Is Khal Drogo Opening a Climbing Gym?

Most of us have heard the hype by now. Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa is opening the world’s ultimate rock climbing gym. When and where? It’s hard to say. But if you believe the rumors, Momoa is coming to Detroit.

Unfortunately, at this point, all we have are rumors.  

Last month, Willamette Week, a Portland, Oregon, newspaper, reported that Momoa—who played Khal Drogo on the show—had purchased a former General Motors building with the intention of turning it into a brewery. The story was quickly picked up by Eater Detroit and other outlets.

Then, last week, the Oakland Press—on a tip from a Pontiac, Michigan, real estate investor—reported that Momoa had actually purchased a shuttered rock climbing gym, formerly called Planet Rock. The story stated that Momoa hoped to add a brewery to that space. The piece has since been updated with this quote from Momoa: “Sure, I’m looking at stuff. Has anything been signed? No. When it does, I’ll let everyone know.”

The stories were just credible enough to go viral. Momoa is an avid climber. He’s also a beer fan. His Instagram account (@PrideofGypsies) features climbing videos and pictures of beer, food, and family. The Midwest connection also made sense. Though he was born in Hawaii, according to the Oakland Press story, he has a fondness for Detroit. “I love Michigan. I’m a Midwest boy. I love it here,” he told reporter Dustin Blitchok. He also loves the area’s beers, citing New Holland Brewery as his all-time favorite brewery.

But that’s where the story breaks down—for now, at least. Our calls to Momoa’s press representative were not returned. A call to Planet Rock’s new location however, was answered. The employee I spoke with, who declined to give her name, summed things up succinctly: “It’s mostly hearsay at this point.”

A dual brewery and rock climbing gym may be coming to Detroit. Just not anytime soon.