There are Super Bowl commercials that entertain for a moment, and then there are those that completely flip expectations. When Jason Momoa appeared in a 2020 ad for Rocket Mortgage, viewers thought they knew exactly what they were going to get: the towering, muscular presence that had defined his roles in blockbuster films. What they got instead was something no one saw coming.
From the very first seconds, the commercial plays into Momoa’s larger-than-life image. He walks into his luxurious home, still radiating the same intimidating strength audiences associate with his on-screen personas. But then, piece by piece, that image starts to unravel. He removes what appears to be his muscular physique, revealing a much slimmer frame underneath. Moments later, even his signature long hair is peeled away, leaving behind a balding, almost unrecognizable version of himself.
The effect was both shocking and hilarious. Using clever visual effects, the ad transformed one of Hollywood’s most physically imposing stars into someone entirely ordinary—almost fragile-looking. It was such a dramatic contrast that viewers couldn’t help but laugh. The humor didn’t come from mocking him, but from the sheer absurdity of seeing a figure so closely tied to strength suddenly stripped of every defining trait.
What made the commercial truly stand out wasn’t just the visual gag, but Momoa’s complete commitment to it. There was no hesitation, no attempt to protect his image. Instead, he leaned fully into the joke, delivering the performance with perfect comedic timing. By willingly poking fun at his own reputation as a sex symbol, he turned what could have been a simple advertisement into a memorable cultural moment.
The concept itself was surprisingly clever. The ad’s message centered around comfort—being able to truly relax and be yourself at home. By exaggerating that idea to the extreme, showing Momoa literally “letting everything go,” it created a visual metaphor that audiences instantly understood. It was bold, unexpected, and refreshingly self-aware.
When the commercial aired during the Super Bowl, it quickly became one of the most talked-about ads of the night. Clips spread rapidly across social media, racking up tens of millions of views in a short time. Viewers praised not only the humor but also Momoa’s willingness to break his own mold. In an industry where stars often guard their image carefully, this kind of self-deprecation felt rare and genuine.
It also revealed something audiences don’t always get to see: his comedic side. While he is best known for intense, physically demanding roles, this performance showed a completely different dimension. He wasn’t just the action hero—he was someone who understood timing, irony, and how to fully sell a joke.
Looking back, the success of the ad wasn’t just about clever effects or a surprising twist. It was about contrast. By taking one of the most recognizable physical images in Hollywood and turning it upside down, the commercial created a moment that stuck with people long after the game ended.
In the end, it proved a simple but powerful point. Sometimes, the most memorable performances don’t come from playing into expectations—but from completely tearing them apart and having fun while doing it.