Let's just say it was quite the journey to Jason Momoa's current net worth of $15 million. His path to fame started in the late '90s with some modeling, while trying to make it, the actor paid the bills while working at a surf shop.
Slowly but surely, he was able to become a household name thanks to films like 'Conan the Barbarian' and 'Game of Thrones'. Of course, he would fully enhance his image and popularity thanks to DC's 'Aquaman'.
It all worked out for the actor, though looking back, fans might roll their eyes at a certain decision.
Back in 2014, Jason was offered a huge film, one that dominated the box office, and is currently in the midst of making the third installment. Jason decided on a passion project instead, one that got little fanfare but ultimately was very important for him to make.
Let's take a look at the role he turned down and the biggest reason as to why he said no. It all worked in his favor nonetheless as two years later, he made his debut in a DC film. Had he taken the Marvel role, things might've been a lot different.
Choosing A Passion Project
There comes a point where money and fame aren't everything. That was especially the case in 'Road To Paloma', as Jason put his directing hat on for the film. The budget was a tiny one compared to his other projects, at $600,000. The film made just under $1 million at the box office.
Nonetheless, despite the numbers Jason admitted that the project had a lot of meaning, "We were reading these articles in the New York Times where there are horrible crimes on reservations in which little girls were being raped and beaten and the law was letting it go. I was like, "What's going on?"
"We found out there is a loophole where a non-native can go on a reservation and commit a crime and tribal law says you can only hold them for a year. You can catch them red-handed, but the federal court is just too busy and homeland security just tosses it out. This is horrible -- but because of poverty, and people don't have the time for it, and deprived people go around and do this, it made me sick."
Another huge added bonus, Momoa got to act alongside his wife Lisa Bonet for the first-ever time.
"It's also nerve-racking because your love is there -- but at the same time is a dream come true to work with her."
We support the intent of the film and it was a great experience for Jason, who took his career in a different direction.
Fans can't help but think how things would've played out had Jason accepted another role that was offered at the time.
Saying No To Drax
'Guardians of the Galaxy' became the feel-good story of 2014. Fans didn't know what to expect with Chris Pratt leading the way. The film hit a homerun, with tremendous reviews and huge numbers at the box office, surpassing $772 million for the first film, and over $1 billion for the first two films combined.
Momoa was offered the role of Drax, we have to admit, thinking of him in the role is pretty intriguing. But let's be honest, Dave Bautista thrived in the role.
Jason discussed the reason why he turned the film down, given his response, he doesn't have regrets.
"Dave (Bautista) is perfect for that role, for Drax. It didn’t really fit in my time because I’ve done so many things where I don’t say much and I’m colored up and I have my shirt off again. I made a conscious choice to turn down some movies that were action-based to direct Road to Paloma so people could see that side…."
"It’s not that it’s not a good role, it just wasn’t the right thing. I was on Stargate: Atlantis for four years playing a similar character called Ronon, who was an alien who didn’t say much and grunted. I’ve been there and done that, whether people have seen it or not. You want to stretch."
Don't feel too bad for Momoa, as four years later, 'Aquaman' was released, hitting ridiculous numbers at the box office, more than 'Guardians of the Galaxy' at over $1 billion for a single film alone. A sequel is currently in the works.
So yes, safe to say Jason's sleeping quite fine these days.
Sources: Cinema Blend, YouTube & Indian Country Today