MCU’s Poster Boy Chris Evans Is Living Proof That James Gunn Casting Jason Momoa as Lobo Won’t Backfire

Casting decisions for superhero movies can often met with a mixed response and the same has been the case for Jason Momoa joining James Gunn’s new DC Universe as the antihero, Lobo. The major concern regarding his casting has been his previous role in Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe, where he played the Atlantean superhero Aquaman.

However, Momoa is not the first actor to take on multiple roles in a franchise. And one of the biggest examples of such casting shifts has been the Marvel star Chris Evans, who seamlessly transitioned from playing Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four to becoming the iconic Captain America in the MCU.

Jason Momoa’s casting as Lobo in James Gunn’s DCU sparks concern among fans

Jason Momoa’s casting as the antihero Lobo in the DC film Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow has stirred up several fan discussions. Earlier this week, the actor took to Instagram to reveal the news to his fans, sharing his previous quote about the DC character with the caption, “They called.”

While the casting has left many thrilled, who have been rooting for the actor to take on the role, many others have also raised concern, arguing, “That Lobo casting gonna confuse the hell out of the GA.”

The major issues stem from his previous DC role as Aquaman in the DCEU. After making his debut as Aquaman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, he reprised his role in Justice League and his solo feature, Aquaman.

Momoa was last seen in the 2023 film Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom, a film that left many viewers disappointed, casting doubt on his ability to reinvent himself as Lobo.

That Lobo casting gonna confuse the hell out of the GA

— Big JΩhn (@JohnWarpower) December 30, 2024 — Waffy ᯅ🕶️ 🟢⚪️🟢 (@waffyworld) December 30, 2024

i speak for everyone when i say we won't be watching

— ﱞ (@ssliceed) December 30, 2024 — meme bastard (@mask_bastard) December 30, 2024

Bit of a downgrade. But what can you do?

— Mike Binder (@MikeBinderjokes) December 30, 2024

Introduced in the 1980s, Lobo is a brash and violent antihero from the planet Czarnia, renowned for his superhuman strength, invulnerability, and his role as one of Superman’s greatest adversaries.

The character’s larger-than-life personality has been described by Momoa as his dream DC role, giving fans hope that he can rise to the challenge. However, there is precedent for actors successfully taking on multiple superhero roles, with Chris Evans being a notable example.

Chris Evans redeemed himself after superhero casting switch

Jason Momoa is certainly not the first actor to take on two different roles in a franchise, as many actors have successfully played multiple characters in the same universe, particularly in the MCU.

Notable examples include Josh Brolin, Michael B. Jordan, and Chris Evans, who each brought distinct characters to life. Chris Evans, in particular, stands out as a prime example of how switching roles within a franchise can be highly successful.

Before becoming synonymous with Captain America in the MCU, Evans portrayed Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, in Tim Story’s Fantastic Four films, a role he recently reprised in Deadpool & Wolverine.

While his brief cameo in the Deadpool threequel received a warm response, his initial venture into the superhero movies was not met with a positive reception. And his underwhelming performance in Fantastic Four later raised questions over his casting as Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, in the MCU.

Even the actor himself expressed doubts, admitting that he turned it down three times before ultimately agreeing to a six-picture deal with Marvel, as per Entertainment Weekly. However, despite the initial doubts, Evans proved the skeptics wrong.

He debuted as Captain America in 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, fully embodying the character and making it his own. Over time, Evans not only redeemed his earlier Fantastic Four performance but also became one of the MCU’s most beloved and iconic superheroes.

Similarly, Jason Momoa, who has been vocal about his passion for playing Lobo, has the potential to thrive in his new role. As one of the few actors transitioning from the DCEU to James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe, Momoa could solidify himself as the perfect choice to embody the antihero.

Superman: Woman of Tomorrow hits theatres on June 26, 2026.