Aquaman Out, Lobo In: What Jason Momoa’s New Role Means for the Future of the DCU
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
In a groundbreaking shift for both Jason Momoa and the DC Universe (DCU), the actor has officially transitioned from playing the heroic Aquaman to the chaotic antihero Lobo. This casting announcement, confirmed in late December 2024, was met with both excitement and skepticism as fans anticipate Momoa’s portrayal of the alien bounty hunter in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The film, based on the 2021–2022 DC Comics miniseries by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, marks the second movie in the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters, following Superman, and is expected to redefine both the character of Lobo and Momoa’s presence within the franchise.
A Darker Supergirl Origin
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, is set to explore the darker and more complex origin story of Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl. Unlike her cousin Superman, whose story centers on his upbringing on Earth, Supergirl’s narrative delves into her life before arriving on our planet, offering a stark contrast to the iconic hero’s tale. The film will star Milly Alcock as Supergirl, with Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, and Emily Beecham rounding out the cast. Filming began in January 2025 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, signaling the start of an ambitious new era for the DCU under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Jason Momoa’s Long-Awaited Lobo Role
Momoa’s casting as Lobo, first introduced in DC Comics in 1983, marks an exciting shift from his previous role as Aquaman. Lobo is a violent and irreverent alien bounty hunter from the planet Czarnia, known for his superhuman strength, regenerative abilities, and invulnerability. His rough, rebellious persona is a far cry from the noble and heroic Aquaman, presenting Momoa with an opportunity to tap into a character he has long admired.
In a 2023 interview during the press tour for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Momoa expressed his deep love for Lobo, saying, “I collect comics… he was always my favorite.” He went on to joke, “If they ever call me and ask me to audition, I’m there,” indicating his strong desire to play the role. When the call finally came, Momoa excitedly shared the news on Instagram with the caption “They called,” confirming the much-anticipated casting.
This enthusiasm for Lobo was echoed in a March 2025 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where Momoa discussed his current involvement in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and reflected on his earlier aspirations to play Lobo. “I’m right now working on Supergirl,” he said, adding that he had originally expected to portray Lobo when Zack Snyder reached out to him for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but was instead cast as Aquaman. Momoa further highlighted his personal connection to the character, noting, “Rides a motorcycle, smokes cigars, loves Guinness,” drawing parallels between himself and the larger-than-life antihero.
A Dynamic Role in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow
Momoa’s role as Lobo is set to bring a dynamic and irreverent presence to Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Lobo’s violent and humorous antics will likely provide a stark contrast to Supergirl’s more earnest and vengeful journey. As the film’s narrative follows Supergirl on a space adventure with her loyal dog Krypto, Lobo’s bounty-hunting pursuits may intersect with her path, potentially making him a formidable antagonist—or an unlikely ally. Fans can expect Momoa’s larger-than-life performance to inject the film with both intensity and humor, offering a refreshing twist on the typical superhero narrative.
From Aquaman to Lobo: A Significant Shift
Momoa’s casting as Lobo marks a dramatic shift from his portrayal of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The actor became a global star through his portrayal of the heroic king of Atlantis, a role that earned Aquaman (2018) over $1 billion worldwide. However, the DCEU’s conclusion with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023 was met with critical disappointment, earning only $439 million at the global box office and leaving the future of the franchise uncertain. With the arrival of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DCU, Momoa’s transition to Lobo signals a new beginning for both him and the franchise.
This casting also reflects Gunn’s vision for a more dynamic, interconnected universe where characters like Lobo can thrive in the context of larger narratives, similar to how Creature Commandos, an animated series, began building the DCU. Fans are eager to see how Lobo’s wild, irreverent character will fit into the new DCU and whether Momoa can bring the same level of charisma and intensity to the role that he did as Aquaman.
Conclusion: A New Era for Momoa and the DCU
As Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow approaches its 2026 release, Jason Momoa’s transformation from Aquaman to Lobo is one of the most exciting developments in the DC Universe. The film, which delves into Supergirl’s darker origins and features a strong ensemble cast, promises to be a pivotal entry in the franchise’s rebooted future. With Momoa’s personal connection to Lobo and his proven ability to bring larger-than-life characters to the screen, fans can expect an unforgettable performance as he takes on this new antihero role.
The shift from a heroic Aquaman to the chaotic Lobo marks a new chapter for both Momoa and the DCU. Whether Lobo becomes a new fan-favorite or sparks further debate, one thing is certain: Jason Momoa is ready to redefine his place in the DC Universe, and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will be the start of an exciting new adventure.