Zack Snyder Aquaman photo has taken fans by surprise with the director sharing a never-before-seen image of Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, even after Momoa’s DCU chapter as Aquaman has concluded. Snyder revealed this black-and-white portrait on Instagram, adding a fresh perspective to Momoa’s legacy as the iconic aquatic superhero.
Jason Momoa’s Journey from TV Stardom to Aquaman
Before stepping into the DC Universe as Lobo, Jason Momoa’s rise to fame was marked by his portrayal of Aquaman. He first appeared as the Atlantean hero with a brief role in 2016’s
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,”
and then took on a major role in “Justice League” a year later. Momoa’s solo journey as Aquaman unfolded in the 2018 film “Aquaman,” which was succeeded by the sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” five years after.
Snyder’s release of a new behind-the-scenes image of Momoa as Aquaman comes as an unexpected treat for fans, particularly now that Momoa has moved on to new roles within the DCU. The photograph, similar to Snyder’s previous artistic portraits of Ben Affleck’s Batman, Jared Leto’s Joker, and Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke, captures Momoa in striking monochrome.
The Story Behind Zack Snyder’s Latest Image
The director’s Instagram post included the caption:
“I took this photo of [Jason Momoa] in Iceland.”
– Zack Snyder, Director. Justice League was partially shot in Iceland, providing filming context for this exclusive moment. The newly shared photo evokes memories from the superhero team-up’s Icelandic production phase.
Unexpected Casting Choices and Inspirations
Jason Momoa’s casting as Aquaman initially surprised audiences, as he was already well known for his imposing role as Khal Drogo on Game of Thrones. At the time, his rougher appearance was a sharp contrast to previous depictions of Aquaman, traditionally portrayed as less imposing. Notably, it was his performance on Game of Thrones that drew Snyder’s attention and influenced the casting decision.
Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder’s frequent producing partner, shed light on the inspiration behind choosing Momoa for the role in a conversation with the L.A. Times, as reported by CBR:
“We’re big Game of Thrones fans… I remember Jason Momoa. Zack was like, ‘Jason would be the perfect Aquaman.’ I was like, ‘It’s so out of the box. But yeah! He can be tough. And he feels like he comes from the water.’”
– Deborah Snyder, Producer.
Momoa’s Perspective on His Breakthrough Role
The role of Aquaman proved pivotal for Momoa’s career, offering new opportunities after a period of challenges post-Game of Thrones. During a candid appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2018, Momoa explained how the audition process changed his trajectory:
“That whole audition process was pretty crazy. I mean, Zack [Snyder] was a huge fan of Game of Thrones. A lot of people are huge fans of Game of Thrones. And Zack was the one that… I couldn’t get a job, and Zack called me in, and he was a huge fan, and he wanted to take Aquaman, who… It was funny, because I had no idea what I was gonna be playing. He just called me in, I had to audition, it was for Batman. Obviously Ben [Affleck] was cast, and I’m like, ‘What am I coming [in for]?’ […] I’m like, ‘I’m just gonna basically be the bad guy. I’m gonna fight Batman and Superman […] I’m gonna play the villain. And he’s like, ‘Wait, no… Aquaman.’”
– Jason Momoa, Actor.
The Future of Jason Momoa in the DC Universe
With his tenure as Aquaman behind him, Momoa is not leaving the DC Universe entirely. He is set to return as Lobo, making his next cinematic appearance in “Supergirl,” which is scheduled for release in theaters on June 26, 2026. This marks another chapter for Momoa in a franchise known for its memorable characters, high-profile actors, and ambitious storytelling.
Zack Snyder’s latest release underscores the lasting fascination with his vision of the DC superhero pantheon and provides fans a renewed appreciation for Jason Momoa’s time as Arthur Curry. As anticipation builds for Momoa’s turn as Lobo, the new BTS photo serves as a reminder of his transformative impact on Aquaman and the broader DCU narrative.
