Jason Momoa says acting is 'not my cup of tea', prefers bass guitar
Synopsis
Jason Momoa — the face of Aquaman and Khal Drogo — says he never sought out acting, fell into it, and would rather be on a rock stage playing bass with his band Oof Tatata. For one of Hollywood's most recognisable stars, it is a strikingly candid rejection of the very identity that made him famous.
Key Takeaways
Jason Momoa told the 'At The Bar' podcast that he does not consider himself 'really an actor' and that acting is 'not my cup of tea'.
He said he 'fell into' the profession rather than pursuing it intentionally.
Momoa says he is more passionate about writing, directing, producing, and playing bass with his band Oof Tatata .
He also addressed declining fan photo requests when spending time with his children, saying family time takes priority.
The remarks come from a star whose career spans major franchises including Aquaman and Game of Thrones .
Hollywood star Jason Momoa has admitted that he does not consider himself a 'real actor' and that acting is 'not his cup of tea' — a candid self-assessment that has sparked fresh conversation about the nature of celebrity and craft in the film industry. The Aquaman star made the remarks during an appearance on the 'At The Bar' podcast, where he was asked to choose between a film set and a rock concert.
What Momoa Said on the Podcast
'Rock concert. I'm not really an actor. I'm just kinda like… well, I'm not a rockstar either,' Momoa told the show's host. He elaborated further, saying: 'I'm a f hustler, baby. I don't really know as far as acting. You know what I mean? Like, acting's very... There's so many people I respect as actors, and I just feel like I enjoy filmmaking. I enjoy probably writing and directing and producing, putting things together. I enjoy stories. I enjoy all that process. I think the acting's probably not my cup of tea. Like, I'm not, like, dying to do theatre... I never seeked out to do that. I kind of fell into it.'
The Rock Stage Over the Film Set
Momoa reportedly plays bass with his band Oof Tatata and has said he finds performing on stage considerably more fulfilling than working on a film set. The remarks suggest that his identity sits closer to musician and creative producer than to the conventional Hollywood leading man, despite a career that has included blockbuster franchises such as Aquaman and Game of Thrones.
On Fan Interactions and Family Time
The actor also opened up about the difficulty of navigating public attention, particularly when he is with his children or a long-unseen friend. 'It's tough for me. Cause generally people are really, really excited and that's awesome 'cause I get excited when I see my people that I really like. But if I'm out, I'm like, 'Oh my God, I'm with someone I haven't seen forever'. Or with my kids right now, I know people just don't give a s*, I don't get to see my kids that much. Like, if you pull my attention away from something, I'm like, 'I'm sorry. No, this is not the right time',' he said.
Momoa acknowledged that declining photo requests in those moments may make him 'look like an a**', but maintained that protecting time with his children takes precedence over fan obligations.
What This Reveals About Momoa's Creative Identity
The remarks are notable coming from an actor whose global visibility is tied to two of entertainment's biggest franchises. Momoa positions himself primarily as a storyteller and collaborator — interested in writing, directing, and producing — rather than a performer seeking the spotlight. This is consistent with a broader industry trend of bankable stars gravitating toward creative control behind the camera. Whether or not this signals a shift in the kind of projects he will pursue going forward remains to be seen.
Point of View
But it also raises a question the entertainment press rarely asks: how many franchise stars are effectively performers-by-accident rather than craft-driven actors? His preference for writing, directing, and producing over performing is increasingly common among A-listers, yet studios continue to sell these films on their faces rather than their creative instincts. The real story here may not be Momoa's self-deprecation — it is what it says about how Hollywood casts and markets talent versus how that talent actually sees itself.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jason Momoa say he is not really an actor?
Jason Momoa said on the 'At The Bar' podcast that he never actively sought out acting and felt he 'fell into' the profession. He stated he is more drawn to writing, directing, and producing, and that performing itself is 'not my cup of tea.'
What is Jason Momoa's band Oof Tatata?
Oof Tatata is Jason Momoa's band, with which he plays bass guitar. Momoa has said he is happier performing on stage with the band than working on a film set.
What did Jason Momoa say about fan photo requests?
Momoa said he finds it difficult to engage with fan photo requests when he is spending time with his children or catching up with someone he has not seen in a long time. He acknowledged this stance might make him appear rude but said protecting family time is his priority.
Which films and shows is Jason Momoa known for?
Jason Momoa is best known for playing Khal Drogo in the HBO series Game of Thrones and Arthur Curry in the DC film franchise Aquaman. Despite this global visibility, he has now publicly described acting as something he drifted into rather than deliberately pursued.
What creative roles does Jason Momoa prefer over acting?
According to his own remarks, Momoa prefers writing, directing, and producing over performing. He described enjoying the broader process of filmmaking and storytelling rather than acting as a craft in itself.
