Aquaman is one of the most fascinating, although one of the most underrated characters in the DC Comics universe. For a long time, he has been in other movies including “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) and then “Justice League” (2017).
Apart from these movies and a few others, he has only managed to have a total of two films to his name; Aquaman in 2018, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023. Here is a look at all Aquaman films.
All Of Aquaman Films To Date Under DC Comics
Aquaman (2018)
Coming as the sixth film in the DC Extended Universe, this 2018 release features Jason Momoa who plays the role of Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman.
The movie was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment. It was produced by Peter Safran and Rob Cowan and was directed by James Wan famous for directing other movies including Saw (2004), Dead Silence (2007), and Furious (2015).
The development of the film began in 2004. It is set in 1985 Maine, with the story of a lighthouse keeper, Thomas Curry, played by Temuera Morrison, who falls in love with the queen of Atlantis, an Underwater Kingdom, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman).
Their affair led to the birth of a son, Arthur, who would grow up to become Aquaman. In the movie, Aquaman finds himself leaving the Kingdom of Atlantis as he tries to find his identity. Another reason why he has to leave is that his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), who now heads the kingdom in the absence of their mother is trying to brew another war with the lands to make himself king.
Aquaman wants to stay away but his brother’s thirst for war has got many scared including his fiancee and the daughter of Nereus, Mera (Amber Heard). She leaves the Kingdom to find Aquaman whom she encourages to return home and get things in order since he was the true king.
With a budget of $160–200 million, the movie made an astonishing $1.152 billion at the box office. It was nominated for many awards including the Teen Choice Awards, Saturn Awards, MTV Movie & TV Awards, and Gold Derby Awards. It clinched the Gold Derby Awards at the Chinese American Film Festival in 2019.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
The next in the line of Aquaman Movies yet is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom which was released in 2023. Coming as a sequel to Aquaman, the movie was also directed by James Wan. He produced it alongside Peter Safran and Rob Cowan.
This time around, the movie is set 4 years after Aquaman becomes the king of Atlantis, and is married to the former princess of Xebel, Mera who is portrayed by Amber Heard. The couple is blessed with a son, Arthur Jr.
Aquaman now shares his time between the land and the sea while still ruling his kingdom even though he finds more joy away. Amidst all, there is a problem brewing; his nemesis, Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), has his eyes on getting revenge on Aquaman for the death of his father, and he will stop at nothing to have this.
As Black Manta who is also known as David Kane is collecting supplies that would boost him for this fight, Aquaman’s half-brother is cooling his heels behind bars where he is locked by Aquaman. The two men must come together if they are to stand a chance against the enemy.
With a budget of $205–215 million and box office earnings of $439.4 million, the movie falls short of expectations, having nothing to show close to the first. In terms of awards, it earned several nominations such as the 49th People’s Choice Awards, the 22nd Visual Effects Society Awards, and the 2024 Kids’ Choice Awards.
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Are we seeing any more Aquaman Movies any time soon?
With Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom drawing the curtains on the DC Extended Universe film franchise, there are no known plans for DC Studios to bring back any Aqua movies at least for some time to come.
More so, its dismal performance after the first installment whcih came as highest-grossing film in the DC Extended Universe franchise, doesnt make things any easier.
Interestingly, the movie has been tipped to be the last in which Momoa will play the role of Aquaman, even though the actor hopes he gets the chance to make another return.
A Jason Momoa has had the honor to play the role of Aquaman in “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), “Justice League” (2017), “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” (2021), and then “The Flash” (2023).
