Jason Momoa as Conan the Barbarian: Conan fans, take heart!

Jason Momoa as Conan the Barbarian:  Conan fans, take heart!

For those with reservations about the new lead in Summer 2011's 'Conan the Barbarian', I believe there is reason to be encouraged...and excited!

Editorial Opinion
By MerrySunshine - Jul 25, 2011 08:07 AM EST
Filed Under: Conan

Die-hard Conan fans take heart, Jason Momoa can deliver a stellar performance!

Ok, I admit the first thing that resonated with me about this actor was his appearance. I was mesmerized...as many other women (and men) have been. But I believe there really is more to this actor than the eye-candy he is.

After following my lust through numerous photos and episodes of 'Baywatch' and 'North Shore', I settled in to what I'd read most about in regards to this actor's work: Stargate Atlantis (SGA)-from what I understand he was with that franchise for seasons 2-5. What struck me was how I saw his character, Ronon Dex, evolve and begin to acquire some emotional depth. I realize there is only so much creative license actors have when under the direction of others, but after seeing the Season 5 Episode, "Broken Ties," I was convinced this actor had been and was going to give his craft as much as he could in this setting.


Now officially hooked, I decided to embrace my "stalker-tude" by reading and watching published interviews with the 31-year old Hawaiian-born yummer. Well, needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised, and what has turned me into a fan of the actor and the person is what I see as the on-going evolution of his craft and his sincereity in interviews.


On-going evolution? Yep, that's what I said. Watch his SGA performances, preferably in order, as a whole or just parts, but be sure you catch "Broken Ties" I referenced earlier from Season 5. It will help too if you catch a few episodes (or clips) from Baywatch and North Shore. Get yourself a good idea of his early work.

In this evolution of his work from his early days to what we will be introduced to in August, you have to see his portrayal of the character Khal Drogo in HBO's Game of Thrones, Season 1. His performance in this series bridges the gap between his earlier work and the emergence of the depth-seeking actor we now see coming on to the Hollywood scene. Though short in duration, his performance in this series was phenomenal given the fact that his character spoke another language (developed specifically for this series) and conveyed most of his emotion through his eyes and facial expressions (or lack thereof). I would be remiss if I fail to mention that, according to interviews I have read, it was his audition for this HBO role that landed him his Conan role as well. My understanding is that in filming this series, Jason was permitted to interject some creativity of his own: using the war-like dark eye make up to set Khal Drogo apart as king and to add to his intimidating presence; choosing to have him convey his power and strength by not weilding swords but instead choosing small blades because the mighty warrior needed nothing more; he also favored the use of the fantasy language over broken English to add to the realism of his character and his environment. This required Jason to learn this fantasy language and be able to use it effectively. To me, this sounds like a serious actor, wouldn't you say?

Finally, you simply must check out the trailer-teaser & trailer for his most recent self-made short movie 'Road to Paloma'. These can be found on Vimeo at: http://vimeo.com/20645971

There is also information about other short films Jason has co-written and directed at: http://www.brownbagdiaries.com/
I was able to google my brains out and find his short film "Notes from the Wall" and really enjoyed it. I think these two resources will give skeptics and fans alike an idea of the depth and range of emotion Jason does embrace as a growing actor. It's nothing if not impressive.

I also find Jason Momoa sincere and affable in his interaction with interviewers. Something about him is infectious. He has said he loves life and seems to genuinely appreciate his craft, his family, and fans. Maybe it's that charismatic "it" factor; maybe it's his joie de vivre; whatever it is I think this guy may be just a nice person to call a friend. Not pretentious, not venomously competitive (as some in the industry appear to be), and seemingly possessing a kind of naïveté that charms, I believe big things lie ahead for this actor.

Conan fans should be encouraged about what actor Jason Momoa will bring to the big screen in August. I really like the fact that he's not seen the original Conan film from 1982 with Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger. What this tells me is that he's serious about bringing a real, fresh, and deep perspective to the all-but-new role. In several interviews I've perused, Jason mentions going to the source materials-the text by Robert E. Howard, Dark Horse Comics, and artwork (specifically Frank Frazetta). He wants to do more than perfect the hack-and-slash side of the Cimmerian warrior: He wants to make him a person. He didn't take on the role to compete with or 'best' Arnold. He saw an opportunity related to material he knew and enjoyed and has sought to produce a product that is entertaining and noteworthy-what actor wouldn't.

Still skeptical? Check out the links and material I referenced above. Go in to the new Conan movie with an open mind like its lead has. Don't compare or think of it as competing with the former but as something fresh and new.

As it appears to be with Jason, I believe an affable disposition from Conan fans will do a lot for the integrity of the story and the public's enjoyment of this new movie. As Robert E. Howard once said, "Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing." I certainly hope the same will not be true of Conan fans.

Live, love, and be content!
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moreMomoa
moreMomoa - 7/25/2011, 9:34 AM
I loved the review by merrysunshine....it's nice to read a positive review about Jason taking on the role of conan.
thank you.
moreMomoa
moreMomoa - 7/25/2011, 9:34 AM
I loved the review by merrysunshine....it's nice to read a positive review about Jason taking on the role of conan.
thank you.
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/25/2011, 11:13 AM
Thank you for the feedback, moreMomoa! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/25/2011, 11:27 AM
I must add-with much disbelief on my part-that I totally and unintentionally left out mention of Jason's performance in HBO's Game of Thrones!

