Jason Momoa's 5 Key Roles That Led to His War Chief Breakthrough

Jason Momoa’s Journey Through Iconic Roles

Jason Momoa is making a significant return to the screen with his new leading role in “Chief of War,” a historical drama series on Apple TV+. The show centers around Ka’iana, a Hawaiian war chief striving to unite the islands before western colonization. The first two episodes are set to premiere on Friday, August 1, 2025, with new episodes releasing every Friday until September 19. Fans of Momoa can look forward to more of his action-packed performances while they wait for the series to debut.

Momoa has built a career that spans from fantasy epics to sci-fi adventures, showcasing his versatility and commitment to each role. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable characters.

Khal Drogo – Game of Thrones

Before becoming Aquaman, Momoa gained widespread recognition as Khal Drogo in the first season of “Game of Thrones.” Based on George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, the show delves into a world of powerful families vying for control of the Iron Throne. As the fierce Dothraki leader, Momoa delivered a performance that was both intimidating and tender. He even spoke little English in the role, fully immersing himself in the fictional Dothraki language.

In an interview with Esquire, Momoa humorously mentioned how difficult it was to move on from the role: “I mean, where do you put Drogo? He’s not going in a rom-com. No one even knew I spoke English.” Despite being a brief role, Drogo left a lasting impression on fans and became one of the most iconic characters in the series.

Declan Harp – Frontier

Following his breakout role in “Game of Thrones,” Momoa took on the character of Declan Harp in the Netflix series “Frontier.” Set during the 18th century, the show follows a half-Irish, half-Cree fur trader as he fights to protect his native land from a corrupt Hudson Bay company. The series is filled with intense battles, shootouts, and revenge-driven plots. Momoa shares the screen with a stellar cast, including Alun Armstrong, Landon Liboiron, Zoe Boyle, Jessica Matten, and Tantoo Cardinal.

If you're looking for an action-packed series to watch while waiting for “Chief of War,” “Frontier” is a great choice. All episodes are available to stream on Netflix.

Baba Voss – See

In the futuristic series “See,” Momoa plays Baba Voss, a warrior and leader of the Alkenny Tribe in a world where humanity has lost the ability to see. After discovering that his children are born with the gift of sight, he embarks on a mission to protect them and their unique ability. In an interview with People, Momoa expressed his deep connection to the character, stating, “I really like playing Baba, so you work so hard to get where you are in your career, and then you get a gift of a great character, then you have to say goodbye.”

“See” is a must-watch for fans of action and emotional storytelling. All episodes are available on Apple TV+.

Arthur “Aquaman” Curry – Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Momoa's portrayal of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe is one of his most iconic roles. The story follows Arthur “Aquaman” Curry as he returns to Atlantis to save and reclaim his kingdom from his half-brother. Momoa brings a mix of charm and strength to the role, embodying the underwater king with precision. According to Men’s Health, Momoa worked closely with fitness trainer Mark Twight to achieve the perfect physique for the role.

He later reprised his role in the sequel, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” nearly five years later. Both films are available on Max, making it the perfect time to catch up on the Aquaman saga.

Duncan Idaho – Dune

In the science fiction film “Dune,” based on Frank Herbert’s classic novel, Momoa plays Duncan Idaho, a fearless warrior and loyal friend to Paul Atreides, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. The film features epic visuals, a stellar cast, and intense action sequences. Alongside stars like Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and Rebecca Ferguson, Momoa delivers a standout performance that adds depth to the story.

“Dune” is currently available on Max, offering fans a chance to experience this cinematic masterpiece.

From warriors to underwater kings, Jason Momoa continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances. While we await the premiere of “Chief of War” on Apple TV+, there are plenty of other action-packed roles to enjoy.