. But there’s an interesting compromise that the actor had the show’s creators make on his demand.
Related: Will Kit Harington Play Black Knight In Mahershala Ali’s ‘Blade’ Movie?
Kit Harington Undersold His Own Appeal Without Beard
When Kit Harington joined ‘Industry‘, he was quick to recognize the “sexy” vibe that the show carries. Harington, never one to shy away from a challenge, knew he would be expected to maintain the show’s high standards – and that included shaving off his signature beard. But the actor, in his usual witty manner, put his foot down.
In an interview with GQ, Harrington revealed a deal he readily put in front of the show’s creators.“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.
In Case You Missed: Charlie Cox Teases Multiple MCU Cameos In ‘Daredevil: Born Again’
Kit Harington On Embracing Nudity In ‘Industry’
But Kit Harington’s beard was his only concern. Despite keeping his facial hair, the actor didn’t shy away from showing a lot more in ‘Industry‘. With scenes that had him stepping out of pools naked and showcasing his toned physique during topless squash games, Harington was all in.
“That was my own work,” he confirms, sharing how he made sure to hit the gym hard. “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.”
Harington’s decision to embrace nudity on-screen was a bold one, especially considering his past experiences with being sexualized in Hollywood. Back in 2015, he faced backlash after expressing discomfort about being labeled a “sex symbol” during his time on ‘Game of Thrones‘.
The criticism was swift and harsh, leading Harington to back down and joke on ‘Good Morning America‘. “I’ve decided I’m going to be a good little hunk and shut up,” he had said at the time.
But now, almost a decade later, Harington is speaking his mind with confidence, adding, “Anytime I see a young male actor bandied about as being a hunk or heartthrob, it minimizes them to their appearance. We shouldn’t do that to women, we shouldn’t do it to men. That’s just how I feel about it.”
You Might Also Like To Read:
