Jason Momoa Leaving Behind Aquaman For A New, Beloved Hero Character
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom comes out today after a five-year waiting period since the first movie made its big box office splash. It’s been an even longer journey for Jason Momoa, who was cast as the Atlantian over 10 years ago. Unfortunately, it looks like Momoa’s journey as Aquaman is coming to an end, though Peter Safran the co-head CEO of DC Studios says the actor will always be welcomed by DC and Warner Bros. and he’s already gearing up to star in the studio’s movie based on the Minecraft video game.
During an Aquaman sequel event at the IWC Schaffhausen boutique in Beverly Hills, Safran addressed questions about Jason Momoa’s continuation as the King of Atlantis, acknowledging the actor’s pivotal role in redefining the character. “When I think of Jason in this role, he is the definitive Aquaman,” Safran stated. He explained how when Momoa first took on the role, he was known as Khal Drogo from the first season of Game of Thrones and has spent the last decade redefining himself to be the embodiment of the Atlantian King.
Despite how much Safran loves Jason Momoa as the character, it’s apparently not enough to keep the actor on for future DC movies. At least not as the King of Atlantis. Since Safran and James Gunn took over as co-CEOs of DC Studios last year, the pair have been plotting their own version of the DCU, which completely resets everything the studio has created over the past 10 years.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom marks the official end of the DCEU, and the bittersweet moment is unfortunately a bit lackluster with early reviews reflecting unfavorable reactions. The movie, starring Jason Momoa and directed by James Wan, currently holds a 38 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Hollywood Reporter’s Lovia Gyarkye described the sequel as “frustratingly committed to formula.”
Still, Safran remains optimistic, urging fans to support Jason Momoa in what could potentially be his last journey as Aquaman. “If it’s the end of the journey, fine. If it goes on, that’s also fine, but I think it has meant so much to him.”
Though the end of the DCEU is definitive and Safran’s words sound pretty certain that Jason Momoa’s journey as Aquaman is over, the actor himself is still holding on to a thin sliver of hope. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Momoa shared his perspective on the possibility of parting ways with Aquaman. “I don’t necessarily want it to be the end…[but] I don’t think it’s really, like, a choice,” he said.
Recognizing Safran and James Gunn’s desire to forge their path at DC Studios, Jason Momoa added, “The truth of it is, I mean, if the audience loves it, then there’s a possibility. But right now, I’m like, ‘It’s not looking too good.'”
Expressing his love for the character and the world of Aquaman, Jason Momoa remains open to the idea of continuing the role if fans show continued support. He explained that he has his own ideas of where the character could go and can see potential opportunities to be invited back to play the role again. “And I do enjoy the role and the world. So, I mean, it just comes down to if people love it.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
