This year marks a significant moment for the DC Universe (DCU) as Jason Momoa introduces the character Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl project, starring Milly Alcock from House of the Dragon. Momoa, returning to a new DC role after portraying Aquaman in the former DC Extended Universe (DCEU), highlights the distinctive nature of the new DCU and his character’s promising debut.
Jason Momoa Discusses the Shift from DCEU to DCU
Jason Momoa recently spoke with ScreenRant’s Liam Crowley about how the new DCU differs from the earlier DCEU planned by Zack Snyder. Momoa reflected on his experience entering the previous universe around Batman v Superman and Justice League, describing the characters and narratives as fundamentally different. He emphasized that the new DCU reflects a fresh creative vision under DC Studios’ leadership.
“I think they’re very different because they’re also different characters. I came in on a whisp of an idea on Batman v Superman until Justice League hit.”
– Jason Momoa, Actor
Momoa further explained that while the DCEU was meticulously mapped out by Snyder, the current trajectory with James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm is taking a new direction. The DCEU began with Man of Steel but came to an end in October 2022, as Gunn and Safran took charge to reboot and expand the DCU.
“It was all pretty mapped out by Zack. He had it all very mapped out. I only know Lobo’s in this one, and so we’ll see what the future of all that holds. I would love for his own thing to be coming out.”
– Jason Momoa, Actor
Momoa Reflects on His Role as Lobo and the DCU’s Future
Speaking about his role as Lobo, Momoa expressed cautious optimism regarding the character’s future within the new universe, noting that much depends on how audiences respond. He praised both Zack Snyder and James Gunn for their world-building skills and admitted that stepping into the role of Lobo was a defining and intense experience.
“I don’t know if there is. I think it’s probably up to the audience and how they feel about it, but I think he’s got his own things mapped out and I’m not privy to any of that. I think everyone’s going to be… James’s career is just equal to what Zack’s done, what they’ve built and what their worlds are. They’re amazing directors world building. So I’m pretty excited. When I got to step into Lobo, I mean, that was a pinch me moment. And my first scene is pretty gnarly. I’m pressed to see another actor pull off that first take, what we did. I’m excited to talk about it because it’s hard. And I grabbed it with gusto and I’m very excited about it.”
– Jason Momoa, Actor
Lobo’s Role and Debut in This Year’s Supergirl
Lobo’s first cinematic appearance in the DCU will be in Supergirl, which adapts the acclaimed 2022 graphic novel Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King, a leading figure in shaping the DC Universe’s current narrative. The comic portrays Lobo as an intergalactic bounty hunter, a trait that appears consistent in the film adaptation.
Notably, while Lobo is a fresh addition to the film, he was originally part of Tom King’s concept for the graphic novel. King revealed in an interview with wordballoon that the initial pitch envisioned a Supergirl and Lobo team-up, but editors Brittany Holzherr and Jamie Rich advised focusing more on Supergirl by removing Lobo from the storyline.
“That book [Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow] began as me pitching a Lobo [and] Supergirl book. It was my editor[s], Brittany Holzherr and Jamie Rich, who were like ‘No, take Lobo out and make Supergirl the Rooster Cogburn character.'” It wouldn’t exist without Jamie and Brittany.”
– Tom King, Writer
What Lies Ahead for Jason Momoa’s Lobo in the DCU
The arrival of Lobo under Jason Momoa’s portrayal signals a new era for the DC Universe, as the franchise shifts from its troubled DCEU past toward a reimagined and cohesive future led by Gunn and Safran. Momoa’s enthusiasm and respect for the creative process underscore the cautious yet hopeful anticipation surrounding Lobo’s journey and the overall direction of the DCU.
With Supergirl scheduled as one of the first major DCU projects to debut this year, audiences will soon witness how this fresh universe reshapes familiar characters and stories. Given Momoa’s remarks and the talent involved, Lobo’s introduction could pave the way for further expansion within this intense and evolving superhero landscape.
