While director James Wan's Aquaman shattered pre-sales records, star Jason Momoa broke one of the film's key props: the DC hero's trident.At the film's premiere Tuesday in Los Angeles, Momoa joined co-star Temuera Morrison and other cast members on the red carpet to perform the MÄori "Ka Mate," a ceremonial chant and haka dance. During the routine, Momoa snapped the replica trident in half, and then kept dancing.RELATED:Â Aquaman Early Reviews Call Film a Goofy, Fun SpectacleThe "Ka Mate" was conceived by NgÄti Toa tribe leader Te Rauparaha to celebrate man's victory over death. It's now performed almost exclusively at international rugby matches, and is the most widely known haka in New Zealand.
Hawaiian-born Momoa had a cameo in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before returning for an expanded role in 2017's Justice League, widely cited as one of the bright spots in the divisive film.
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Directed by James Wan, Aquaman stars Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master, Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, and Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna. The film opens Dec. 21 nationwide.