Currently, Aquaman has appeared in two standalone movies: Aquaman (2018) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). He also features prominently in several DC Extended Universe (DCEU) team-up films.
Arthur Curry: From Comic Books to the Big Screen
Aquaman, also known as Arthur Curry, is one of the most recognizable and enduring characters in the DC Comics pantheon. Born to a human father and an Atlantean queen, he possesses superhuman strength, the ability to breathe underwater, and the power to communicate with marine life. While Aquaman has been present in animated series and other media for decades, his transition to live-action cinema has been a relatively recent but undeniably impactful phenomenon. The portrayal of Aquaman by Jason Momoa has significantly influenced the character’s modern perception, turning him into a charismatic and powerful hero.
Aquaman’s Cinematic Journey: A Filmography
Aquaman’s cinematic journey isn’t limited to his titular films. To fully understand the character’s presence on the big screen, we need to consider all of his appearances within the larger DC universe.
The Justice League Appearances
Before his solo outing, Aquaman was introduced as a core member of the Justice League.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): While a brief cameo, it marked the beginning of Aquaman’s introduction into the DCEU. He’s seen in underwater footage, a hint of the powerful character to come.
- Justice League (2017) & Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021): Aquaman played a pivotal role in both versions of Justice League, fighting alongside Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, and The Flash to defend Earth from Steppenwolf and the forces of Apokolips. His raw power and Atlantean abilities were showcased prominently, establishing him as a crucial member of the team. The Snyder Cut, in particular, fleshed out his backstory and relationship with Atlantis.
Aquaman’s Solo Films
The success of Aquaman’s appearances in Justice League paved the way for his standalone movies.
- Aquaman (2018): This film delved into Aquaman’s origin story, exploring his mixed heritage and his destiny to become the King of Atlantis. It follows Arthur Curry as he confronts his half-brother, Orm, who seeks to wage war on the surface world. The film was a box office smash, exceeding expectations and solidifying Aquaman’s place as a leading superhero.
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023): The sequel sees Aquaman facing a resurgent Black Manta, now wielding the power of the Black Trident. Aquaman must team up with his estranged brother, Orm, to save Atlantis and the world from destruction.
The Future of Aquaman in the DC Universe
With the reboot of the DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran, the future of Jason Momoa’s Aquaman remains uncertain. While Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is considered part of the old DCEU, the character’s potential involvement in the new DCU is a topic of much speculation. There are rumours and possibilities of Momoa portraying Lobo in the new universe, but nothing is confirmed at this time. The success of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will likely play a significant role in determining the character’s continued presence on the big screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses some common questions about Aquaman’s movie appearances, providing valuable context and insights.
FAQ 1: How many times has Jason Momoa played Aquaman?
Jason Momoa has portrayed Aquaman in four released films: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (cameo), Justice League, Aquaman, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. He also played Aquaman in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
FAQ 2: Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom the last DCEU movie?
While not officially stated, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is considered the last film that connects to the previous DCEU continuity, before the James Gunn reboot.
FAQ 3: Will there be an Aquaman 3?
Currently, there are no confirmed plans for an Aquaman 3 in the new DC Universe. The future of the character is dependent on the reception of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and the overall direction of the DCU reboot.
FAQ 4: Who is Aquaman’s main villain in the movies?
Aquaman’s primary antagonist in both Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is Black Manta. His half-brother, Orm Marius (Ocean Master), also serves as a major antagonist in the first film and a reluctant ally in the second.
FAQ 5: Is Aquaman’s wife, Mera, in all of his movies?
Yes, Mera, played by Amber Heard, appears in Justice League, Aquaman, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the Aquaman movies?
Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. They are also often available on streaming services like HBO Max (now Max), depending on licensing agreements. Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League are similarly available on these platforms.
FAQ 7: How successful were the Aquaman movies at the box office?
Aquaman (2018) was a massive success, grossing over $1.148 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing DC Extended Universe film at the time. The box office performance of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is still unfolding but is anticipated to be a significant benchmark for the character’s future.
FAQ 8: Are the Aquaman movies based on specific comic book storylines?
Aquaman (2018) draws inspiration from various Aquaman comic book storylines, but it isn’t a direct adaptation of any single one. It incorporates elements from storylines involving Aquaman’s origin, his relationship with Atlantis, and his conflicts with Ocean Master.
FAQ 9: What are Aquaman’s powers in the movies?
In the movies, Aquaman possesses superhuman strength, speed, durability, and the ability to breathe underwater. He can also communicate telepathically with marine life and control water to a limited extent.
FAQ 10: Will Jason Momoa still be involved in the DCU in some capacity?
This is a major point of speculation. While no official announcements have been made, there have been rumors of Jason Momoa potentially playing Lobo in the new DCU. His future role remains uncertain.
FAQ 11: Are the Aquaman movies connected to other DC films like The Batman?
The Aquaman movies are part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), which includes films like Justice League, Wonder Woman, and The Suicide Squad. However, they are not directly connected to standalone films like The Batman, which exists in its own separate continuity. With the DCU reboot, all connections to previous films are likely to be severed.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of the Black Trident in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
The Black Trident is a powerful artifact that amplifies the power of its wielder and allows them to control and command powerful ancient forces. In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, it is wielded by Black Manta and represents a significant threat to Atlantis and the world, adding a new dimension to the conflict.