The premiere of a big budget superhero movie is a night of fun and festivities. And that’s especially true if you’re the charming giant sentient mass of muscle and beard known as Jason Momoa, who kicked off the debut of Aquaman with a traditional Haka dance that should have every other movie shaking in its flippers.

Variety captured the epic moment from the red blue carpet premiere, when Momoa ripped off his coat (note: if I looked like Jason Momoa, I’d also constantly rip off my clothes with a flourish in public) to lead a surprise Haka dance. You might have seen one of these powerful performances before; the University of Hawaii football team does one before their games and the WWE’s Uso Brothers used to do a Samoan version as part of their ring entrance, you might not know exactly what it is. From NewZealand.com:

“The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka are a fierce display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe’s history.”

If that seems a little out of place for a movie premiere, they also write that “today, haka are still used during Māori ceremonies and celebrations to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. This includes family events, like birthdays and weddings.” Momoa himself is of Hawaiian descent, and according to Comicbook.com he bonded with his Aquaman father, actor Temuera Morrison who himself is of Māori descent, over their shared love of Māori culture.

So this wasn’t a declaration of box office war, but a celebration, even if we still think other movies should be frightened.

Featured Image: Variety