Can Aquaman save the DC Cinematic Universe?
With only a year until the film’s debut, can Jason Momoa and company save it? This years’ Justice League was a high-grossing flop, and arguably the only parts that were enjoyable where the scenes in which Aquaman or Wonder Woman stood out. But will it be enough?
With Justice League’s flimsy, sketchy portrayal of Arthur Curry and his seaworthy alter ego, fans have been left with little care as to what happens to the brash porytral of Aquaman. Yes, while he is certainly shown to have the typical bad-boy characteristics that typically rope in the views, how will James Wan (Saw, the Conjuring) create an Aquaman that viewers have an emotional connection with?
The pressure is on for Jason Momoa, too. Despite popularity gleaned from his 2011 appearance in Game of Thrones where he had enough acting talent to portray a grunting barbarian, we really have not seen him in any other prestigious role. He will have to do a lot of heavy lifting to make Aquaman a likable character after his mean-tempered (ala Wolverine) appearance in Justice League.
Rumors have also been circulating as of recently that Wan will be tossing in three villains. Though he has publicly made a statement saying otherwise, and that Black Manta will be the antagonist (though not necessarily villain.) leaves room for other conflict.
Amber Heard (Magic Mike XXL) will reprise her role as Mera, who’s on screen costume was a spitting image of her comic counterpart, complete with crown and scaled green body suit. While her brief appearance in Justice League is sure to allude to a more central role in Aquaman, only time will tell.
Jason Momoa will next appear in Netflix’ Frontier, and then will return to the big screen in Aquaman starring alongside Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson and Dolph Lundgre with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II playing Black Manta. Aquaman arrives in theatres December 21st, 2018.
