James Gunn’s recast of Jason Momoa as Lobo would be a big step backwards for DC

Arthur Curry has traditionally been portrayed as a white male with blond hair and blue eyes, and Momoa, who is of Hawaiian and Pawnee native, as well as German and Irish descent, does not have these traits. Aquaman’s story is about an outsider who is judged to be different and discovers he has a rightful claim to the Atlantean throne. Even his name carries this aspect of duality. Arthur’s father and mother, Thomas Curry and Atlanna, are weathering a storm and listening to a program and Thomas decides to name the baby Arthur. Atlanna asks if he would like to name her son after the storm, and he says he would like to name him after the legend. This idea of ​​being torn between two worlds is paramount to the story and is portrayed throughout the film.

Atlanna also says, “He’s living proof that our people can live together. He may one day unite our worlds.” This line of dialogue encapsulates the theme of the film, and Momoa represents it perfectly on a level that goes far beyond mere lip service. Momoa made history by starring in it Aquaman, and its indigenous roots have remained essential to its identity. The actor has tattoos that further demonstrate his reverence for his upbringing and ancestors, adding a layer to Arthur that he simply could not have if Momoa looked exactly like the character is traditionally portrayed.

The amakua of Momoa’s family—an ancestral sacred spirit central to familial, spiritual, and personal identity in Native Hawaiian culture—is a shark (manō) and is represented by a triangle pattern on its arm. The actor also performed haka, a traditional ceremonial dance from New Zealand’s Maori culture, which, like Hawaiian culture, is Polynesian, at the red carpet premiere Aquaman in Los Angeles. He appeared alongside his onscreen father, Temuera Morrison, who is also of Polynesian descent, and it felt like a triumphant moment. Arthur Curry isn’t just another superhero role for a Hollywood actor; Like Morrison, Momoa already has a deep affinity for the character’s connection to the ocean. These elements elevated the story and made it seem more relevant to our modern times.

All too often we see a lack of diversity when it comes to representing the other, the other X men Movie franchise is an example. Mutants are meant to represent downtrodden people who are judged unfairly by society, and yet the characters these films focus on don’t look that different from any other film in terms of diverse portrayal. It weakens the overall story when those who Not visually representing the group of people they are meant to represent are cast and given the spotlight to maintain the status quo. The supposed reason for these misguided assumptions about mass action is superficial; It’s a lie that only non-white films fail, and yet it continues to eliminate efforts at meaningful representation.

Black Panther and its continuation Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have proven that black superhero films can be immensely profitable and yet the number of upcoming projects does not reflect this with all the black and POC heroes. The MCU needed 17 more films before Chadwick Boseman helmed the film as T’Challa, and the film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning three for costume design, production design, and original music. Angela Bassett recently won a Golden Globe for her role as Queen Ramonda in Wakanda forever, making it the first time an MCU has received such an honor. And for the record, both Black Panther and Aquaman are among the top 10 best-selling superhero movies of all time.

Repeat: Aquaman bench made. Many DC naysayers cite DC’s lack of consistent box office as a determinant of its quality, however Aquaman is the only DCEU film to gross over $1 billion, ranking higher The dark knight and The joker. It was a huge hit for DC, and yet it’s not being treated as such by many fans and Warner Bros. itself. Director James Wan also didn’t get the credit he deserved for his work in overcoming adversity. Normally a director with a big hit would be credited with more influence in the universe, and yet that wasn’t the case with Wan.

Wan headed the acclaimed swamp thing Series that was canceled after one episode and his film entitled Black Manta The ditch was canceled before it officially started. Now, Black Manta actor Yahya Mateen-Abdul II has been chosen as the MCU’s Wonder Man after Gunn’s role at DC Studios was announced. The story behind the scenes of Aquaman is one of injustices and missed opportunities.

Many fans aren’t thrilled with the prospect of Momoa becoming Lobo, and there’s a problematic element to casting people of color in roles like this. Momoa was originally known for his role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. Drogo led his nation of Dothraki horsemen beyond the free cities. Momoa did a great job, but it’s all too easy to portray someone like Momoa as a bloodthirsty warrior. It hits ugly clichés that should have been dismantled long ago, and yet there are people clamoring for more of the same.

Guardians of the Galaxy Star Dave Bautista, who is of Filipino and Greek descent, said he was tired of being pigeonholed. In an interview with Digital Spy, he said: “When I started acting, everyone wanted these big dumb muscle heads. I really fought it. I turned down a lot of roles because I didn’t want to be labeled as that guy. I wanted to make characters that were interesting and layered.” Then, in an interview with diversityBautista said Drax was a “silly performance” and that he wanted to do more “dramatic stuff”. These actors are capable of so much more than what people often expect of them.

Momoa and Wan’s contributions to DC will not be considered in talks of a potential Lobo casting. Aquaman had a meaningful message that dared to venture into uncharted territory where most other films offer audiences more of the same. It was one of DC’s greatest success stories, and yet that is ignored in favor of Momoa, who is typecast into a role he and others like him have been portrayed as too often. He showed the world that Aquaman could visually portray an underdog, and his performances served as a reminder to those who don’t see themselves on screen that the heroes can be more than the media claims they are.

In Aquaman, Momoa had to defy stereotypes and not only play a hero but also a member of the Justice League. This isn’t just any superhero, this is one of DC’s most powerful characters, with a legacy spanning decades. It first appeared in 1941 More funny comics #73 by Gardner F. Fox, Jerry Siegel, and Mort Weisinger just three years after Superman, and its longevity is a testament to its resounding impact on fans. Momoa’s casting as Aquaman overcame any limitations inherent in the time the character was created.

His background was used as an asset that propelled the story in a new and needed direction. Changing him from the king of the seas to a loudmouthed bounty hunter fixated on killing would be a disadvantageous and unimaginative decision.