'Aquaman 2': What We Know So Far

After 'Aquaman' unexpectedly hit a whopping $1.15 billion in 2018, getting a sequel seems to be just the right thing for the superhero film. Aquaman's massive success led Warner Bros to confirm a sequel and a spin-off (The Trench) in February 2019. The sequel is finally closer than we think, and expectations are high for the follow-up film. Here's everything we know so far about 'Aquaman 2'. 

When Will 'Aquaman 2' Release? 

Titled Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel will release on December 25, 2023, in the US and December 29, 2023, in the UK. Reportedly, Warner Bros Pictures decided on the December release to spread out marketing costs in 2023. Pre-production for 'Aquaman 2' was supposed to start early last year. However, the team was unable to start filming until mid-2021. The principal photography for the Aquaman sequel began in June 2021 in London before wrapping up in January 2022 in Malibu. 

'Aquaman 2' Cast: Who Are Returning? 

Jason Momoa will return for the titular role AKA Arthur Curry. Amber Heard will also be reprising her role as Mera, despite the backlash and countless petitions from Johnny Depp's fans to ax her from the franchise. However, due to her recent courtroom drama with Depp, her scenes are shortened to extremes in the upcoming film. Patrick Wilson also confirmed he's returning for the sequel as King Orm / Ocean Master. He also teased a storyline for his character in the upcoming film, saying, "I can tell you that even [Wan's] concepts for Aquaman 2 are pushing it even further."

Meanwhile, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has also confirmed he's returning as David Kane / Black Manta.

"Black Manta will be back, and hopefully, he'll be causing a lot more trouble than he did in the first one," the actor announced via UPROXX.

Dolph Lundgren will also reprise his role as King Nereus of Xebel, one of the Seven Kingdoms of Atlantis.

Temuera Morrison is also confirmed to return as Arthur’s human father.

Nicole Kidman will return as  Atlanna.

And to complete the cast list, we have Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin, Vincent Regan as Atlan, Jani Zhao as Stingray, Indya Moore as Karshon, and Pilou Asbæk in an undisclosed role.

'Aquaman 2' Plot: What Will Happen In The Sequel? 

The exact plot is still under wraps. However, we have a couple of theories based on the events of the first film. 'Aquaman' introduced us to Mamoa's  Arthur Curry, who was destined to be the King of Atlantis. The first film is mostly about Arthur Curry's discovery of his origin and his journey to accepting his destiny. The sequel will most likely focus on the reign of the new King Aquaman. New threats are likely to rise in Atlantis, and it's now up to him to save his kingdom. Orm, Arthur Curry's Atlantean half-brother and former king of Atlantis, is still alive by the end of the film. Despite coming to terms with his half-breed brother, we can't rest assured that he will no longer pose threats to Arthur in the future. Meanwhile, we know that the upcoming sequel will not be taken from 'one particular comic book story' and that Black Manta will still be a huge part of the film, possibly becoming one of the major villains.

"We're not taking any one particular comic book story and adapting it, but if you want to know the vibe we're going for, pick up pretty much any Silver Age story featuring Black Manta," Johnson-McGoldrick answered a fan on Twitter.

In an August 2021 interview, Wan revealed that they would be going on a much darker path for the upcoming sequel. He also explains the reason behind the decision. 

“Well, the first movie took a lot of people by surprise, right? And that’s partially because they were not familiar with the comic book, which deals in this very lurid, strange world...People were taken aback that I didn’t throw all that stuff away and make a dark, heavy film. But I didn’t feel that would have been right for it. So, with the second film, I feel it will be easier for people to accept where we go because I’ve already laid the foundation.” 

He also shared that the sequel is strongly influenced by the 1965 film, Planet of the Vampires. 

'Aquaman 2' Trailer: When Can We See It? 

Sadly, there is no trailer released for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, yet. We believe that DC will share the clip next year, probably in the middle of 2023.