Jason Momoa, known for his dynamic presence in television and film, fondly recalls his experience on the science fiction series Stargate Atlantis. Joining the show in its second season in 2005, Momoa described his time on the production as a significant period of growth, where he began developing the skills that would later define his career as an action star. The actor credited this early role with giving him the opportunity to mature both as a performer and a stunt enthusiast.
Learning the Craft Amidst a Fast-Paced Production
Momoa highlighted the intensity of the shooting schedule, which involved filming around 22 episodes over nine months each year. He explained,
“Stargate Atlantis was like going to college, to tell you the truth. It was four years of my life — you do 22 episodes, roughly takes about nine months out of the year, and you’re pretty much dedicated to that,”
he told MovieZine. He further added,
“You’re really seeing how everything moves. It moves very quickly,”
emphasizing how the fast production pace helped sharpen his adaptability and work ethic on set.
Building Physical Skills and Lasting Connections
Playing Ronon Dex, a physically demanding role, allowed Momoa to hone his action abilities under the guidance of skilled stunt coordinators.
“As far as action goes, that was when I was really cutting my teeth. Our stunt coordinators were amazing. We’re all friends, and still to this day, I’m very close to a couple of our stunt performers in Canada,”
he shared. This phase not only improved his stunt performing skills but also inspired him to pursue his passion for action genres like samurai films. He recalled,
“It was very much like college for me, and after that was when I started writing my own stuff… it gave me a time to grow as an actor and obviously learn all the things I wanted to do as a stunt [performer] — like samurai films and all these things that I loved when I was a kid.”
Freedom to Explore and Prepare for Bigger Roles
Momoa reflected on the creative flexibility he experienced while working on Stargate Atlantis, noting that the environment allowed actors room to experiment.
“The weight of responsibility wasn’t as hard as maybe like a big movie,”
he said.
“It really was a fundamental and beautiful time in my life where I got to learn a bunch of stuff and make mistakes. I had a great time.”
This nurturing atmosphere helped lay the foundation for his later achievements in high-profile projects such as Aquaman and The Wrecking Crew.
The Enduring Support of the Sci-Fi Community
Beyond his personal growth, Momoa expressed deep appreciation for the fans who have supported his journey.
“They’ve stood with me through everything, and they love Ronon … and the sci-fi community has just been like the best and always helped and rooted for me. I really respect them and love them and appreciate them,”
he stated, reflecting the lasting bond he shares with viewers who first connected with him through Stargate Atlantis.
Stargate Atlantis: A Crucible for Emerging Talent
The series ran from 2004 to 2009, spanning five seasons and featuring a cast including Joe Flanigan, Torri Higginson, Rachel Luttrell, Rainbow Sun Francks, and David Hewlett. Momoa’s involvement from season two onwards helped define his early career, establishing a platform that allowed him to explore acting and stunt work intensively. His experiences on the show not only advanced his skills but also fostered important friendships and professional relationships that endure to this day.
