Recently, DC Studios boss James Gunn explained how and why DC Extended Universe star Jason Momoa was brought back for the new DC Universe post-reboot—only, not in the same role. Rather than reprise his part as Aquaman, Momoa had another character in mind: Lobo. According to Gunn, the actor pitched himself as the iconic DC antagonist, and he ultimately scored the role for Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is set to release in 2026. Based on the comic of the same name, the film also stars Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, and Emily Beecham.
In an appearance on the DC Studios Showcase podcast, Gunn told the story of how Momoa approached him. He explained: “When it was announced that I got the job. […] I got a message immediately. It was Jason Momoa texting me saying… just all caps, ‘Lobo, baby.” A billion exclamation points.“
Per Gunn, Momoa wasn’t the only celebrity who reached out, but he was the only actor successfully recruited to the DCU. The director stated: “Then the next [text] was Ryan Reynolds. And he’s like […] ‘Congrats, man! That’s awesome,’ whatever… And I said, ‘Wanna be Green Lantern again?’ And he’s like, ‘ҒUCҜ off.‘” Nonetheless, Momoa was more than willing to join the DCU.
Interestingly, Gunn discussed collaborating with DC Comics writer Tom King on the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film and reintroducing Lobo to the storyline after he didn’t make the cut for the graphic novel. Regarding the choice to use Lobo, he said: “I love Lobo. I always thought he was a great character to adapt. I think he’s maybe, in some ways, the biggest comic book character that’s never been in a film. So I think it was a cool thing to do.“
What James Gunn’s Comments About Casting Jason Momoa As Lobo Mean
For his part, Momoa has also relayed the story of his casting as Lobo. Over the years, the actor was very vocal about his interest in the part, having stated that Lobo “was always [his] favorite“ and would be “the perfect role.” He additionally said that “if they ever call me and ask me to play, or ask me to audition, I’m there.” Upon his casting, Momoa simply posted an image of that quote with the caption: “They called.“
Momoa’s enthusiasm is evident anytime he talks about playing Lobo. For example, he once said: “If we’re going to typecast me in anything, let’s put me in Lobo. Motorcycles, smoking cigars, partying, dreadlocks… loves a fight, funny.” Gunn, as well as Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Ana Nogueira, clearly took notice of this and used the opportunity to make his dream casting a reality.
Our Take On James Gunn’s Comments About Casting Jason Momoa As Lobo
Momoa’s casting as Lobo is a long time coming; not only has the actor been a huge fan of the character for years, but audiences have expressed a similar sentiment that he would be perfect in the role. This stretches all the way back to when he was cast as Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the DCEU. While his Aquaman was generally well-received—especially if his first solo film’s box office is anything to go by—Lobo is more of a match for Momoa’s bombastic energy. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how his Lobo factors into Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and the broader DCU moving forward.
