Jason Momoa might have brought a different vibe and energy to Arthur Curry/Aquaman than most longtime fans of the comic book expected, but there’s no denying that “Aquabro” enlivened both the character and the overall franchise for the DC Extended Universe, with the first Aquaman film earning over $1.1 billion worldwide.
Notwithstanding, DC Comics fans couldn’t help but wonder: what if Momoa had taken on a different role on the big screen for DC — one which both Momoa’s physical attributes and demeanor made him seem destined to play — the “Main Man” Lobo.
Fortunately, DC Universe fans won’t have to wonder “what if?” much longer as it was announced a few months ago that Momoa would be playing Lobo in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow in the new big screen DC Universe reboot helmed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) and producer Peter Safran.
“This is the role I’ve always wanted to play,” Momoa said of the intergalactic bounty hunter ScreenRant as he geared up to promote his upcoming Minecraft Movie. “That’s the comic I loved, so I’m really nervous about it. It’s kind of a no-brainer to play this character. It’s pretty big. I don’t want to give away too much, but I mean, we look pretty dead on, exactly like the character. And he’s pretty rough and gruff and… I’ll say the bike’s really cool.”
Lobo’s appearance — chalk-white skin, long black hair, red eyes and a heavily muscled build — ties into his backstory as a Czarnian, a near-extinct alien race from the planet Czarnia. Aside from the chalk-white skin and red eyes, Momoa won’t have to do too much work to replicate the character’s physical appearance. We’re assuming he’ll only have to spend a few minutes in wardrobe getting into Lobo’s trademark biker vest and skull-adorned jeans and whipping some chains over his forearms.
According to Gunn, when it was announced that he would be co-helming the new DC Universe, Momoa texted him with one simple phrase: “F—– Lobo.”
“Dude, I’ve said you should be Lobo for years. No lie,” Gunn replied to the actor.
Gunn further shared the text exchange which took place between he and Momoa, stating: “On the anniversary of Lobo, I can’t help but think of a text I received from Jason Momoa on the morning it was announced Peter & I were the heads of DC Studios — the day Jason & I first discussed him joining the DCU as Lobo. I’ve loved watching Jason bring him to life and can’t wait to share that with all of you.”
Lobo was created by Roger Slifer and Keith Giffen and first appeared in Omega Men #3 in 1983. Depending on how long he appears in the upcoming DCU Supergirl film, whoever serves as his opposition is in for a fight, as Lobo is usually depicted as being an excellent fighter who isn’t afraid to use dirty tactics to achieve his goals. Though his strength varies by writer, he’s usually depicted as being in the same ballpark as Superman, which is no low bar. As a Czarnian, Lobo’s got insane physical power, enhanced by his physiology. He can lift well over 100 tons, trade blows with Kryptonians, and shrug off damage that would flatten most. In comics like Superman vs. Lobo or crossovers such as Lobo #0 (1994), he’s shown holding his own against the Man of Steel, often with raw brute force and sheer tenacity.
What do you think of the comments shared by Jason Momoa on playing Lobo in upcoming DCU Supergirl movie? Is Momoa better suited to playing Lobo than Aquaman? Will Momoa as Lobo be in the same echelon as Patrick Stewart playing Professor X, Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Shelly Duvall as Olive Oyl in Popeye? We’ll find out when Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow hits theaters in June 2026.
