Jason Momoa, widely recognized for his roles in Game of Thrones and the Aquaman films, played a significant part in the sci-fi series Stargate: Atlantis from 2004. Portraying Ronon Dex, an alien warrior, Momoa spent four of the show’s five seasons building his craft, a vital step that shaped his future acting career.
Jason Momoa’s Role and Growth During Stargate: Atlantis
Before achieving major fame, Momoa’s time on Stargate: Atlantis was critical for his development as an actor. Despite not turning immediately into a breakthrough role, this period allowed him to gain valuable on-set experience. His portrayal of Ronon Dex, a strong and formidable character, highlighted his physical presence but also tested his endurance with the demanding production pace. He later reflected on this phase in an interview with Esquire Magazine in 2019, emphasizing how the show’s rigorous schedule sharpened his skills:
“It was where I learned how to shoot, how to write, how to do it all. We made twenty-two episodes in nine months. Day in, day out. The machine.” – Jason Momoa, Actor
The daily grind of producing many episodes in a compressed timeframe prepared Momoa for his next big opportunity. Soon after Stargate: Atlantis wrapped, he successfully auditioned for Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, a role that truly elevated his career trajectory.
The Challenges Behind Momoa’s Iconic Hair in Stargate
While Momoa credits Stargate: Atlantis for instrumental career growth, he openly expressed his frustration with the demanding hairstyle required for his character. Ronon Dex’s distinctive heavy dreadlocks, which were originally Momoa’s own hair, created challenges throughout filming. According to a 2008 Gateworld report, the thick dreads weighed approximately five pounds, making maintenance difficult during production.
Momoa had planned to cut the dreadlocks during the break between Seasons 4 and 5 but intended to keep them as a wig for continuity. The removal process proved grueling and painful, lasting over nine hours:
“It took a little over nine hours,”
Momoa recalled.
“I didn’t sleep for four days. I grew my hair out when I cut them, and they braided it and sewed my old dreads back in. It looked great — it just took a long time.” – Jason Momoa, Actor
Due to this intense experience, the production transitioned to using a wig worn by Momoa’s stunt double. Later, a custom-made wig was developed at a cost of $10,000, designed to replicate the original look with added durability and comfort. This wig incorporated some of Momoa’s actual hair sewn in to enhance realism:
“There is some of my hair in there, which they sewed in to make it look more like my hair. When it came to us it was really clean and kind of dark. By the end of the season it will be perfect, because it has to get dirty and used.” – Jason Momoa, Actor
Despite the effort, the series was ultimately canceled by the Sci-Fi Channel, ending the need for such intricate wig work.
How Stargate: Atlantis Shaped Momoa’s Path Forward
Although not the most famous role of his career, Momoa’s time on Stargate: Atlantis was formative and pivotal. It offered him a rigorous work ethic and set the stage for his future success with larger franchises. The experience of managing a demanding shooting schedule and enduring physical challenges prepared him well for the intensity of roles like Khal Drogo and Aquaman later on.
This chapter in Momoa’s career highlights the often overlooked steps actors take before breakout fame and underscores the commitment behind their craft. As legacy sci-fi fans remember Ronon Dex, Momoa’s journey continues to inspire aspiring performers who start in smaller roles but reach for larger stages.
