WithJustice Leaguein the rearview mirror, fans are now looking to next year’sAquamanto see what else Warner Bros.’ DCEU will bring to the table. The studio made an inspired choice in hiringJames Wan, the filmmaker behindThe ConjuringandFurious 7, to direct, and indeed Wan was certainly up to the challenge of bringing one of the more difficult comic book heroes to life. The filmmaker was actually given the choice of directingAquamanorThe Flash, and he chose the more challenging route—though given what he went through onFurious 7, this was probably a cakewalk by comparison.
Aquamanis now in the can, but there’s been speculation that the movie could have up to three villains, which would be a bold choice for an origin story.Patrick Wilsonis playing Aquaman’s half-brother Orm (aka the Ocean Master),Abdul-Mateenis playing Black Manta, andDolph Lundgrenhas a role in the film as King Nereus. However, speaking withEW, Wan is seeking to calm concerns from fans, confirming there’s only one primary antagonist in the movie:
“This is what I’ll say: I don’t have three villains. I think that’s ridiculous! I would never go into an origin movie with three villains. We don’t even know the main character let alone the world and its antagonist. I believe in taking baby steps… I want to introduce Arthur Curry in a much more emotional and powerful way, and introduce Mera played by Amber Heard, and of course there’s Nicole Kidman and Temuera Morrison playing his parents. We know Black Manta is in there, but I will say this: Patrick Wilson is the main antagonist in this film. I wouldn’t necessarily say ‘villain,’ but he’s the antagonist.”
What’s more likely is that this is very much Arthur Curry’s (Jason Momoa) origin story, with his half-brother serving as the story’s major antagonist—somewhat akin to how Loki was the main antagonist inThor. This also probably means Black Manta is a sub-antagonist of sorts, someone who Aquaman must defeat in a smaller battle that shows off his skills and introduces audiences to the way Aquaman operates. As for King Nereus, it’s possible that role is quite minor in the scheme of things.
So don’t fret, folks. Wan understands how to make a good movie, and clearly knows trying to tell a character’s origin story withthreevillains would be a major mistake.
Aquamanhits theaters on August 06, 2025.
