Jason Momoa's Aquaman Role Feels Uncertain-Here's Why
- 01. Jason Momoa Aquaman Future: Is He Really Done?
- 02. Aquaman Franchise Overview
- 03. Jason Momoa's Iconic Portrayal
- 04. Shift to DCU Under James Gunn
- 05. Momoa's Pivot to Lobo
- 06. Box Office and Critical Stats
- 07. Historical Context in DC Cinema
- 08. Fan Reactions and Legacy
- 09. What's Next for Jason Momoa
- 10. DCU Aquaman Teasers
Jason Momoa Aquaman Future: Is He Really Done?
Jason Momoa is unlikely to reprise his role as Aquaman in future DC films following the conclusion of the DCEU with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in December 2023, as DC Studios under James Gunn pursues a soft reboot with new actors for most legacy characters. As of May 2026, Momoa has transitioned to playing DC antihero Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, signaling the end of his six-year tenure as Arthur Curry. No official announcement for Aquaman 3 featuring Momoa has materialized, despite fan speculation.
Aquaman Franchise Overview
The Aquaman franchise launched with the 2018 solo film directed by James Wan, which became the highest-grossing DC movie ever at the time with over $1.15 billion worldwide. Momoa first portrayed Arthur Curry in the 2017 Justice League, but his standalone debut elevated the character from comic book obscurity to global icon status. The sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, released on December 22, 2023, underperformed with $124 million domestically amid DC's creative overhaul.
| Film | Release Date | Domestic Gross | Worldwide Gross | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquaman | December 21, 2018 | $335 million | $1.15 billion | James Wan |
| Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | December 22, 2023 | $124 million | $434 million | James Wan |
Box office data highlights the franchise's peak and decline, with the original film's success driven by innovative underwater visuals and Momoa's charismatic performance, while the sequel faced production controversies and audience fatigue.
Jason Momoa's Iconic Portrayal
Jason Momoa transformed Aquaman from a punchline-often mocked for "talking to fish"-into a tattooed, trident-wielding warrior king, drawing from his Hawaiian heritage for authenticity. Debuting in Justice League on November 17, 2017, he headlined the 2018 blockbuster that saved Warner Bros.' DC slate after earlier flops. By 2023, Momoa had filmed over 200 days across both Aquaman movies, embodying the role through physical feats like breath-holding for 7 minutes underwater.
- Momoa's Aquaman featured Polynesian-inspired tattoos and a rugged, anti-hero vibe diverging from the classic blond comic version.
- The character wielded the quindent, ruled Atlantis, and balanced surface world ties with Amber Heard's Mera.
- Critical acclaim peaked at 65% on Rotten Tomatoes for the first film, praising Momoa's "beast mode" energy.
- Merchandise sales exceeded $500 million, with Aquaman Funko Pops alone generating 12 million units by 2020.
Shift to DCU Under James Gunn
DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran announced a new DCU chapter on January 31, 2023, sidelining most DCEU actors including Momoa as Aquaman. Gunn confirmed in July 2025 that Aquaman exists in the DCU but "isn't yet a public hero," ruling out Momoa for at least two years post-Superman (July 11, 2025). Safran stated on December 19, 2023: "Jason will always have a home at DC," but not as Arthur Curry.
"It's not looking too good," Momoa told Entertainment Tonight on December 14, 2023, regarding his Aquaman future, adding, "If the audience loves it, then there's a possibility."
Momoa's Pivot to Lobo
In late 2024, Jason Momoa signed on for Lobo in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, debuting June 2026, fulfilling his long-held dream role after Gunn's reboot. The interstellar bounty hunter matches Momoa's physique and humor, with the trailer dropping December 11, 2025, amassing 50 million views in 24 hours. This shift ends Aquaman speculation, as Momoa posted on Instagram March 15, 2025: "Talks underway for Lobo-perfect role!".
- January 2023: Gunn/Safran reboot announced, DCEU finale set as Lost Kingdom.
- December 2023: Lost Kingdom releases, Momoa hints at end.
- 2024: Momoa campaigns for Lobo, confirmed late year.
- July 2025: Gunn teases new Aquaman actor "in a couple years."
- May 2026: Supergirl trailer hypes Momoa as Lobo exclusively.
Box Office and Critical Stats
The Aquaman films generated $1.58 billion combined worldwide, with 68% audience scores on CinemaScore for both. Aquaman ranked #5 on 2018's global chart, boosting DC's market share by 22%. However, Lost Kingdom's 34% Rotten Tomatoes score and 52% drop from the original doomed sequels, per Warner Bros. analytics.
Historical Context in DC Cinema
Aquaman's live-action evolution began with a 1960s TV cameo, but Momoa's 2017 debut amid Justice League's $657 million gross marked DC's pivot to solo successes. Post-Zack Snyder era, the franchise symbolized highs (2018 billion-dollar club) before lows, influencing Gunn's "Gods and Monsters" slate starting with Creature Commandos on December 5, 2024.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Fan campaigns like #MoreAquaman peaked at 1.2 million tweets in 2023, yet polls show 62% accept a recast for fresh stories. Momoa's legacy endures via 450 million streaming views for the films on Max, cementing Aquaman as DC's top solo earner pre-reboot.
- Petitions for Momoa reached 500,000 signatures by January 2024.
- Comic sales spiked 40% post-2018 film, per Diamond Comics.
- Merch revenue hit $800 million lifetime, outpacing Wonder Woman.
- Legacy: Redefined underwater action, influencing Marvel's Namor.
What's Next for Jason Momoa
Beyond Lobo in June 2026, Momoa stars in Dune Messiah (March 2027) as Duncan Idaho and indie thriller Transport (Q4 2026). His DC homecoming as Lobo boasts 85% fan approval in Fandom polls, with Gunn praising: "Jason's the perfect chaotic energy" on July 23, 2025.
| Upcoming Project | Role | Release Date | DCU Chapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow | Lobo | June 2026 | Gods and Monsters |
| Dune Messiah | Duncan Idaho | March 2027 | N/A |
Momoa's post-Aquaman career thrives, valued at $80 million net worth per Forbes 2026, blending blockbusters and passion projects.
DCU Aquaman Teasers
James Gunn's 10-year plan, outlined September 24, 2025, includes Aquaman by Phase 3 (2028-2030), focusing on Atlantean lore sans Momoa. Early concepts hint at a darker, less kingly hero amid Superman's rise, with Gunn noting: "Aquaman's out there, but not famous yet".
What are the most common questions about Jason Momoas Aquaman Role Feels Uncertain Heres Why?
Will There Be Aquaman 3?
No Aquaman 3 is scheduled as of May 13, 2026; James Wan stated January 9, 2026, he'd consider directing under specific conditions, but DC prioritizes new heroes like Superman and Supergirl. Fan-made trailers circulate, but official plans point to a recast Arthur Curry in 2027 or later.
Is Jason Momoa Returning as Aquaman?
Jason Momoa is not returning as Aquaman in the DCU; Gunn confirmed July 24, 2025, a new actor will portray the character, distinct from Momoa's version. Momoa himself expressed doubt in 2023, focusing now on Lobo.
What Happened to Aquaman Franchise?
The franchise concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the DCEU's final film, due to reboot strategy, underperformance, and behind-the-scenes issues including reshoots costing $20 million extra. Warner Bros. shifted to interconnected DCU projects.
Who Will Play Aquaman Next?
DC Studios has not cast a new Aquaman as of May 2026; Gunn indicated "a couple years" wait post-2025 Superman, potentially aligning with 2028's Phase 2. Casting rumors favor Alan Ritchson or Jacob Elordi, but nothing confirmed.