His performance as Khal Drogo in this series bridges the gap between his earlier work and the emergence of the depth-seeking actor we now see coming on to the Hollywood scene. Though short in duration, his performance in season 1 of Game of Thrones was phenomenal given the fact that his character spoke another language (developed specifically for this series) and conveyed most of the emotion through his eyes and facial expressions (or lack thereof). I would also be remiss to fail to mention that, according to interviews I have read, that it was his audition for this HBO role that landed him his Conan role as well. My understanding is that in filming this series, Jason was permitted to interject some creativity of his own: using the war-like dark eye make up to set Khal Drogo apart as king and to add to his intimidating presence; choosing to have him convey his power and strength by not weilding swords but instead choosing small blades; he also favored the use of the fantasy language over broken English to add to the realism of his character and his environment. This required Jason to learn this fantasy language and be able to use it effectively. To me, this sounds like a serious actor, wouldn't you say?
TheMyth
TheMyth - 7/25/2011, 11:27 AM
Nice editorial! I have been looking forward to this film for some time and it is the next 'Must See' in theaters for me since Cap. I only have 1 friend who also enjoys Conan lore and he and I both agree that from what we've seen, this is a great adaptation of Howards popular character. I just wish they'd lose the music. I don't like the Clash of the Titans approach to the score.
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/25/2011, 11:32 AM
Thank you for the feedback, EsseXFactor :) I am looking forward to the film too but am a bit concerned at the lack of saturation on the ad and promotional end. At less than a month from debut, I wonder why LionsGate hasn't pushed its advertising a bit more in the television (and theater) markets.
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/25/2011, 12:28 PM
I appreciate your feedback to my editorial, teabag :)

I would like to note that the director of the 'new' Conan the Barbarian is Marcus Nispel, as noted on IMDb.com, not Karl Urban.

Karl Urban is an actor who has appeared in several films, the most current titled, 'Priest' from May of this year, according to fandango.com

As for the actress Rose McGowan, remember, in this new adaptation of Conan her role is that of evil witch woman Marique. I heard an interview in which Jason Momoa referenced the prosthetic she had to wear as part of her facial make up. I think they were hoping something of her appearance and/or character might indeed make one spasm in terror! Hehehe!
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/25/2011, 1:25 PM
Ahh..got it! Thanks for the clarity,guys! hehe
m1312020
m1312020 - 7/25/2011, 3:37 PM
After this crap year in comic based movies I can't wait to see a little mindless violence,and I actually liked Pathfinder.Conan doesn't have to do much to win me over, and what of seen of Jason Momoa looks good.
m1312020
m1312020 - 7/25/2011, 3:38 PM
"what I've seen"hitting that post button to quick
TexanBeauty
TexanBeauty - 7/25/2011, 5:56 PM
FANTASTIC! Absolutly love your entire review of Momoa! You go back to where he began, what he is doing outside of his normal, known roles, by mentioning "The Brown Bag Diaries!" Road to Paloma is a can't wait for me! Of course most only know Momoa from SGA, GOT, and some know his older stuff. You brought everything to our attention and made sure those unaware of who Jason Momoa is, got a taste of his work, very diverse, different, and wonderful! I wanted to invite you to come check out "Simply Momoa" since you are such a Momoa fan! :) www.TexanBeauty.com Mahalo for such a great read!
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/25/2011, 6:10 PM
What encouraging feedback, TexanBeauty! Thank you so much :) I would love to check out "Simply Momoa" and look forward to seeing what's there. I appreciate your kind words!
ironpool007
ironpool007 - 7/26/2011, 10:53 AM
I live that he is looking to the source material for insiration and not trying to ape Arnold's take. What I think is really great though is his i don't give a [frick] attitude and his farm along with it. It all sounds like stuff Conan himself would say.
MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/26/2011, 1:33 PM
*thumbs up* ironpool007 !
Fishman777
Fishman777 - 7/26/2011, 2:13 PM
Let me start by saying that I have been a fan of Conan for about 30 years. I don't frequent comicbook sites nor do I read comicbooks, anymore. I haven't for at least 15 years. I do, however, still own about 250 issues of Conan the Barbarian, the complete King Conan series, Savage Sword of Conan, and Conan Saga.

I've also read many of the original stories by RE Howard and some Conan books by Robert Jordan. I loved reading Conan stories when I was younger. I also consider the Song of Ice and Fire series to be one of the best fictional series ever written. I've read the first four books and hope to read the fifth book as soon as I can find it.

I mentioned all of this to say that I am very familiar with how Conan and Khaal Drogo were portrayed in the source materials. Momoa was the perfect Drogo and I expect him to deliver as Conan. The movie is not 100% true to the source material, but I feel that the essence of the character is captured. As long as the story is strong, this should be a very entertaining film.

MerrySunshine
MerrySunshine - 7/29/2011, 5:39 AM
Hmmm...where is the media blitz? I'm beginning to wonder.
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