This past weekend the Evolution Expo was held in Oakland, California. The mission of the Expo was to combine science and science-fiction to both educate and entertain. There were many astronauts and Hollywood stars in attendance including Tom Skerritt (Alien), Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory, Blossom) and none other than Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones, Conan). Multiple media outlets have confirmed that Momoa has already been cast as Aquaman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and for the following untitled Justice League sequel. However it seems that he is unable to talk about it until the studio unveils the cast, probably in dramatic fashion during Comic-Con or at another media event relatively soon.
During one of the panels Momoa was asked how he felt about one day portraying a superhero, possibly Aquaman, here is his response:
“I think it would be really, really fun to play a superhero. You know? I’ve always talked about, like, what’s your favorite. I mean I love Lobo so… but ah… You know. It would be awesome. I don’t know how they do it but… Yea, absolutely I think it would…I just don’t really see myself as a superhero. Yeah, no I mean, they’re kind of written a little different. I don’t know. I just… you know. I’m not wearing a lot of the…I don’t see myself in tights a lot. And ah…I’m more of a, I don’t know, an anti-hero if you will. In life. So, not the smiling, parading to saving the world kind of guy. Yeah, the Hulk would have been fun!”
The mention of Momoa seeing himself as an anti-hero, actually falls directly in line with the portrayal of Aquaman in modern comics and the recent rumors for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. As we reported previously, via Drew McWeeny at Hitfix, the rumor is that Aquaman is infuriated by the destruction in the ocean caused by the World Engine, in Man of Steel. As a result, he is seeking some form of vengeance or retribution. McWeeny explains that “Lex Luthor would use the destruction as a way of making Superman look like a monster.” So at least initially, Aquaman looks to be in opposition to Superman, the ultimate boyscout, which may come off as… a little anti-heroic. I’m just saying…
Unlike most other comic-book superheroes throughout the years, Aquaman does not live in the city, wear a cape or even stand by humanity at all times. He is a man divided. He is of human and Atlantean blood, so his allegiances sway between the land and the underwater kingdom where he reigns supreme. So Momoa may not be playing a character interested (at least in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) in saving the world. He seemingly will play a hero motivated to save the oceans first and land-dwellers secondly.
He (and the studio) are going through J.J. Abramian levels of transparent secrecy, that everyone can see through. The jig is up! Expect a press conference with fireworks and showgirls at the San Diego Comic-Con later this month. Or else things will get really interesting…