Jason Momoa’s journey to becoming Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) began with the official announcement in 2014. His debut as Arthur Curry was in a cameo role in 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” followed by a full appearance in “Justice League” (2017). The character then got a solo film, “Aquaman,” in 2018, which became the highest-grossing movie in the DCEU.
Momoa’s path to the iconic role was unique. He initially auditioned for a different role – the character of Batman. However, the casting directors saw a potential Aquaman in him and asked him to read Aquaman’s lines. Momoa, unfamiliar with the character’s backstory, didn’t realize he was auditioning for Aquaman until he was given a trident during the audition.
His distinct look, including the long hair and beard, contributed to redefining Aquaman’s image, making the character more rugged and formidable. Momoa brought a fresh and charismatic portrayal to the role, departing from traditional depictions of the character.
Despite initial skepticism from some fans, Momoa’s Aquaman was widely praised, and the solo film’s success solidified his status as a fan-favorite superhero. With the DCEU undergoing changes, Momoa’s 2023 sequel, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” is expected to be his final appearance as Arthur Curry.