In Fast X (Vietnamese Title: Fast & Furious X), Jason Momoa is the exciting new addition that is set to change the game. His character promises to bring unexpected twists to the film series.
A “King” Star
Born in 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Momoa spent a significant part of his childhood moving between the stunning island of Oahu and the warm fields of Iowa. Growing up, he was inspired by his father’s work in the arts and spent much time exploring nature with his family. His close connection with the natural world has influenced many of Jason Momoa’s film roles.
At 19, the young man decided to take a leap into the film industry with his breakout role as Jason Ioane in the television series Baywatch: Hawaii. He later appeared in films like North Shore, which showcased the backdrop of a resort in Hawaii. On the big screen, Jason Momoa featured in various movies such as Johnson Family Vacation, Pipeline, and Conan the Barbarian.
Momoa’s breakthrough role came in 2011 when he was cast as Khal Drogo in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones. His portrayal of the fierce and determined Dothraki leader earned him an immense fan base and critical acclaim.
The imposing presence of the 6’4″ Polynesian actor caught the attention of casting directors in Hollywood. In 2018, Jason Momoa appeared as Aquaman in the expansive DC universe. The success of this role transformed Aquaman from a largely overlooked character in the DC lineup into a notable figure, thanks to Momoa’s charisma and unique physicality that exudes “coolness.”
A defining characteristic of Momoa’s characters is their complexity and emotional depth. Despite often portraying tough-guy roles, many of his characters also exhibit profound emotional journeys. For example, Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones initially appears as a fierce warrior, but as the season progresses, we witness his deep emotional bond with Daenerys and his tender moments.
Jason Momoa is known for his diverse roles that embody different cultural backgrounds, allowing him to bring unique perspectives and energies to his performances. Beyond Khal Drogo and Aquaman, Momoa has played characters from various cultural backgrounds in films like Frontier, Road to Paloma, and Slumberland, often expressing a sense of adventure and challenging authority while defending what they believe in.
In addition to his acting career, Jason Momoa is also recognized for his environmental advocacy and promoting sustainability. He has served as a spokesperson for the nonprofit organization Lonely Whale. The actor is an avid outdoor enthusiast, engaging in activities like rock climbing, and spends much of his time outdoors with his family.
Although he is often recognized for his strong masculine roles, Momoa is a deeply emotional and introspective person. He has openly discussed his struggles with mental health and the importance of emotional strength and seeking help when necessary. Momoa’s authenticity has endeared him to fans, who appreciate his genuine nature and grounded personality.
Character Portrayal in the Fast & Furious Franchise
In Fast X, Jason Momoa plays Dante Reyes, the son of drug lord Hernan Reyes, who was eliminated in Fast Five (2011). Fueled by revenge, Dante has spent years studying Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and devising a plan to dismantle Dom’s entire family.
Momoa’s experience in action films and television series has equipped him with the best mindset for the high-octane world of Fast and Furious. The actor has often showcased his ability to perform daring stunts and choreographed fight scenes, and Fast X will mark a significant moment as Jason Momoa tackles various action sequences. He also expresses excitement about collaborating with fellow action stars like Vin Diesel and Charlize Theron.
Dante is a dangerous, flamboyant character who stands out among the franchise’s roster. Producer Neal H. Moritz remarked, “Jason is the first actor we thought of. He has an innate ability to bring a unique, colorful character to the screen that we haven’t seen before. He even suggested a purple car for Dante, and it was perfect for the character.”
Director Louis Leterrier shared that the most exciting characters are those who are ready to “steal the show” from the audience. A character like Dante is someone who knows how to adapt to the circumstances, and I think we managed to achieve what we set out to do with him. Furthermore, Dante is genuinely humorous, which adds an unexpected layer of charm to the character. Dom has faced many strong adversaries, but this time he meets a “fanboy” who has a haunting presence, knowing exactly what Dom is up against next, which makes it intriguing.
