Why ‘Aquaman’ lead Jason Momoa loves PH
A day before “Aquaman” swam into Asian theaters, lead star Jason Momoa made a splash in Manila to promote up close and personal DC Comics’ latest superhero film.
Aday before “Aquaman” swam into Asian theaters, lead star Jason Momoa made a splash in Manila to promote up close and personal DC Comics’ latest superhero film.
The 39-year-old American actor was joined by co-star Amber Heard, who plays Mera, Queen of the Sea, and director James Wan for a conference with
Bulletin Entertainment and members of media even from other countries, held at Grand Hyatt Manila.
The group then headed to a fan meet at the SM Mall of Asia.
The Philippines was the fourth Asian country they visited as part of the “Aquaman Tour.”
A first-timer visitor, Momoa revealed he has a personal connection to Filipinos despite growing up in Hawaii.
“As far as I am concerned, the Philippines is like the 10th island in Hawaii,” he said.
“I think it resonates with me and for James (who is Malaysian). There’s a lot of Filipinos in there than Hawaiians. That’s why I feel honored to represent a country which has the same culture as here.”
“Aquaman” is about half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry (Momoa) who is reluctant to be king of the undersea nation of Atlantis. He has the ability to manipulate the tides of the ocean, communicate with other aquatic life, swim at supersonic speeds, and possesses superhuman strength.
Momoa’s Arthur Curry/Aquaman made his DC Extended Universe debut in “Justice League” last year, but this solo venture gave the actor more time to explore the character.
Wan talked about the process of bringing the message of “Aquaman” to life.
“I came from two separate cultures (Wan was born in Malaysian but raised in Australia). It’s like I came from two separate worlds. Growing up, there was a tendency for me pushing one aside while embracing the other one more,” he explained. “The story (of ‘Aquaman’) is about a hero who came from two separate worlds and he didn’t quite feel he belongs to the other one. Along the way, he (Curry/Aquaman) will try to be the best (representation) of both worlds.”
On the heels of “Wonder Woman,” a so-called badass icon, Heard shared what makes Mera, a warrior of Atlantis who uses hydrokinesis to control water, a “superhero” character of her own.
“Mera is a warrior, a princess. She’s active. She’s driven, fierce. A superhero in her own right. A kickass one. She has a strong sense of duty and responsibility and she deeply cares about her position,” was how she put it.
The 32-year-old actress added her role is never a damsel in distress in the film.
“I’ve played a range of characters and being a woman in this industry, raising myself as an actress, it’s been limited. That’s why I’d never been interested in playing weak female characters. This industry needs a representation of women empowerment. And its incredibly thrilling to answer that demand by having Mera on my belt,” she explained.
With “Aquaman” already making it big in other parts of Asia particularly in China, earning a stunning $93.6 million in its opening weekend as reported by Forbes.com, a sequel might be in the works.
Without direct confirmation on the matter as of this writing, Momoa hinted: “We are very excited if ever. We will try do our best (to make it happen).”
Others in the cast are Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Distributed by Warner Bros. Picture, “Aquaman” is in cinemas nationwide.