Jason Momoa, an accomplished American actor, model, director, writer, and producer, currently holds a net worth of $40 million. His career spans a unique blend of mainstream success and distinct personal choices. Momoa began his journey in the entertainment industry as a model, which eventually led him to his first acting role in “Baywatch Hawaii.” His rugged physicality and charisma quickly garnered attention from both audiences and filmmakers, laying the foundation for his later fame.
Momoa’s career breakthrough came when he landed the role of Ronon Dex in the sci-fi series “Stargate Atlantis.” This marked the beginning of his ability to blend action with a deep, brooding intensity. However, his portrayal of Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones” further propelled him to global stardom. Although his time in the series was short, the character left a lasting impact on audiences, showcasing his skill in playing complex roles.
Transitioning into films, Momoa took on the role of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe. His interpretation of the character brought a refreshing energy, contributing significantly to the success of the movie. This achievement earned him a standalone Aquaman film. Through this role, Momoa solidified his position as a leading man in Hollywood.
Jason Momoa (Image via Getty)
In addition to his work as Aquaman, Momoa expanded his range as an actor. He voiced a character in “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (2019), delved into dramatic storytelling with “Sweet Girl” (2021), and demonstrated his action skills in “Dune” (2021) as Duncan Idaho. He further showcased his versatility with roles in “Slumberland” (2022) and joined the action-packed “Fast X” (2023).
Jason Momoa’s Early Life
Jason Momoa, born Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, on August 1, 1979, hails from Honolulu, Hawaii. Raised as an only child, his father was a painter of Hawaiian descent, while his mother worked as a photographer with European heritage. This diverse background played a significant role in shaping the actor’s identity and personal values.
Jason Momoa’s Career Beginnings
Momoa’s career began in the modeling industry, where he was discovered by designer Takeo Kobayashi at the age of 19. He made his acting debut in 1999 when he joined the cast of “Baywatch Hawaii” as Jason Ioane. Before this, he worked part-time at a surf shop. He continued to build his career in the early 2000s with roles in the series “North Shore” and the film “Johnson Family Vacation.”
In 2005, Momoa secured a memorable role as Ronon Dex in “Stargate Atlantis,” where he showcased his action skills and charisma. He remained with the show until 2009, and in that same year, he appeared in four episodes of “The Game.” In 2011, he starred in the reboot of the ’80s classic “Conan the Barbarian,” which allowed him to hone his warrior persona. This role helped him secure the coveted part of Khal Drogo in HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” where he performed a traditional Haka during his audition. His portrayal of Drogo earned him widespread recognition, although his character was killed off in 2012.
Jason Momoa’s Expanding Career
In 2014, Momoa expanded his creative horizons by co-writing and directing “Road to Paloma,” a film that premiered at the Sarasota Film Festival. That year, he also appeared in the dark comedy “Sugar Mountain” and returned to television with a role in “The Red Road.” Later in 2014, Momoa’s career soared when he landed the role of Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe. His first appearance as Aquaman came in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” in 2016, albeit in a cameo role. That year also saw him feature in films such as “Wolves” and “Debug.”
Jason Momoa (Image via Getty)
Momoa’s rise continued in 2015 when he joined the casts of “The Bad Batch” and “Braven.” His role as Aquaman became more prominent in “Justice League” (2017). The actor also provided his voice for Aquaman in “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” (2019). In 2017, Momoa secured a role in the video game adaptation “Just Cause,” and in 2018, he became part of the cast of Apple’s series “See.” He continued his involvement in high-profile projects, landing the role of Duncan Idaho in Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 sci-fi epic “Dune.”
Aquaman Earnings and Salary
For the first “Aquaman” film, Momoa earned $3 million. However, with back-end points from the movie’s massive success, his earnings potentially topped $7 million. Due to the film’s box-office success, Momoa negotiated a significant salary increase for the sequel. For the second “Aquaman” installment, he received a substantial $15 million.
Brand Endorsements and Business Ventures
Momoa’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his environmental venture, Mananalu Pure Water. Launched in April 2019, the company is dedicated to combating plastic pollution by offering water in recyclable aluminum cans. The name ‘Mananalu’ reflects Momoa’s Hawaiian heritage, symbolizing the sacred spirit of life and the powerful wave that represents change. Motivated by his passion for sustainability and reducing ocean plastic waste, Momoa partnered with Ball Corp. to create aluminum cans for the brand.
Through Mananalu, Momoa has worked toward a cleaner planet. He has promoted the brand on various platforms, including an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” where he helped raise over $30,000 for Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, an organization dedicated to coastal conservation. Additionally, Mananalu has partnered with Earth Angel, a sustainable production service, to replace plastic water bottles on TV and film sets. As a result, over 2.5 million single-use plastic bottles have been avoided.
Jason Momoa (Image via Getty)
Special Skills and Personal Interests
Momoa has always been committed to perfecting his craft, starting with martial arts training in 2005 for his role in “Stargate Atlantis.” He further pursued Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2017, enhancing his physical skills. For his role in the series “See,” he even trained with Oli Peters, lead singer of death metal band Archspire, to develop a unique war cry.
Outside of acting, Momoa has several personal interests, particularly his love for heavy metal music. He often uses heavy metal songs as inspiration when creating characters, with Archspire being one of his favorite bands. He has also invited members of the band to cameo in “See.” Additionally, Momoa is passionate about tattoos, including one dedicated to his “aumakua” – a deified Hawaiian ancestor – which adorns much of his left arm.
