For the newest addition to "Game of Thrones'" massive ensemble cast, getting a part on TV's hottest fantasy drama was beyond exciting -- most particularly for his butt.

"I sat on the throne! Of course I did," Pedro Pascal confessed gleefully when he sat down for a chat with MTV News.

The actor, who plays fan favorite character Oberyn Martell on the upcoming season of the HBO drama, was a serious fan himself before snagging the role of the man also known as the Red Viper of Dorne.

"It was surreal," Pascal said, of working on the set of the show he'd been watching for years. "There was a little bit of a battle going in, because I had a job to do -- and hopefully do it well -- while sort of geeking out in my brain about the size of the throne. And like, seeing Cersei in the flesh, that kind of stuff."

Not to mention that as a "Game of Thrones" fan, he had to know that the role would be challenging in certain, well, you know, ways.

"[Like] how bloody and naked I would be?" Pascal asked, when we broached the subject of taboo breaking on set. "I knew the territory was going to be pretty intense. I can't say that I was prepared. I was in denial. And when certain situations presented themselves that were really challenging physically, or in terms of acting, or in terms of how much clothes I had on, I just jumped right in."

It also helped that the Viper had a very lovely paramour with whom to handle his unclothed scenes: Indira Varma, who plays Oberon's ladyfriend and fellow Dorne citizen Ellaria Sand.

"I hadn't met Indira Varma, but I'd seen her on 'Luther' and 'Rome,'" said Pascal. "It was really exciting to meet her because I already really admired her as an actress. It wasn't bad to have somebody as talented as her, who looks like her, by your side throughout the whole experience."

And as for what that experience included? No spoilers, but Pedro did say this:

"I would like there to be a competition created online for hottest 'Game of Thrones' couple, and see how we do."

With that level of confidence in his steamy scenes, we're fairly ready to see how they do, too. Ahem.

"Game of Thrones" returns to HBO Sunday April 6 at 9 p.m. ET.