Before DC’s Supergirl, Jason Momoa Nearly Played the Villain in The Magnificent Seven

by

Jason Momoa is a major star in action movies. He’s proven this by playing the villain in Fast X, being a key part of the popular Minecraft movie, and, of course, his earlier work on Game of Thrones. With another Dune film planned for 2026, he’s likely to become even more of a box office draw.

It’s easy to see why studios quickly recognized Jason Momoa’s potential early in his career. He faced some important decisions that shaped where his career would go. Switching from Westerns to superhero roles turned out to be a smart choice. But it makes you wonder – what if he’d taken the part in The Magnificent Seven instead of the role he’s now famous for?

Jason Momoa Chose to Be Aquaman Over Starring In The Magnificent Seven

Around 2015, Jason Momoa was originally cast in Antoine Fuqua’s remake of The Magnificent Seven. He was initially slated to play the villain, a role that ultimately went to Peter Sarsgaard. This would have been a very different type of Western role for Momoa, and the film had the potential to be a big hit, significantly raising his profile. With established stars like Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt involved, it likely would have helped take Momoa’s career to the next level.

Around the same time, Momoa was also offered the lead role in Aquaman, which presented a clear choice when compared to the other offer. Aquaman would immediately place him at the center of a franchise with plans for multiple sequels and spin-offs. Financially, it simply made more sense to choose the project with a long-term vision, rather than a Western film that was likely a standalone reboot with no future installments.

It turned out that Aquaman was the right move for Jason Momoa. He not only revitalized the character, making Arthur Curry a fan favorite among heroes, but the role also significantly boosted his career. Without Aquaman, he likely wouldn’t have landed roles in films like Dune or been cast in Supergirl in a new capacity. That said, it’s also possible he could have found success if he’d taken the role in The Magnificent Seven.

The Magnificent Seven Struggled Without This Star Power

Many people overlook The Magnificent Seven, often comparing it to the original film. It was released when Westerns weren’t as popular as they once were, and while the genre is seeing a resurgence on TV, it still faces challenges in theaters. The filmmakers likely hoped the film’s recognizable title and impressive cast of action stars would attract a large audience.

Jason Momoa could have been a great fit for that movie, especially because he was still developing his acting style at the time. It would have been a fantastic chance for him to hone his craft with the support of a large cast. He wouldn’t have been under pressure to be the sole focus, allowing him to experiment and improve while still being in a major role. However, his performance in that film would likely have been quite different from his work in Aquaman.

Jason Momoa’s energy doesn’t quite fit the character type needed for a film like The Magnificent Seven. While he excels as the lively and imperfect Aquaman – a king who enjoys battle – he wouldn’t have been ideal for a more stoic and intimidating role. Momoa isn’t naturally suited to playing a strong, silent enforcer, and that type of character might not have showcased his talents as well as his portrayal of Aquaman does.

Jason Momoa could have significantly improved the film. The Magnificent Seven needed a strong, physical villain, and if Momoa had played that role, the movie’s ending could have been much more impactful. While Oscar Isaac’s villain was clever, Momoa would have brought a different kind of threat, creating more tension and challenging the heroes in new ways.

Supergirl Is a Chance For Momoa to Step Back Into Villain Territory

Although Jason Momoa is leaving the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), he’s joining James Gunn’s new DC Universe (DCU) as Lobo. He’s always wanted to play this character, and is saying goodbye to Aquaman to take on a role that feels like a better fit. Lobo is a tougher, more imposing character than Aquaman, known for his size and fighting skills. He’ll be a bounty hunter in the Supergirl movie, acting as a strong physical opponent for the hero.

Lobo’s character also draws heavily from Westerns. He’s portrayed as a solitary, tough gunslinger – a bit rough and weathered around the edges. While he’s more talkative and charming than a classic Western bad guy, he’d fit perfectly into that world, thanks to stories of his incredible feats. In fact, the role seems very similar to the kind of part Jason Momoa played in The Magnificent Seven.

It feels like things are coming full circle for Jason Momoa. He’s finally getting to play a character similar to the one he almost had in The Magnificent Seven. The new role of Lobo closely resembles the tough, forceful character he would have brought to that Western film, giving audiences a taste of what might have been. It’s fitting that Momoa is playing a villain again. After initially turning down a villainous role and becoming a famous hero in the DC Universe, it’s perfect that DC is giving him the chance to play the bad guy once more.

Jason Momoa is continuing to grow as an actor, and we’ll never know how playing a role in The Magnificent Seven might have changed his career trajectory. Fortunately, the character of Lobo offers Momoa a fresh type of role, moving away from the heroic image he established with Aquaman. While Lobo isn’t a completely evil villain, Momoa will have to look elsewhere for that truly antagonistic role in a big action movie – it’s a part he’s always seemed eager to play.

5 Questions
What If Jason Momoa Had Chosen the Cowboy Over the King?
Your Top Score
—
Attempts
—
0
0
Report Error

Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.

Read More

2026-03-24 07:11