Jason Momoa officially makes his DCU debut as Lobo in the newly released Supergirl trailer, marking his return to DC after previously playing Aquaman in the now-concluded DCEU. Unlike other former Justice League stars such as Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill, Momoa returns to DC in a completely new role—one he has openly wanted to play for several years.
While the film primarily follows Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El, Lobo’s sudden appearance immediately raises questions. Naturally, fans are eager to understand how this unpredictable antihero fits into the larger DCU narrative.
What Could Lobo’s Role Be in Supergirl?
Supergirl takes inspiration from Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. However, Lobo does not appear in that story, which immediately sets his role apart from the source material.
Because of this, his inclusion suggests a deliberate expansion of the narrative. Rather than simply adapting the comic page by page, the DCU appears to be layering in new characters to enrich its cosmic mythology. Consequently, several realistic possibilities emerge regarding how Lobo fits into the story.
Primary Villain?
This option seems unlikely. The film has already confirmed Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem of the Yellow Hills, who serves as the main antagonist driving the central conflict. Replacing or overshadowing Krem with Lobo would weaken the emotional core of Kara’s journey.
Instead, Lobo seems better positioned as a secondary threat rather than the story’s central villain.
Krem’s Ally or Hired Bounty Hunter
This remains the strongest theory. In the comics, Ruthye hires a bounty hunter to kill Krem, only for that hunter to betray her and turn on Supergirl instead.
Lobo fits this role perfectly. His lack of loyalty and appetite for destruction make him a constant threat. More importantly, this setup allows him to clash with Kara in a meaningful way without hijacking the main storyline, creating tension while preserving narrative balance.
Cameo With Future Setup
Another strong possibility is that Lobo’s role is intentionally brief but carefully placed. Even a short appearance could function as a soft introduction, allowing audiences to familiarize themselves with the character before his role expands elsewhere.
In this scenario, his debut acts as groundwork for future DCU stories rather than a full character arc within Supergirl itself.
What Could Lobo’s Role Be in Supergirl?
Although Lobo’s screen time is limited, the trailer makes a strong impression. His look is immediately recognizable and faithful to the comics, reinforcing DC Studios’ commitment to honoring classic character designs.
Key details include his chalk-white skin, dark eye markings, heavy chains, and ever-present cigar. Together, these elements establish his personality without the need for dialogue.
Additionally, he is shown walking through a destroyed area, suggesting he may be tracking Supergirl after a major confrontation. This moment implies purpose rather than coincidence, hinting that their meeting plays a role in the broader story.
Why Lobo Matters to the DCU
Even with minimal screen time, Lobo’s introduction significantly broadens the scope of the DCU. His presence pushes the universe further into cosmic territory, expanding beyond Earth-based conflicts.
Furthermore, Lobo represents a tonal shift. He brings violence, dark humor, and unpredictability—elements that contrast sharply with Kara’s hopeful and emotional journey. This contrast could help define the DCU’s range moving forward.
Supergirl arrives in theaters on June 26, 2026. While Kara Zor-El remains the heart of the story, Lobo’s inclusion strongly suggests long-term planning within the DCU. Even if his role is limited, Lobo’s debut feels purposeful. As the DCU continues to grow, he stands out as a character whose impact may extend far beyond this single appearance.
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Shobith Chandran