When most people hear the name Jason Momoa, they immediately think of “Aquaman”—the trident-wielding, ocean-commanding superhero who has captured the imaginations of audiences around the globe. However, there is much more to Momoa than his portrayal of the King of Atlantis. With a career spanning over two decades, Jason Momoa has proven himself to be an actor of considerable range, effortlessly moving from action-packed roles to deeper, more introspective characters. Let’s take a closer look at three of his most iconic roles that showcase his versatility as an actor: **Khal Drogo** from _Game of Thrones_, **Baba Voss** from _See_, and, of course, **Arthur Curry/Aquaman** from the _DC Extended Universe (DCEU)_.
### **1. Khal Drogo: The Ruthless Warlord of Game of Thrones**
For many, _Game of Thrones_ was the first introduction to Jason Momoa’s immense talent. As **Khal Drogo**, the fierce and brutal leader of the Dothraki tribe, Momoa quickly established himself as a commanding presence on screen. His portrayal of Drogo, a character of few words but immense power, captured the raw, primal strength of a warrior, and it became one of the standout performances of the show’s early seasons.
What made his performance truly remarkable was the complexity he brought to Drogo’s character. Initially feared and seen as a barbaric conqueror, Drogo evolves into a more nuanced figure as his relationship with Daenerys Targaryen deepens. Momoa was able to convey tenderness and vulnerability, qualities you wouldn’t expect from a warrior of his stature. The way he balanced Drogo’s fierce warrior persona with moments of quiet affection for Daenerys added emotional depth to a character who, on paper, might have been one-dimensional.
Even though Drogo’s time on the show was relatively short, his impact on the story—and on audiences—was profound. Momoa’s performance as the warlord left such an indelible mark on pop culture that even years later, fans still remember him as one of the standout figures from the early seasons of _Game of Thrones_.
### **2. Baba Voss: The Blind Warrior in See**
In the Apple TV+ series _See_, Jason Momoa took on a vastly different role as **Baba Voss**, the chieftain of a post-apocalyptic tribe where all of humanity has lost the ability to see. The series is set in a dystopian future where blindness is the norm, and the arrival of two sighted children threatens to upend the balance of power.
Playing a blind character required Momoa to rethink his entire approach to acting. In an interview, he mentioned how he had to rely on his other senses to convincingly portray a character who navigates the world without sight. The result is a performance that feels raw, grounded, and powerful. Momoa’s Baba Voss is a protective, fierce leader, driven by his love for his family and his desire to keep them safe in a world filled with danger.
What sets this role apart from some of Momoa’s other work is the emotional weight he carries throughout the series. While Baba Voss is certainly a formidable fighter—delivering some of the most intense and visceral action scenes of Momoa’s career—there is a vulnerability to the character as he struggles with the responsibility of raising two sighted children in a society that views their existence as a threat. Momoa’s ability to portray a character torn between duty, love, and survival shines in _See_, proving that he can bring depth to even the most physically demanding roles.
The role of Baba Voss once again highlighted Momoa’s ability to bring tenderness and depth to larger-than-life characters, establishing him as an actor who can handle not only the action but the emotional gravity of a story.
### **3. Arthur Curry/Aquaman: The Superhero Who Redefined the Genre**
Of course, no discussion of Jason Momoa’s career would be complete without mentioning **Arthur Curry**, also known as **Aquaman**, in the _DC Extended Universe_ (DCEU). Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman first appeared in _Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice_ and was further expanded in _Justice League_. But it was the standalone film _Aquaman_ (2018) that truly made him a global superstar.
Aquaman, a character once mocked as one of the lesser heroes of the DC universe, became a force to be reckoned with under Momoa’s portrayal. His interpretation of the character was a far cry from the comic book version known for his clean-cut, blonde-haired appearance. Instead, Momoa brought a rugged, rebellious edge to Arthur Curry, making him both relatable and immensely cool. His Aquaman is not just a superhero but a bridge between two worlds—the human world and the underwater kingdom of Atlantis.
What makes Momoa’s Aquaman stand out is the charisma and swagger he brings to the role. Whether he’s battling underwater armies or cracking jokes on the surface, Momoa’s charm shines through. His larger-than-life presence perfectly complements the grand scale of the film, and he brings a sense of fun and adventure to the superhero genre that many felt was missing.
More than just a comic book character, Aquaman allowed Momoa to explore themes of identity and belonging. Arthur Curry is a man caught between two worlds, unsure of where he fits in, and it’s through this internal struggle that Momoa showcases his acting range. He brings both humor and heart to the character, making Aquaman more than just a figure of power—he’s a hero with depth, compassion, and a journey that resonates with audiences on a personal level.
With _Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom_ set to release in 2023, Jason Momoa’s portrayal of the underwater superhero is set to leave another lasting impression, further cementing his place as one of the most recognizable and beloved actors in the superhero world.
### **A Career of Depth and Range**
While Jason Momoa is often associated with roles that highlight his physicality and commanding screen presence, his career shows that he is far more than just an action star. From the raw power of Khal Drogo to the emotional complexity of Baba Voss and the larger-than-life charisma of Aquaman, Momoa has demonstrated time and again that he can bring depth, emotion, and nuance to a wide range of characters.
In each of these roles, Momoa has transcended expectations, proving that his acting career is as versatile as it is impressive. Whether playing a warlord, a blind warrior, or a superhero, Jason Momoa’s performances are grounded in authenticity, making him one of Hollywood’s most unique and captivating talents.
As he continues to take on new roles and explore different genres, there is no doubt that Jason Momoa’s journey as an actor is just beginning. His passion for his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through powerful storytelling ensure that he will remain a fixture in the world of entertainment for years to come—far beyond the waves of Atlantis.
