James Gunn Reveals Why Jason Momoa’s Lobo Is Key to Supergirl’s Story and DCU Future

James Gunn has detailed how Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Lobo brings crucial narrative power to the upcoming DC Studios film “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” highlighting both his significance to the story and the broader DC Universe. Gunn’s insights emerged during a recent podcast, where he described the approach to integrating the Jason Momoa Lobo Supergirl significance within a cohesive storyline, as the film prepares for its release on June 26, 2026.

Lobo’s Unique Role and Gunn’s Adaptation Goals

As Supergirl enters a new era with Milly Alcock in the title role, the addition of Lobo—played by Jason Momoa—marks both the character’s cinematic debut and a pivotal plot device. James Gunn, acting as both co-CEO of DC Studios and a producer, discussed on the DC Studios Showcase Official Podcast that adapting the comic’s episodic format for film demanded a single unifying thread.

“The truth is that Woman of Tomorrow in the comics is very much… a bunch of little stories, and we needed to create one throughline, one three-act story, more traditional story. So Lobo helps us to do that.”

—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO

Gunn was deliberate in affirming Lobo’s individuality, clarifying,

“He’s a totally separate character. He’s himself.”

—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO

Lobo’s entrance into film is noteworthy, as Gunn said,

“maybe, in some ways, the biggest comic book character that’s never been in a film.”

—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO

Gunn also expressed enduring enthusiasm:

“I love Lobo. I always thought he was a great character to adapt.”

—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO

Within the DC comics, Lobo, a formidable bounty hunter from Czarnia, is familiar for challenging Kryptonian heroes like Supergirl. The rivalry gives grounds for exciting conflict and depth as the DC Universe expands its storytelling.

Jason Momoa
Image of: Jason Momoa

Strategic Casting and Impact on DC’s Cinematic World

Supergirl’s cinematic journey follows Alcock’s character as she traverses the galaxy to avenge a tragedy attributed to Krem of the Yellow Hills, brought to life by Matthias Schoenaerts. While Krem is not widely recognized outside comic circles and Schoenaerts may not offer blockbuster appeal, bringing Jason Momoa into the mix with Lobo raises the project’s commercial profile and connects it firmly to DC’s broader plans.

The film is directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, who is also developing the Teen Titans film. The cast features David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, Eve Ridley, alongside Alcock and Momoa. Peter Safran, DC Studios’ co-CEO, joins Gunn as a fellow producer, aligning the project with the larger vision for DC’s cinematic future.

Supergirl signals a new era as part of “Gods and Monsters,” the opening chapter of the DC Universe, beginning with a new Superman film arriving July 11, 2025. Establishing complex characters like Lobo early signals DC’s intent to intertwine classic figures and fresh faces for a richer, interconnected universe.

Looking Ahead: What Lobo Means for Supergirl and the DCU

By introducing Jason Momoa as Lobo, DC Studios aims not only to enrich Supergirl’s standalone story, but also to boost its appeal within the expansive DC Universe. The significance of Lobo’s character, alongside key names such as Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, Eve Ridley, Ana Nogueira, Craig Gillespie, Peter Safran, and James Gunn, ensures that “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow” will play a vital role in the ongoing evolution of DC’s cinematic world. As the studio builds momentum, fans and industry insiders alike are watching to see how this casting move and narrative focus shape the franchise’s direction moving forward.