The DC Universe is undergoing one of its most audacious transformations yet, and two standout castings are leading the charge into uncharted territory. Jason Momoa, the towering force who ruled the seas as Aquaman in the previous era of DC films, has been reborn as the chaotic, cigar-chomping bounty hunter Lobo. Meanwhile, House of the Dragon breakout Milly Alcock is stepping into the cape as Kara Zor-El in Supergirl, bringing a fresh, edgy take on the iconic heroine. These jaw-dropping announcements and the recent teaser trailer glimpses have fans buzzing, signaling that James Gunn and Peter Safran’s rebooted DCU is embracing bold risks, comic fidelity, and unexpected reinventions as it builds toward a wilder, more unpredictable future.
Momoa’s journey from Atlantean king to intergalactic anti-hero feels like destiny fulfilled. For years, even while dominating the box office as Arthur Curry—grossing over a billion dollars with 2018’s Aquaman—the actor openly championed Lobo as his dream DC role. He repeatedly expressed his passion in interviews, noting how the character’s rugged, motorcycle-riding, Guinness-loving persona mirrored his own off-screen vibe. When Gunn and Safran took the reins at DC Studios in late 2022, Momoa wasted no time: he texted them on day one, all caps screaming “LOBO” with exclamation marks galore. That persistence paid off. After the DCEU wrapped with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Momoa transitioned seamlessly into the new DCU, confirmed in late 2024 to debut as the “Main Man” in Supergirl.
The casting is inspired on multiple levels. Lobo, the last survivor of Czarnia—a pale-skinned, red-eyed alien mercenary with superhuman strength, regeneration, and a gleeful love for violence—has long been a fan-favorite for his over-the-top, irreverent edge. Momoa’s 6’4″ frame, long hair, and raw intensity make him a near-perfect comic-accurate embodiment, far more aligned with Lobo’s classic hulking design than his leaner Aquaman portrayal. Co-CEO Peter Safran has praised Momoa’s enthusiasm, noting he “volunteered” for the part and “crushed it” during filming in England. The recent Supergirl teaser trailer offered a tantalizing first look: Momoa as Lobo, smirking through cigar smoke on his spacehog motorcycle, exuding menace and charisma in equal measure. Fans erupted online, with many declaring it the most spot-on live-action comic translation yet.
This rebirth isn’t just a recast—it’s a statement. By retaining Momoa but in a wildly different role, DCU avoids alienating fans of his star power while signaling a clean break from the old universe. Lobo’s addition to Supergirl—where he doesn’t appear in the source comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow—allows for creative expansion, potentially as a bounty hunter clashing with Kara or setting up larger cosmic threats. Safran has teased more Lobo beyond this debut, hinting at solo adventures or team-ups that could channel the R-rated chaos fans crave, akin to a DC equivalent of Deadpool’s irreverence.
Pairing Momoa’s Lobo is Milly Alcock’s transformative Supergirl, a casting that has equally electrified the fandom. The Australian actress, who stole scenes as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, brings a punkish, imperfect edge to Kara Zor-El. Unlike previous earnest depictions, this Supergirl is jaded—raised witnessing Krypton’s slow destruction, arriving on Earth hardened rather than hopeful. Gunn has called Alcock possibly his “best bit of casting ever,” praising her ability to portray a “very imperfect” heroine who’s more rebellious and truth-seeing than her cousin Superman. Alcock debuted briefly in 2025’s Superman, picking up Krypto in a post-credits tease, but Supergirl—releasing June 26, 2026—will be her spotlight.
Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella) and scripted by Ana Nogueira, the film adapts Tom King’s acclaimed Woman of Tomorrow comic, following Kara on a galactic revenge quest alongside a young alien girl, Ruthye (Eve Ridley), after a devastating loss. Matthias Schoenaerts plays the primary villain Krem of the Yellow Hills, with David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham as Kara’s parents Zor-El and Alura. David Corenswet reprises Superman in a supporting capacity, exploring the cousins’ contrasting worldviews: he sees goodness everywhere; she sees harsh truth.
The teaser trailer, released in December 2025, showcases Alcock soaring through cosmic vistas, clashing in brutal fights, and delivering lines laced with grit: “He sees the good in everyone. And I see the truth.” Her suit—sleek, practical, with a lived-in feel—complements a story venturing into space opera territory, complete with alien worlds, Krypto’s loyal antics, and high-stakes action. Alcock has spoken about the physical demands, including speaking Kryptonian and intense stunts, while emphasizing Kara’s emotional complexity: a hero partying to escape pain, yet fiercely protective when it counts.
Together, these castings herald DC’s “wildest new era.” Gunn’s DCU, kicking off strongly with Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker Season 2, is leaning into diversity of tone: hopeful heroism in Superman, animated irreverence, and now darker, edgier cosmic tales. Momoa’s Lobo injects chaotic energy, potentially bridging to larger threats like Knull or setting up anti-hero spins. Alcock’s Supergirl promises a female-led blockbuster that’s raw and resonant, exploring trauma and resilience in ways past versions haven’t.
Fan reactions have been electric. Social media exploded with the trailer, praising Momoa’s “frag-tastic” Lobo vibe and Alcock’s fierce presence. Comic purists celebrate the fidelity—Momoa’s look straight from Keith Giffen pages, Alcock capturing King’s brooding Kara—while casual viewers hype the star power and spectacle. This era feels unpredictable: no sacred cows, actors reinvented, stories bold.
As Supergirl approaches, with production wrapped and hype building, these transformations—from Westeros dragon-rider to Kryptonian avenger, from ocean ruler to space outlaw—embody DC’s rebirth. Jaw-dropping, fan-service smart, and wildly ambitious, Momoa and Alcock are ushering in a DCU that’s ready to frag the competition.
