Jason Momoa is set to make waves, transitioning from his role as Aquaman to become the intergalactic anti-hero Lobo. The casting was officially confirmed last December, and DC Studios’ co-chiefs, James Gunn and Peter Safran, had been planning for this transition for quite some time. During a recent press conference at Warner Bros. Studios, Gunn noted, “Jason was literally the first text I got after this was announced,” implying the actor's eagerness for the new role was evident from the start.
This exciting casting reveals more about the vision for the new DC Universe (DCU) being shaped by Gunn and Safran. With the production of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow already underway, anticipation is building for what promises to be Momoa's wild and bombastic portrayal of Lobo, known as the "Scourge o' the Cosmos.” Momoa's enthusiasm for the role has been palpable, as he reportedly conveyed his excitement through enthusiastic texts filled with exclamation points.
“I mean, listen. If they call and ask me to play him, it’s a fck yeah,” Momoa said, reflecting on how he has long dreamed of portraying Lobo. This level of passion adds depth to the casting choice, ensuring fans of both Momoa and the character will be eager to see how this plays out on the big screen.
Momoa has become well-known for playing dynamic characters, like Arthur Curry/Aquaman. His portrayal has led to two successful films within the old DC Extended Universe, grossing around $1.5 billion worldwide. Gunn's support for Momoa carrying over to play Lobo is not only strategic but speaks to how he sees the actor fitting the role perfectly. Safran echoed this sentiment, questioning, “Can anybody think of [a]better casting for Lobo? It’s perfect.”
The upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is set to open on June 26, 2026, has sparked topics of discussion not just about casting but also about the direction the story will take. The movie follows Supergirl, portrayed by Milly Alcock, as she embarks on a galactic adventure to celebrate her 21st birthday and seeks revenge for her father’s death. While Lobo's role may not be central, his inclusion highlights the broader narrative the filmmakers wish to explore within the DC Universe.
Gunn has expressed how he reforms the DC roster, believing characters like Lobo have untapped potential. He stated, "There’s some fuel behind him. Lobo is one of those characters. Deathstroke is one of those characters.” He likened Lobo to other fan-favorites like Deadpool and Harley Quinn, characters who may not have been mainstream but had strong fan support.
During the press conference, questions arose about when fans might get the first glimpse of Momoa's Lobo transformation. Gunn tempered expectations, saying, “It’s probably going to be aWhile to be frank with you, because it’s all in outer space.” This indicates much of the film will be shot on soundstages rather than on location, which may delay the reveal of set photos or artwork until the filmmakers feel ready.
The secrecy surrounding the project has some fans wondering about its quality, with critiques on social media about the choice to use green screens. Yet, Gunn's approach ensures the film remains consistent with its vision, preferring to keep details under wraps until they have something substantial to share.
The character of Lobo itself is well-loved among comic book enthusiasts. He made his debut back in the early 1980s and has been depicted as everything from a ruthless bounty hunter to a loyal anti-hero. Gunn recognizes the importance of introducing characters like Lobo to wider audiences. By integrating lesser-known entities and showcasing them alongside established heroes, he hopes to create new narratives full of depth and excitement.
Momoa's excitement for the character aligns with Gunn's vision for the future of the DCU. After years of playing Aquaman, Momoa's transition to Lobo reflects both his desire for fresh challenges and the studio's broader goal of refreshing its character lineup. Gunn sees this as creating new paths for storytelling and engaging mainstream audiences by bringing vibrant characters to life.
Despite the challenges of secrecy and anticipation, fans can look forward to the film's release and hope to see Momoa fully embody the wild spirit of Lobo. With connections to comic fans and strong narratives, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow* aims to not only entertain but also build the larger mythology of the DC Universe under the new creative direction.
While there may still be some waiting involved, the excitement surrounding Jason Momoa’s role as Lobo indicates we might just be on the verge of something special within the DCU. With Gunn leading the charge, the future appears bright and uncertain, but one thing is sure: Lobo's time to shine is fast approaching.