Jason Momoa has become an undeniable force in Hollywood, captivating audiences with his larger-than-life presence, signature long locks, and, of course, his chiseled, muscular physique. From the depths of the ocean to the rugged mountains, Momoa’s roles demand physical power and presence, which he delivers with an unstoppable combination of strength and charisma. But which of his iconic characters are the most muscular, and how has his dedication to fitness shaped these unforgettable roles?
Let’s dive into the ultimate body transformations of Jason Momoa and rank his most muscular characters, from the early days to his recent blockbuster successes.
### **1. Arthur Curry / Aquaman – The King of the Sea**
**Film:** _Aquaman (2018), Justice League (2017), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)_
When Jason Momoa was cast as _Aquaman_, fans worldwide were shocked—in the best possible way. Historically, Aquaman had been portrayed as a lean, golden-haired superhero. But Momoa’s reimagining of the character, with his tattooed, burly physique and wild, warrior-like appearance, completely changed the narrative.
Aquaman is undoubtedly one of Momoa’s most muscular roles. The actor spent months preparing for the physically demanding underwater scenes and extensive fight choreography. His workout routine was intense, filled with weightlifting, swimming, boxing, and functional fitness exercises to build a powerful, athletic frame. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing over 230 pounds of muscle, Momoa made Aquaman not just a king of the seas, but a king of superhero physiques.
Momoa’s transformation into Aquaman was so dramatic that it not only redefined the character for millions but also set a new standard for how Hollywood portrays physically imposing superheroes. From the trident-wielding action scenes to the slow-motion moments showing his rock-solid abs, Aquaman became synonymous with raw, oceanic power.
### **2. Khal Drogo – The Warlord of the Dothraki**
**TV Series:** _Game of Thrones (2011)_
Jason Momoa’s breakout role as Khal Drogo in HBO’s _Game of Thrones_ was nothing short of legendary. As the powerful leader of the Dothraki, Drogo was a larger-than-life figure, both in stature and demeanor. His sculpted physique, combined with the fearsome warrior persona, made him a fan favorite early in the series.
To portray Drogo, Momoa underwent rigorous physical training, emphasizing strength and size. His broad shoulders, thick arms, and defined chest made him look like a walking fortress. The character was known for his brutal combat skills and primal presence, and Momoa’s body reflected that perfectly. Every scene with Drogo exuded raw physical dominance, whether he was on horseback, in battle, or intimidating his enemies with a mere glance.
Khal Drogo’s muscularity wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a symbol of his leadership and power over his people. His body became part of his character, portraying an invincible warlord whose physicality was as dangerous as his sword.
### **3. Conan the Barbarian – The Savage Warrior**
**Film:** _Conan the Barbarian (2011)_
Stepping into the shoes of Conan, a role made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger, was no small feat. However, Jason Momoa embraced the challenge, transforming his body to embody the savage warrior in _Conan the Barbarian_. In this role, Momoa showcased a leaner, more agile build compared to his other characters, but still packed with muscle and raw strength.
Momoa’s interpretation of Conan required him to strike a balance between size and mobility. His workouts focused on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), functional fitness, and sword combat training to ensure he was not only strong but fast. While his muscles were defined and imposing, Momoa’s version of Conan moved with a fluid grace, making him as deadly with a sword as he was intimidating with his bare hands.
While this movie didn’t reach the same heights as other roles, Conan remains one of Momoa’s most physically demanding characters, requiring the kind of sculpted body only a true warrior could possess.
### **4. Declan Harp – The Vengeful Fur Trader**
**TV Series:** _Frontier (2016-2018)_
In _Frontier_, Jason Momoa portrays Declan Harp, a half-Irish, half-Native American fur trader bent on revenge. While this role didn’t require the superhero-sized muscles of Aquaman or Drogo, Harp’s physicality was still a crucial part of his character. Set in the rugged wilderness of 18th-century North America, Declan Harp was a man shaped by harsh conditions, and his body reflected that rugged lifestyle.
Momoa’s physique in _Frontier_ was muscular, but more functional and survival-based. His character’s strength came from his experience in the wild, and his body was hardened by years of fighting, hunting, and surviving in the unforgiving landscape. Momoa trained for this role by focusing on endurance, flexibility, and core strength, making him both agile and strong, ready to take on the wilderness.
The character’s raw and rugged look added to his appeal, making Harp an intense figure. While his muscles weren’t as exaggerated as in his superhero roles, the lean, weathered physique of Harp was perfectly suited to his role as a relentless frontiersman.
### **5. Baba Voss – The Blind Warrior**
**TV Series:** _See (2019-2022)_
In _See_, Jason Momoa portrays Baba Voss, a fearless leader in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has lost the ability to see. While this role required more nuanced physical acting to depict a blind character, Momoa’s muscle mass and physical prowess were still front and center.
Baba Voss is a warrior who uses his heightened other senses to fight and protect his tribe. Momoa maintained a bulky, muscular build for the role, focusing on strength and endurance. His character’s brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes showcased his raw power, as Voss fought enemies with a mix of primal fury and tactical precision.
Momoa’s body in _See_ was designed to represent a man who relies on physicality to survive in a dangerous, sightless world. His powerful build, combined with his intense combat style, made Baba Voss a figure of both fear and admiration.
### **6. Ronon Dex – The Stoic Alien Soldier**
**TV Series:** _Stargate: Atlantis (2005-2009)_
Before Jason Momoa took on his larger-than-life roles in blockbuster films, he portrayed Ronon Dex, a stoic and physically imposing alien soldier, in _Stargate: Atlantis_. While Momoa was still developing the massive physique he’s known for today, his portrayal of Ronon already hinted at the physical powerhouse he would become.
Ronon was a skilled fighter with a brooding intensity, and Momoa’s athletic build and muscular frame were central to his portrayal. Though not as bulky as his later roles, Ronon’s lean, muscular physique was perfect for the character, emphasizing agility and combat readiness.
This role gave Momoa the chance to show off his growing physicality, and while Ronon may not have had the towering muscles of Aquaman or Drogo, he was still a warrior capable of taking down any opponent.
### **The Evolution of a Hollywood Powerhouse**
Jason Momoa’s journey through Hollywood has been as much about physical transformation as it has about acting talent. From the savage Conan to the regal Aquaman, his dedication to fitness and body transformation has made each of his characters uniquely imposing and unforgettable. Ranking his most muscular characters is no easy task because each one required a different kind of physicality.
Whether playing a king, a barbarian, or a warrior, Momoa’s commitment to crafting the perfect physique for each role has solidified him as one of Hollywood’s most muscular leading men. And as he continues to take on more iconic roles, there’s no doubt that his body transformations will continue to amaze and inspire.
