How Jason Momoa Went from Starving to Starring in Aquaman: The Untold Story of His Resilience

Jason Momoa’s rise to fame is a story of resilience, marked by both significant highs and challenging lows. Known for his roles in Game of Thrones and as the DC Extended Universe’s Aquaman, Momoa’s career has had its share of struggles. Despite facing setbacks, the actor’s perseverance and determination allowed him to bounce back stronger than ever. This article explores the lows in Momoa’s career and the strategies he employed to overcome them, providing a comprehensive overview of his journey as of March 2025.

Early Career and Initial Success

Momoa’s acting career began in the late 1990s with his role as Jason Ioane on Baywatch: Hawaii (1999–2001). His early work showcased his physical presence, and he later gained recognition for portraying Ronon Dex on Stargate: Atlantis (2005–2009). However, it was his portrayal of the fierce Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones (2011–2012) that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. The role of Drogo, a powerful Dothraki warlord, established Momoa as a strong, warrior-like character, which set the stage for much of his subsequent career.

Career Lows Post-“Game of Thrones”

Despite the success of Game of Thrones, Momoa’s career faced a major slump after his character was killed off in the show’s second season. His departure from the series, at the height of its popularity, left him struggling to find work in Hollywood. In interviews, Momoa openly discussed the difficult financial times he faced, revealing that he was “completely in debt” and “starving” while trying to support his family, which included his wife Lisa Bonet and their children. Reports also indicated that casting directors mistakenly believed Momoa couldn’t speak English well due to his portrayal of a character who spoke primarily in Dothraki. This misconception further complicated his job search, as he was often typecast as a silent warrior and struggled to land diverse roles.

In addition to these challenges, several of the roles he took on during this period didn’t fare well commercially. Conan the Barbarian (2011), where he played the titular role, was a major flop, dampening his Hollywood prospects. Other films, such as Bullet to the Head (2012) and The Bad Batch (2016), were smaller in scale and didn’t make a significant impact on his career. Momoa’s struggle to regain momentum in Hollywood reflected the difficulty many actors face when trying to break free from typecasting, especially after an iconic role like Drogo.

Strategies and Perseverance

Rather than giving up, Momoa continued to push forward. He took on roles in television, including Frontier (2016–2018), where he played Declan Harp, a lead role in a series that he also executive produced. This allowed him to keep a presence in the industry and maintain his visibility. While not a major hit, Frontier was a valuable project for Momoa, helping to demonstrate his versatility beyond the typical action roles he had become known for.

Momoa also diversified by working on indie films, which, though not financially successful, kept him active and engaged with the industry. During this period, he focused on auditioning for action-oriented roles, capitalizing on his physicality and his previous work. Despite the challenges posed by typecasting, Momoa’s persistence paid off when he landed roles in smaller but significant projects, keeping him visible in the eyes of Hollywood decision-makers.

Turning Point: The Role of Aquaman

Momoa’s career took a decisive turn in 2016 when he was cast as Aquaman by Zack Snyder in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Interestingly, Momoa had initially auditioned for the role of Batman, but instead, he was offered the role of Arthur Curry (Aquaman), a decision that would prove transformative for his career. This pivotal role expanded in subsequent films like Justice League (2017) and, most notably, Aquaman (2018), which grossed over a billion dollars at the global box office, cementing his status as a leading man.

Momoa credited Snyder with giving him the career-defining role that turned his fortunes around. Their close professional bond helped secure further opportunities, and Aquaman’s success opened doors for a diverse range of projects. In the years that followed, Momoa starred in Dune (2021) and Fast X (2023), roles that showcased his versatility and proved that he could branch out from the warrior-type characters that had initially defined his career.

Conclusion

Jason Momoa’s career is a testament to resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. From struggling with financial difficulties and typecasting after Game of Thrones to landing the role of Aquaman and achieving global stardom, Momoa’s journey highlights his determination to succeed. His ability to adapt, take on diverse roles, and remain visible in the industry despite setbacks is a key factor in his eventual success. As of 2025, Momoa is not only a major Hollywood star but also an example of how to overcome career lows and emerge stronger than before.