Many comic book fans agree that the Aquaman gracing the DC Extended Universe is not the same hero they grew up with. Jason Momoa provided the unfairly stigmatized champion of the sea with a much-needed upgrade in Justice League, making him not only tougher and cooler than his comic counterpart, but also giving him mainstream sex appeal for a new generation of fans. In the upcoming stand-alone film, Aquaman will add some noteworthy villains to the long list of rivals in the DCEU.
Cinema Blend revealed the first image from Aquaman that Den of Geek will be using as their cover on the San Diego Comic-Con issue. The original work was commissioned by director James Wan and turned into an artistically accurate photo version for the cover.
The picture depicts not one but two antagonists, Ocean Master and Black Manta. Ocean Master is portrayed by The Conjuring star Patrick Wilson, while Black Manta’s portrayal is in the capable hands of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (The Greatest Showman, Baywatch). Double the villains means double the trouble for Arthur Curry, and these bad guys are ready for a fight. Both will don new battle armor and special weapons to take on the King of Atlantis.
The image also reveals a few other faces alongside Momoa, Wilson, and Mateen. Aquaman brings Willem Defoe onboard as Vulko, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, Amber Heard as Mera, and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna. Stacked with a star-filled cast, the film has the potential to be truly remarkable.
Aquaman will be unleashed in theaters on December 21. Check out the latest images below, including a first glimpse at Curry’s primary mode of transportation.
The King of Atlantis is on the cover of our #SDCC Special Edition magazine. Check out your first exclusive look at the world of #Aquaman right here! https://t.co/2WsJvA2Scg #SDCCGeek pic.twitter.com/AGDBcE2SFv
— Den of Geek News! (@DenofGeekUS) July 17, 2018
"The idea was to turn on its head the idea of #Aquaman riding a seahorse — take something for which he was mocked and turn it into something terrifying” https://t.co/165svMp4ng @DCComics @WarnerBrosEnt pic.twitter.com/zNhc5mU7IM
— James Hibberd (@JamesHibberd) July 18, 2018