Jason Momoa plays Lobo in Supergirl movie, bringing a major change to the direction of the DC Universe as revealed by James Gunn. The upcoming feature, set to follow the release of Superman, introduces a new set of challenges for Supergirl and marks a key shift for both Warner Bros. and DC Studios.
Lobo’s Major Role and the Creative Shift in Supergirl
Milly Alcock headlines the next DC Studios film as Kara Zor-El, while James Gunn and Peter Safran lead the continued reinvention of the DC Universe. While crossovers between Superman and Supergirl remain unconfirmed, the introduction of Lobo—an alien anti-hero played by Jason Momoa—signals a more physical and dynamic challenge in store for Supergirl. Gunn recently explained that although the film draws heavily from the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, Lobo was not present in the original story.
The decision to include Lobo came from screenwriter Ana Nogueira, with Gunn also contributing, to help create a coherent three-act narrative. As Gunn elaborated on the DC Studios Showcase Podcast,
is very much a bunch of little stories. We needed to create one throughline, one three-act story, so Lobo helps us to do that.
—James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head. By adding Lobo, the film connects various storylines and settings, presenting Supergirl with a strong, persistent antagonist who ties together her cosmic journey. This shift provides an exciting opportunity to explore new territory beyond the comic’s structure.
Returning Faces and New Threats
Jason Momoa stands out as the only mainline Justice League actor returning from the now-closed DCEU, but this time he steps into the role of Lobo instead of Aquaman. In the source comics, Lobo is a formidable alien mercenary with power on par with Superman, and now, Supergirl herself. For years, Momoa expressed his enthusiasm for Lobo, with James Gunn finally giving him the opportunity to portray the wild, unpredictable character in the DC Universe.
The inclusion of Lobo is not the only fresh twist for Supergirl. Matthias Schoenaerts joins the film as Krem of the Yellow Hills, a space pirate and main adversary from the original comic. The dynamic between Lobo and Krem remains a mystery, with speculation on how Lobo’s presence may shift the story’s central conflict. Newcomer Eve Ridley is set to play Ruthye Marye Knoll, whose search for justice against Krem propels the narrative and could intertwine with Lobo’s new role, creating added layers of danger for Supergirl.
An Ensemble Cast Driving the Next DC Chapter
The upcoming film features a diverse lineup of characters. Milly Alcock brings Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, to life. Matthias Schoenaerts takes on Krem of the Yellow Hills, expanding DC’s roster of villains. Eve Ridley appears as Ruthye Marye Knoll, who initiates the hunt that sparks the plot. Finally, Jason Momoa embodies the unpredictable and powerful Lobo, a role he has long aspired to play.
What This Means for the DC Universe’s Future
With Craig Gillespie directing and the story now incorporating Lobo’s chaotic energy, Supergirl is set to provide a fresh, cosmic perspective for the DCU. By introducing Jason Momoa as Lobo in Supergirl’s journey, DC Studios is laying the groundwork for more complex storylines and bold character dynamics in the films ahead. This creative direction may reshape not only the fate of Supergirl and her adversaries, but the tone and interconnectedness of the entire DC Universe going forward.
