At first glance, it might seem weird that Lobo, one of DC’s most popular characters, is being introduced this way. After years of attempts to bring him to the big screen, Lobo’s first film appearance isn’t his very own big summer blockbuster. It’s a supporting role in Supergirl. A role that, even odder yet, doesn’t exist in the source material. The whole thing just seems a little random.
Until you remember how actor Jason Momoa’s other DC character, Aquaman, was introduced before grossing over a billion dollars with a solo movie.
Speaking to io9 about Lobo and Supergirl, Momoa floated the idea that Lobo, like Aquaman, could possibly see his role expand in future stories. “I think, just like Aquaman, it’ll work out that way,” Momoa said. “He was introduced in Batman v Superman, he went into Justice League… If they really love him, fuck it, I’ll get my solo movie. So it’s kind of up to the fans.”
Below, read more from Momoa not just on the characters of Lobo and Aquaman, but also on his frustration that it’s taken so long for him to reprise his villainous character from the Fast and Furious universe.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Germain Lussier, io9: Jason, Lobo is a character that Hollywood’s been trying to bring to life for a long time. Something you also wanted to play for a long time. Now that you finally got to do it, did you feel any pressure to bring this character to life?
Jason Momoa: No, not at all. I’ve been dying to play this character. Before Aquaman, I’ve been dying to play this character. So no, I have it all in me, and I’m just excited to put everything on. I was a little kid, and just like all my dreams were coming true. It’s like the ultimate play.
You know, like, was I worried with Aquaman? Yeah. That’s [much] more challenging to play something like that and bring a character that doesn’t have that level [of fandom to life]. Everyone likes Lobo. Even though it’s hard to bring it to life or that story we wanna do. But no, I was so excited. And it was fun, dude.
io9: Do you remember how you first fell in love with the character? I remember being in my comic store as a kid, seeing the covers and being like, “I’m scared of that dude.”
Momoa: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I was a huge fan of that, Spawn. There was just a bunch of comics I collected when I was growing up. Sleepwalker. All this different stuff, and he’s just someone that I identify with. And I just loved it. I love the motorcycle aspect of it. I love that he’s just crass and didn’t give a shit. He’s an antihero, and I love antiheroes. I feel like every person can identify with a superhero or a type. You’re good, villain, this, that, and he’s definitely, if you would pick someone, that’s who I would wanna be. It’s like that beautiful [concept]. You can play any character, who would it be? You wanna be Batman? You could be him, but [Lobo] is my guy.
io9: That’s awesome. Now, I know you can’t say anything, but have you and James [Gunn, president of DC Films] discussed where or when we might see Lobo again? Has that conversation taken place?
Momoa: Can I talk about that? [pause] I think just like Aquaman, I think it’ll work out that way. He was introduced in Batman v Superman, he went into Justice League. If things go well, it’s a lot of money to spend on the movie. People need to be going to it, so it needs to do well. If it does well, we wanna see more. If people like it, we’re gonna do more. If they really love him, fuck it, I’ll get my solo movie. So it’s kind of up to the fans. And I think when people really love it and support it, then we’ll make what they want.
io9: Now, as much as I love Lobo, my favorite character of yours is Dante Reyes.
Momoa: [Laughs]
io9: I know they just announced Fast 11 is coming. What’s it been like waiting for that kind of movie to come out?
Momoa: It sucks!
io9: Yeah, right?
Momoa: It’s coming right to you right now. You’re getting live. No, yeah, because you wanna get into it, there’s time holding. I mean, I love playing the character. Another thing that lets me just be loose. And I’m excited to get back. I heard it’s coming back. I think everything’s happening. I won’t say much about that, but I know it’s all happening. And I’m pretty sure I’ll be in there.
io9: Okay. Now, also, I still think you’re Aquaman until we say otherwise. If James decides to go another way with that character, when and if they bring him back, will you be upset about it? What do you think?
Momoa: Well, I have a lot of ideas for it. So I’ll definitely be in place of… there’s a lot of things I’d like to talk to [them about]. Peter [Safran] is family. James is a good friend. I have my own things, and not just for fans. I think there’s a respect to how that thing moves on.
io9: Last thing. I love that in the movie, Kara knows who Lobo is when we first see him. He’s got this reputation already. How much did you use that in your performance?
Momoa: Yeah, I mean, that’s where we are, right? Everyone’s heard of me in that galaxy. In that galaxy, everyone’s gonna hear of Lobo.
Supergirl opens June 26. We’ll have more soon.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
