Jason Momoa is one of Hollywood’s most imposing figures, renowned for his towering physique, undeniable charisma, and versatility as an actor. Over the years, he has embodied a wide range of roles that showcase his incredible physicality, captivating audiences with his ability to transform into muscular, larger-than-life characters. From savage warriors to mythic superheroes, Momoa’s on-screen presence has been defined by the sheer power he exudes. Today, we rank Jason Momoa’s most muscular characters, detailing the intense training, dedication, and transformation required for each role.
### **1. Aquaman (Arthur Curry) – DC Extended Universe**
Topping the list is Momoa’s portrayal of **Aquaman**, the half-human, half-Atlantean superhero who reigns as the King of the Seven Seas. The role cemented Jason Momoa as a global superstar and required him to push his body to new extremes. As Aquaman, he sports a sculpted physique that mirrors the power of the ocean itself.
Momoa’s training for **Aquaman** was intense, combining a mixture of bodybuilding, functional fitness, and martial arts to bring the character’s physicality to life. His ripped abs, broad shoulders, and defined arms make him the embodiment of an underwater demigod. Director James Wan wanted to portray Aquaman as a warrior king, and Momoa delivered, adding an intimidating muscularity to the character that made him more than just a superhero in tights.
For Momoa, the role of Aquaman required a balance between size and agility, given the character’s underwater abilities. The training regimen consisted of high-rep, low-rest exercises focused on functional strength, explosive power, and endurance. In addition to heavy weight training, Momoa also engaged in combat training to depict Arthur Curry’s fighting prowess, making his **Aquaman** perhaps his most physically demanding role to date.
### **2. Khal Drogo – Game of Thrones**
Before Jason Momoa donned the superhero mantle, he became a household name as the ferocious **Khal Drogo** in HBO’s _Game of Thrones_. The Dothraki warlord was a fearsome character, defined by his towering stature and relentless fighting ability. As Drogo, Momoa brought raw, primal strength to the screen, leaving audiences in awe of his sheer size and barbaric presence.
Unlike his superhero roles, Khal Drogo’s muscularity was more rugged and natural, befitting the nomadic and warlike nature of the Dothraki. Momoa’s transformation for this role required him to adopt a savage look, with thick muscles that gave the impression of someone who lives and thrives in combat. His body wasn’t just a result of gym sessions but appeared like it was forged by years of battle and horseback riding.
Momoa embraced the physicality of the role, often riding bare-chested and wielding swords and axes in intense fight scenes. His ability to command respect through his physique alone made Khal Drogo one of the most iconic characters in _Game of Thrones_ history. Even though Drogo’s time on the show was short-lived, Momoa’s impact was unforgettable, solidifying his reputation as one of the most imposing actors in the industry.
### **3. Conan the Barbarian – Conan the Barbarian (2011)**
Taking on the role of the legendary warrior **Conan the Barbarian** was no small feat, especially given the legacy left behind by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1982 original. Jason Momoa, however, put his unique stamp on the character, delivering a more lithe but equally powerful version of the Cimmerian warrior.
In **Conan the Barbarian**, Momoa’s physique was chiseled, with an emphasis on athleticism and combat readiness. His muscles were more defined and lean compared to some of his bulkier roles, but he still maintained the sheer strength required to portray Conan. The role demanded a high level of agility, given the swordplay and intense fight sequences.
Momoa trained extensively in sword fighting, which added a dynamic element to his already muscular frame. His version of Conan was fast, brutal, and efficient in combat, and his training routine focused on building strength while ensuring mobility and speed. He followed a grueling schedule of weightlifting, cardio, and martial arts to achieve the warrior-like physique that made his Conan an intimidating presence on screen.
### **4. Declan Harp – Frontier**
As **Declan Harp** in Netflix’s _Frontier_, Jason Momoa portrayed a brutal, revenge-driven fur trader with a hulking presence. Harp’s character is steeped in violence, and Momoa needed to look the part of a wilderness survivalist, capable of taking down enemies with brute force.
In _Frontier_, Momoa’s physique was more rugged than refined, with a focus on portraying strength that’s earned from surviving harsh environments. Harp is a man who endures brutal winters, treacherous landscapes, and vicious combat, and Momoa’s bulkier, raw physicality reflects that reality. His thick arms and powerful frame made him a fearsome figure in the frontier wilderness, adding a layer of authenticity to his portrayal.
Momoa’s preparation for Harp included traditional strength training, but he also emphasized activities like axe throwing, combat training, and outdoor survival exercises. This helped create a body that looked as if it was built not in the gym but by nature itself. The result was a muscular, dominant figure who commanded attention in every scene.
### **5. Baba Voss – See**
In the dystopian Apple TV+ series _See_, Jason Momoa plays **Baba Voss**, the leader of a tribe in a future where humanity has lost the ability to see. As a blind warrior, Baba Voss relies heavily on his physical prowess and survival instincts to protect his family and people. While this role required Momoa to tone down some of the larger-than-life aspects of his other characters, it still demanded a strong, muscular presence.
For Baba Voss, Momoa had to balance the agility of a stealthy hunter with the raw power of a leader. His training emphasized movement and coordination, incorporating elements of martial arts and tactical combat. While not as visibly shredded as his superhero roles, Momoa’s physicality was still a defining factor, as he portrayed a character who could overpower multiple enemies using sheer strength and skill.
Momoa’s build in _See_ is more functional and primal, reflecting a warrior who fights to survive rather than for glory. His muscular frame complements his ability to move quickly through harsh environments, making Baba Voss one of his most layered and nuanced characters in terms of physicality.
### **6. Ronon Dex – Stargate: Atlantis**
Before _Game of Thrones_, Jason Momoa made waves in the sci-fi world as **Ronon Dex** in _Stargate: Atlantis_. As a skilled fighter and former soldier from the planet Sateda, Ronon was a man of few words, letting his actions—and his physique—speak for him. While this role didn’t require the same level of muscle mass as some of his later characters, Momoa still delivered a powerful presence.
Ronon was characterized by his endurance and combat skills, often taking on entire groups of enemies with his bare hands or his energy weapon. Momoa’s physique for this role was leaner but still packed with muscle, giving him the appearance of a survivalist and expert warrior. His agility and hand-to-hand combat skills were on full display, making Ronon one of the standout characters in the _Stargate_ universe.
### **A Journey of Dedication and Transformation**
Jason Momoa’s transformation across his various roles is nothing short of extraordinary. From the oceanic power of Aquaman to the raw, savage strength of Khal Drogo, each character reflects a different aspect of his dedication to embodying larger-than-life figures. His ability to tailor his physique to each role while maintaining a consistent level of power and intensity is a testament to his hard work and commitment.
