Jason Momoa Reveals the Roles That Still Excite Him After All These Years—And Why They Matter

Jason Momoa, born on August 1, 1979, in Honolulu, Hawaii, has carved out a niche in Hollywood with his larger-than-life presence and versatile performances in action, fantasy, and sci-fi genres. From his breakthrough role in Baywatch: Hawaii to becoming a global icon with Aquaman, Momoa has chosen roles that challenge him both physically and emotionally, making him one of the most dynamic actors in Hollywood. But which roles has he never gotten tired of playing? We take a closer look at his career to uncover the characters that continue to resonate with him.

Aquaman: A Deep Connection

Perhaps Momoa’s most iconic role to date, Aquaman (Arthur Curry), has been a constant in his career since his 2016 cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. His portrayal of the underwater superhero in Aquaman (2018) and the upcoming Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) is marked by a deep personal connection to the character. In interviews, such as one with Entertainment Weekly, Momoa has discussed how playing Aquaman presents both challenges and rewards. The role’s physicality, combined with its leadership elements, aligns with Momoa’s acting preferences. The character’s blend of strength, vulnerability, and leadership is a perfect fit for Momoa, who embraces the challenge of portraying such a complex hero.

Khal Drogo: A Transformative Role in Game of Thrones

Jason Momoa’s turn as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones catapulted him into the global spotlight. The character, a fearsome Dothraki warlord, was central to the early seasons of the series, and Momoa’s portrayal was as brutal as it was memorable. Though he has openly acknowledged the difficult and controversial aspects of the role, he has also spoken about the significance of playing Drogo. His audition, which involved performing a traditional Haka, remains one of the defining moments of his career. Momoa has reflected on the role as pivotal, acknowledging that it gave him the opportunity to showcase both physical prowess and a deeper emotional range. Despite his departure from the series, Drogo’s impact on his career endures, as the role helped establish him as a powerhouse actor in Hollywood.

Conan the Barbarian: Embracing the Physical and Emotional Depth

In Conan the Barbarian (2011), Momoa embraced a role that combined fierce action with emotional depth. Though the film itself faced critical backlash, Momoa’s dedication to the character and the experience of making the film stands out. In a GQ interview, he referred to the process of making the film as “one of the best experiences I had,” despite his disappointment with the final product. This sentiment reveals that Momoa relished the chance to explore a physically demanding role that also required a strong emotional core. For him, the journey of embodying Conan, from intense stunts to the physicality of the character, was more fulfilling than the film’s reception suggested.

Villainous Roles: The Joy of Playing the Bad Guy

In recent years, Jason Momoa has embraced playing villains, a shift that adds a new layer to his on-screen persona. In Fast X (2023), he took on the role of Dante Reyes, a villain with a flair for drama and destruction. In a WIRED interview, Momoa shared his excitement about portraying the villain, quipping, “I get to play the villain. It’s about God damn time.” This statement highlights his enthusiasm for roles that allow him to explore the darker side of his acting range. Villainous roles provide an opportunity to step away from the hero archetype and tap into a more complex, multifaceted character—a challenge that Momoa clearly enjoys.

A Pattern of Physicality and Depth

From Stargate: Atlantis (2005–2009), where he played Ronon Dex, a skilled hunter and warrior, to his role as Baba Voss, a blind warrior in the post-apocalyptic See (2019–2022), Momoa’s preference for roles that require physical stamina and emotional depth is clear. His passion for preparing physically for roles is evident in his commitment to training, such as his six-week stunt and martial arts regimen for Conan the Barbarian. These roles allow him to engage in action-packed sequences while also delving into complex characters. Momoa’s dedication to physical preparation ensures that he brings an authentic and powerful presence to each role, whether he’s playing a hero, anti-hero, or villain.

Jason Momoa’s career continues to evolve, with each role reflecting his willingness to challenge himself as an actor. Whether portraying a superhero, a barbarian, or a villain, Momoa’s commitment to both physicality and emotional depth remains at the core of his work. For him, these roles are more than just performances—they’re opportunities to explore new dimensions of storytelling and showcase the full range of his acting capabilities. With projects like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and his future endeavors in mind, it’s clear that Jason Momoa is not done exploring the roles that allow him to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.