Babygirl offers a nuanced, emotionally-driven perspective on the complex relationship between Romy and Samuel. At its core, the movie explores themes of self-acceptance, framed around an erotic thriller plot. The film centers on Romy, a CEO at a tech company, who finds herself emotionally restless despite living a seemingly ideal life. Played by Nicole Kidman, Romy’s frustrations are not just personal, and this internal conflict propels her towards Samuel, an intern who reveals an understanding of her long-repressed desires.
The film gradually builds up to an affair between Romy and Samuel, and while their intense connection poses a threat to Romy’s career and family, it also offers her a chance to break free from her current life. Though Babygirl unfolds as an erotic thriller, it isn’t simply about the physical aspects of the affair but is also deeply rooted in Romy’s journey toward self-discovery. Her interactions with Samuel ultimately catalyze emotional growth, culminating in a surprisingly tender and emotionally impactful conclusion.
Babygirl Ending Explained
Samuel and Romy (Image via Getty)
Romy’s journey toward an affair with Samuel is sparked by her growing dissatisfaction with her personal and professional life. At the start of Babygirl , Romy’s unhappiness is evident. Despite a successful career and a loving family, she is consumed by feelings of dissatisfaction. The intrigue around Samuel, who appears confident and unbothered by Romy’s position, begins as an outlet for Romy’s frustrations. As she admits to her husband Jacob later on, part of the allure of the affair is the high stakes involved—she is risking everything, which adds a thrilling dimension to her otherwise mundane life.
Romy’s connection with Samuel is both physical and emotional. His casual but dominant nature contrasts sharply with the controlled persona Romy adopts in her work and family life. Samuel offers Romy an escape from the facade she maintains, allowing her to be honest about her desires without judgment. This dynamic speaks to Romy’s need for liberation from the expectations placed upon her, ultimately setting the stage for the intense affair that follows.
Romy’s Childhood and Her Repressed Desires
Romy’s struggles with sexual frustration and her attraction to domination themes are explored through flashbacks and conversations in the film. She reveals that these desires have been a part of her since childhood, though she has kept them hidden, particularly from her husband Jacob. Throughout the film, Romy tries to reconcile her repressed fantasies with her current reality. In the early scenes, she masturbates to domination-themed pornography, hinting at a deeper conflict she is unwilling to confront.
Her emotional journey in Babygirl involves confronting and embracing these desires, with Samuel catalyzing change. The affair between Romy and Samuel is consensual, and Samuel is careful to ensure both parties are comfortable. Over time, Romy learns to communicate her feelings openly, especially with Jacob. This marks a significant step in her emotional evolution, as she stops hiding behind pretenses and starts owning her desires.
Romy and Samuel (Image via Getty)
Revelation of the Affair
Initially, Romy and Samuel manage to keep their affair under wraps. Samuel’s visits to Romy’s home don’t immediately alert her husband or daughters to the truth. Moreover, their relationship is disguised as a professional mentorship. However, as the film progresses, multiple characters begin to uncover the truth. The most emotional revelation comes when Romy admits the affair to Jacob, who is enraged that she put everything at risk for something so reckless.
The film’s third act is largely about the fallout from this revelation. Jacob confronts Romy, and they navigate the fallout from their marriage. Additionally, Romy’s assistant, Esme, discovers the affair and is frustrated by Romy’s abuse of power in the same way many male employers do. There’s also an implication that someone higher up at Romy’s company knows about the relationship, which complicates her professional life further.
Does Samuel Love Romy?
The film subtly explores Samuel’s feelings for Romy. At first, Samuel’s interest seems to be casual and driven by his ability to dominate, as evidenced by his nonchalant interactions with Romy. He initially sets boundaries around their relationship, refusing to complicate things, and seems content with his more casual connections, like with Esme. However, as the film progresses, Samuel’s affection for Romy becomes more apparent. When he takes her to an underground club, he opens up more emotionally, showing tenderness and affection that wasn’t present in their earlier meetings.
By the end of the film, Samuel has developed feelings for Romy, but he understands the importance of her family and her career. Samuel’s decision to end the affair, despite his love for her, reflects his understanding of the larger consequences of their relationship. This bittersweet conclusion encapsulates the theme of the film, as both characters must navigate their desires and the realities of their lives.
Samuel and Romy (Image via Getty)
Romy’s Relationship with Her Daughter, Isabel
An intriguing subplot in Babygirl involves Romy’s relationship with her daughter, Isabel, who starts as a rebellious teenager. Isabel is initially shown as distant and at odds with her mother. However, as Romy’s affair with Samuel deepens, she and Isabel develop a surprising understanding of each other. Their relationship evolves when Romy catches Isabel cheating on her girlfriend. In a poignant scene, they share a cigarette and discuss the nature of relationships, with Isabel revealing her affair was “just for fun.”
This dynamic between Romy and Isabel serves as a mirror of Romy’s own experiences. As Romy comes to terms with her affair, she sees parallels between her daughter’s choices and her own. This understanding leads to a deeper bond between them, and by the end of the film, Romy has reconciled her emotions and is in a better place both with Isabel and Jacob.
The Core Message of Babygirl
At its heart, Babygirl is about Romy’s journey toward self-acceptance. The affair with Samuel serves as a pivotal moment in Romy’s life, allowing her to embrace her desires and confront her internal struggles. Samuel, while a central figure in the story, acts more as a catalyst for Romy’s emotional growth rather than a fully fleshed-out character. The real evolution occurs within Romy, as she learns to be honest with herself and her family.
The film’s ending suggests that Romy can have it all—her career, her family, and the kind of sexual relationship she desires—without sacrificing the life she has built. By embracing her true self, Romy finds a sense of fulfillment and peace, reinforcing Babygirl ’s central theme of self-acceptance. Ultimately, the film portrays the possibility of reconciling one’s desires with the responsibilities of life, offering a compelling emotional resolution.
