Jason Momoa Cast as Lobo in DCU’s “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”

The announcement was confirmed on Momoa’s Instagram, where the actor shared his enthusiasm for the role. “They called,” he wrote, accompanied by a screenshot of a past interview where he expressed his dream of playing Lobo. The casting also aligns with DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran’s strategy to reboot the cinematic universe with fresh takes on iconic characters.

The film, slated for release on June 26, 2026, is the second installment in the new DC Universe, following Gunn’s Superman. Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya), with a screenplay by Ana Nogueira, the movie will star Milly Alcock (House of the Dragon) as Supergirl. Production begins on January 13, 2025.

Lobo’s role in the DC universe

Based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed comic series, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will spotlight Kara Zor-El’s journey as she grapples with a harsh upbringing and survival on a fragment of Krypton. Lobo’s inclusion as a central character promises to bring both chaos and humor to the narrative. As a morally ambiguous antihero with a penchant for destruction, Lobo’s larger-than-life persona contrasts starkly with Supergirl’s resilience and heroism.

For fans, this announcement solidifies James Gunn’s vision of a bold and interconnected universe. “We’re not afraid to embrace the comic book roots and take risks,” Gunn has said, hinting at a “hardcore” tone for the film.

Momoa’s DC legacy: Aquaman to Lobo

Momoa’s journey with DC began in 2016 with a brief appearance as Aquaman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, leading to his breakout role in Aquaman (2018). The film grossed over $1 billion, making it one of DC’s most successful solo outings. However, its sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) received mixed reviews, signaling a possible end for Momoa’s tenure as Arthur Curry.

While some fans lament his departure from the aquatic hero, Momoa’s transition to Lobo feels like a natural fit. Known for his charismatic and intense performances in roles like Khal Drogo (Game of Thrones) and Conan the Barbarian, Momoa embodies the physicality and irreverence required for the character. His off-screen personality, marked by enthusiasm and humor, mirrors Lobo’s swagger.

A shrewd but risky move

The casting has been largely celebrated by fans, who have long fan-cast Momoa as Lobo. His devotion to the role, combined with his comic-accurate appearance, is seen as a promising match. Industry insiders also view the decision as a strategic move to capitalize on Momoa’s star power, much like Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom in the Marvel Universe.

However, some critics question whether re-casting such a prominent DC actor in a different role might blur audience perception. Momoa’s eight-year run as Aquaman has made him synonymous with the character, and this transition risks challenging suspension of disbelief. Additionally, concerns linger that the casting may overshadow Supergirl’s story in her own film, potentially signaling a lack of faith in the project’s standalone appeal. 

Compounding these concerns are rumors of poor test screenings for Superman, the DCU’s first major reboot project. While unverified, such reports could be causing decision-makers to hedge their bets by leveraging star power in an effort to shore up confidence in subsequent films like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. This raises questions about whether this casting is a calculated move to safeguard the franchise or an act of desperation.

Final thoughts: A bold gamble for DC Studios

Jason Momoa’s leap from Aquaman to Lobo represents both a thrilling opportunity and a gamble for DC Studios. While his passion and charisma could bring Lobo to life in unforgettable ways, the decision raises questions about continuity and narrative focus. As Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow gears up for production, the film stands poised to redefine the superhero genre—and to test the limits of fan loyalty and cinematic storytelling.

With a release date still two years away, fans will have to wait to see if this casting choice rockets the DC Universe to new heights or stirs up interstellar controversy. Either way, it’s bound to be a wild ride.