Comics writer Grant Morrison has harshly criticized Jason Momoa's portrayal of the character Lobo in his live-action debut. While the film achieved massive commercial success, Morrison described the performance as baffling and disappointing.
The 'baffling' performance of Jason Momoa's Lobo
In a recent newsletter, Grant Morrison labeled Jason Momoa's turn as the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo as one of the worst performances they have ever witnessed in a film. According to the report, Morrison had iniitially been optimistic about the casting, noting that Jason Momoa possesses a strong physical resemblance to the character and seemed naturally suited for the role. However, the final result was described as "quite baffling" by the writer .
While the critique of Jason Momoa was severe, Grant Morrison offered praise for other elements of the cast. specifically, Morrison noted that Milly Alcock delivered a "credible job" in her role, suggesting that the failure of the production lay not with the entire ensemble, but specifically with the execution of the lead antihero.
A $1.15 billion success paired with a 'low level Romanian gangster'
The disconnect between critical reception from comic experts and general audience appeal is stark, as the movie managed to gross $1.15 billion. despite these financial heights, Grant Morrison targeted the film's narrative shortcomings, specifically slamming the choice of a villain described as a "dull and low level Romanian gangster baddie."
Beyond the antagonist, Morrison flagged a significant plot hole regarding the character Krypto. As the report says, Morrison criticized the premise of requiring an antidote for Krypto, arguing that the presence of a yellow sun should have logically resolved the issue. This suggests that for seasoned comic readers, the film's internal logic failed to meet the standards of the source material.
The PG-13 limit on a 1990s genocidal bounty hunter
Lobo first rose to prominence during the "grim-dark" era of the 1990s, characterized by hyper-violence and a cynical, heavy-metal aesthetic. The tension in this adaptation stems from the attempt to translate a homicidal, genocidal bounty hunter into a PG-13 cinematic experience. this reflects a recurring struggle in DC projects: balancing the raw edge of comic book antiheroes with the commercial necessity of a broad rating.
Grant Morrison's disappointment may stem from the "neutered" nature of the character... If the goal was to create a cinematic antihero with the subversive appeal of a character like Deadpool, the decision to avoid an R-rating likely stripped Lobo of the violent, darkly comedic essence that defined his original comic book run.
The Robert Pattinson tease and the uncertainty of a Lobo spinoff
Despite the critical fricton, the potential for the character to evolve remains. A tease in Robert Pattinson's The Batman Part II has hinted at major changes for the sequel, leaving fans to wonder if Lobo's trajectory will be altered in future DC installments.. Whether the character can be salvaged from this initial "baffling" start remains a primary point of contention.
The possibility of a dedicated Lobo spinoff movie was once seen as a self-evident next step given the character's popularity. however, with Grant Morrison's high-profile dismissal of the performance, the studio may face a choice between doubling down on Jason Momoa's star power or pivoting toward a more faithful, adult-oriented interpretation of the character.
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