Jason Momoa’s Biggest Aquaman Battle Wasn’t on Screen—Here’s What Broke Him!

Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman, in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has become one of his most iconic roles, catapulting him into superhero stardom. From Justice League (2017) to Aquaman (2018) and the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), Momoa has consistently brought a raw, charismatic energy to the character. However, playing Aquaman has not been without its challenges. According to Momoa himself, his biggest issue with the role lies in the physical demands required to bring the character to life, particularly the intense stunt work involved in the films.

The Physical Demands: A Toll on His Body

Momoa has spoken openly about the physical toll playing Aquaman has taken on his body, especially as the role has progressed. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2018, he revealed that the stunt work in Aquaman was unlike anything he had experienced before. The film required extensive underwater action sequences, many of which were simulated using wires to mimic the sensation of swimming or moving underwater. As Momoa noted, these wire stunts were physically demanding, especially since he was performing many of them himself. At the age of 38, he felt the strain more than he had in previous projects.

One particularly painful example Momoa shared was a “head whip” stunt that had to be done repeatedly for over 30 takes, causing significant discomfort. Additionally, Momoa mentioned that his stunt doubles frequently faced injuries during production, underscoring the intensity of the action required. He remarked that this was the first time he had begun to feel the physical strain of the role, particularly after performing his own stunts in Justice League and continuing to do so in Aquaman. The toll of these physical demands, combined with the high energy and rigor of the action sequences, made this an undeniable challenge for the actor.

Allegations of Set Drama and Controversy

While the physical demands were the most significant challenge, the production of Aquaman 2 (2023) was also marked by allegations of set drama, which could have further complicated Momoa’s experience. In 2023, therapy notes from Amber Heard, part of her defamation case with Johnny Depp, contained claims that Momoa had arrived drunk on set, dressed like Depp to taunt Heard, and even pushed for her to be fired. However, these allegations were disputed by a DC spokesperson and insiders, who stated that Momoa had conducted himself professionally and had been seen joking with Heard on set. The claims were not confirmed, and Momoa’s representatives declined to comment on the matter.

These allegations, based on unverified therapy notes and not officially admitted in court, appear to be more about public drama than any personal issue with the role. Momoa himself did not address these rumors directly, leaving much of the story in limbo. Regardless, they highlight the external pressures that can accompany such high-profile roles, though it is unclear how much these controversies impacted his overall experience with Aquaman.

Character Perception and Stigma

Another challenge that Momoa has discussed relates to the public perception of Aquaman as a superhero. Historically, Aquaman has been the subject of ridicule, often perceived as one of the less serious or “cool” members of the superhero pantheon. In his 2018 Entertainment Weekly interview, Momoa expressed concern about how audiences might view the character, particularly after Justice League. He worried that the famous line “You talk to fish?” might overshadow the film’s potential to make Aquaman a more compelling and “cool” character.

This concern reflects Momoa’s deep investment in reshaping the character’s image. Director James Wan shared a similar sentiment in a 2017 Screen Rant article, emphasizing that Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman would actively work to shed the superhero’s past stigma. Together, they sought to make the character more dynamic, complex, and, most importantly, relatable to modern audiences.

Other Potential Issues: Family Life and Creative Direction

While the physical strain and public perception were key issues for Momoa, other potential challenges, such as the time commitment and being away from his family, were less significant. In a 2022 interview with British GQ, Momoa discussed how his children joined him on set during Aquaman 2, suggesting that his family life was well-integrated into his work schedule. This indicates that, while time away from home can be challenging, Momoa found ways to balance his career with family obligations.

Creative differences also appeared to be a non-issue for Momoa. He actively contributed to the treatment for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), which suggests that he was satisfied with the direction of the film. In fact, his involvement in shaping the sequel reflects his enthusiasm for the character and his creative input. In a 2023 People interview, Momoa commented on the changes within the DC universe under James Gunn’s leadership, but he expressed hope that audiences would continue to love the character, further indicating his commitment to the role.

Conclusion

For Jason Momoa, the most significant challenge in playing Aquaman has been the physical demands of the role, especially as the stunts and action sequences became more intense with each film. These physical strains, coupled with the larger-than-life expectations placed on the character, have made playing Aquaman a difficult yet rewarding journey. Despite the rumors and controversies surrounding the set of Aquaman 2, Momoa’s passion for reshaping the character and his commitment to the role remain evident. As he continues to explore the complexities of Aquaman in future films, fans can expect him to bring the same intensity and dedication that has made his portrayal of the underwater hero so iconic.