Aquaman’s Last DCEU Hurrah
It’s an end of an era for the DC Extended Universe. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is prepping for its grand curtain call, standing as the final testament to the current DCEU timeline, right before James Gunn and Peter Safran steer the DC Studios ship towards a reboot.
Guided once again by the visionary James Wan, the sequel places Arthur Curry (Aquaman) in the crux of burgeoning responsibilities, embodying his roles as a king and a father. But amid these royal challenges, Black Manta’s thirst for revenge resurfaces, jeopardizing everything Aquaman holds dear.
From Atlantis Outsider to the Kingdom’s Sovereign
By the close of the original Aquaman, Arthur Curry had risen, accepting his destiny as the King of Atlantis. Turning the tide against Orm, his half-brother with ambitions to conquer both undersea and surface realms, Arthur showcased his might. Now, a protector for both humans and Atlanteans, Arthur’s journey becomes a centerpiece for the sequel, particularly as behind-the-scenes changes have spurred speculations about the cast’s future in the franchise.
Aquaman’s Allies and Adversaries
Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry: The poster child of Atlantis, Jason Momoa is set to return as the famed king. Momoa’s Aquaman is poised to face unprecedented challenges as he navigates both personal and royal fronts, especially with Black Manta targeting his kingdom and loved ones. Before making waves as Aquaman, Momoa had enthralled audiences as Khal Drogo in “Game of Thrones” and in roles across films like Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” and “Fast X” with Vin Diesel.
Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master: Orm returns, but with a twist. Much like Thor and Loki’s evolving dynamics, Orm becomes a reluctant ally to Arthur in their shared quest to quell Black Manta’s menace. Wilson’s prowess extends to roles in iconic films like “Watchmen”, “Insidious”, and “The Conjuring” series.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta: With a redesigned suit and a vengeful heart, Yahya’s Black Manta is poised to be a formidable antagonist in the sequel. Beyond his stint as Aquaman’s nemesis, Yahya’s versatile acting shines in “Watchmen”, “Candyman”, and “The Matrix Resurrections”.
Amber Heard as Mera: Despite the controversies surrounding her, Amber Heard reprises her role as Mera. The Aquaman sequel teases a child between Aquaman and Mera, but Heard’s on-screen time is speculated to be limited. Her filmography includes hits like “The Rum Diary” and “Drive Angry”.
New Faces: Indya Moore joins the cast as Karshon, a DC character with a radioactive twist, while Jani Zhao makes her debut as Stingray, a mysterious new addition to the Aquaman universe.
The Batman Conundrum: Will Affleck Make A Splash?
While initial reports hinted at a Ben Affleck cameo as Batman, newer revelations have poured cold water on these rumors. It’s speculated that the DCU reshuffle, especially with George Clooney’s Batman debut in “The Flash”, might have influenced this change, emphasizing the standalone nature of Aquaman’s sequel.
Diverse Ensemble to Enrich Atlantis’ Lore
The narrative depth of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” isn’t only attributed to its main characters. The sequel boasts a vibrant supporting cast, from Randall Park’s Dr. Stephen Shin, Nicole Kidman’s Queen Atlanna, Temuera Morrison’s Tom Curry, to Dolph Lundgren’s King Nereus. These familiar faces, alongside newcomers like Vincent Regan’s King Atlan, promise to enrich the Aquaman lore, ensuring a fitting farewell to this DCEU chapter.
As the curtain begins to descend on this DCEU iteration, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” promises a grand spectacle, melding superhero flair with dramatic depth, celebrating the legacy of Arthur Curry’s reign.
