James Gunn’s newly rebranded DC Universe (DCU) is recruiting familiar faces, but not all are returning in their previous roles. Alongside the already announced return of Viola Davis as Amanda Waller in *Creature Commandos* and John Cena as Peacemaker in *Peacemaker* season 2, the DCU has secured another major star from the previous DCEU iteration: Jason Momoa.
While the DCEU had its issues, the performances of Henry Cavill (Superman), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), and Momoa (Aquaman) were widely praised. However, with Cavill’s departure and uncertainty surrounding Robbie’s return, Momoa has been given a significant new role within the DCU—a completely different character.
2025 marks the DCU’s launch under James Gunn and Peter Safran, beginning with a new Superman film. After months of speculation fueled by Gunn himself, Momoa has officially been cast as Lobo, debuting in *Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow* (starring Milly Alcock) in 2026. This marks Lobo’s first cinematic appearance, following a previous live-action portrayal by Emmett J. Scanlan in *Krypton* season 2 (a spin-off of which was ultimately canceled).
Lobo, an interstellar mercenary and bounty hunter often associated with Superman, is the last surviving Czarnian—having killed all others unlike Superman, who is the last survivor of Krypton. First appearing in 1983’s *Omega Men* #3, Lobo’s powers have evolved, but his near-Superman-level strength and immortality (due to being banned from both heaven and hell) remain constant. Previous attempts to bring Lobo to the big screen include Guy Ritchie’s abandoned 2009 project and later links to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Michael Bay.
Lobo’s often compared to Marvel’s Deadpool due to his healing ability and evolving antihero persona. His casting in the DCU, alongside other high-profile additions like Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and The Engineer in *Superman*, suggests a significant role, potentially mirroring the build-up to Alcock’s *Supergirl* standalone film. This is further hinted at by Nathan Fillion’s casting as Guy Gardner (a frequent Lobo ally) in *Superman*, potentially expanding Superman’s backstory without requiring another origin story. Gunn’s past expressions of affection for the character further solidified this casting.
Momoa’s previous role as Aquaman, while a significant departure from the typical portrayal, subtly hinted at Lobo’s comedic potential. Momoa’s portrayal infused Aquaman with humor, a trait seemingly perfect for Lobo, whose name translates to “he who devours your entrails and thoroughly enjoys it.” Furthermore, Momoa’s *Aquaman* holds the record for the highest-grossing DC film. Even before his Aquaman casting, Momoa actively pursued the Lobo role, expressing his love for the character. Gunn reciprocated this enthusiasm, making the casting a synergistic fit.
The DCU’s apparent embrace of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s expansive universe-building strategy suggests that Lobo could follow in the footsteps of *Deadpool & Wolverine* (2024’s highest-grossing R-rated film), potentially achieving similar success with an R-rating, mirroring Gunn’s previous work on *The Suicide Squad*. A Lobo film could also fill a niche similar to Marvel’s *The Punisher*. While initial plans suggested keeping Momoa as Aquaman, the reception of *Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom* ultimately ended that storyline.
While some criticize the DCU’s reliance on elements from the DCEU, Momoa’s Lobo casting provides a bridge between the two eras, combining a bankable star with a beloved character long-requested by fans. Even the shared love of space dolphins between Aquaman and Lobo offers a subtle connective tissue.