Jason Momoa faced a significant challenge early in his career when he landed the lead role in the 2011 sword-and-sorcery film Conan the Barbarian. The movie was intended to reboot the iconic 1982 film that had established Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rise to stardom. For Momoa, this casting was a risky opportunity, placing him among actors like Christopher Reeve and Brandon Routh, who made their debuts in big-budget franchises with hefty expectations.
However, the film did not perform well either critically or commercially. Conan the Barbarian grossed roughly $63 million worldwide against a $90 million budget, branding it a box-office failure. The movie’s reception led to a misconception that Momoa was a one-dimensional figure — a muscular giant lacking depth or versatility in his acting skills. This failure cast doubt on the trajectory of Momoa’s career at the time.
Comparing the 2011 Film to the 1982 Original’s Success
In contrast to Momoa’s 2011 film, the 1982 version of Conan the Barbarian marked Arnold Schwarzenegger’s feature debut under the direction of John Milius, with a screenplay co-written by Oliver Stone. The original film benefited from a strong production team and a noteworthy supporting cast, including James Earl Jones as Thulsa Doom, a snake-cult leader whose role set a dark, menacing tone. The opening sequence, where Conan’s village is destroyed and his mother beheaded, established tension and authenticity that the reboot lacked.
Momoa’s film, unrelated to Schwarzenegger’s saga, focused heavily on graphic violence and 3-D effects, which overshadowed character development. The 2011 reboot presented Momoa’s Conan as a mostly silent, brute warrior controlled by superficial plot points. His performance was lost amidst elaborate computer-generated battle scenes that failed to engage audiences due to the movie’s weak storytelling and artificial feel.
Jason Momoa’s Reflections on Working on Conan the Barbarian
Despite the film’s failure, Momoa has expressed that he initially enjoyed the filmmaking experience under director Marcus Nispel. Over time, however, he grew frustrated with how the project evolved, especially noting the impact of studio interventions that deviated from the original creative direction. In a 2022 interview with GQ, Momoa candidly shared his feelings about the project:
“I’ve been a part of a lot of things that really sucked, and movies where it’s out of your hands. Conan the Barbarian was one of them. It’s one of the best experiences that I’ve had, and it was taken over, and [it] turned into a big pile of s**t.” — Jason Momoa, Actor
The Turning Point: Overcoming Early Career Obstacles
Jason Momoa’s resilience and determination played crucial roles in moving past the disappointment of Conan the Barbarian. While the film’s poor reception threatened his prospects, Momoa’s concurrent role as Khal Drogo in the widely acclaimed television series Game of Thrones helped stabilize his profile. Afterward, he deliberately maintained a low key, avoiding immediate high-profile roles.
His next major career step came in 2014 when Momoa directed and starred in the independent thriller Road to Paloma. The film explores the story of Robert Wolf, a Native American on the run after avenging his mother’s murder. Though the film had a limited release and mixed reviews, Momoa’s thoughtful portrayal and behind-the-camera work revealed his ambition and creative potential beyond acting.
Jason Momoa’s Continued Evolution and Breakthrough as Aquaman
Since the setback of 2011, Momoa has worked hard to redefine himself and resist being typecast as just a strongman figure. His breakthrough came with the role of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, a character that allowed him to showcase a wider acting range within a blockbuster superhero context. Additionally, Momoa is set to expand his presence in the genre with his upcoming role as the alien bounty hunter Lobo in the film Supergirl.
Momoa’s journey illustrates how a career seemingly derailed by a major flop can be rebuilt through persistence and strategic choices. His performance as Aquaman has not only redeemed his reputation but has also solidified him as a leading figure in modern superhero cinema. Meanwhile, the 2011 version of Conan the Barbarian remains accessible for viewing on Starz, serving as a curious milestone in his path.
Key Players Behind Conan the Barbarian (2011)
The cast of the 2011 Conan the Barbarian featured several notable names. Jason Momoa portrayed the titular Conan, alongside Stephen Lang as the villain Khalar Zym. Rachel Nichols appeared as Tamara Amaliat Jorvi Karushan, while Ron Perlman played the character Corin. Despite the high-profile cast, the film’s shortcomings impacted all involved, including the production team tasked with revitalizing a beloved franchise.
